Not a Solo Quest: Why Following Jesus Takes a Community (Romans 16:1-16, 21-23)

Romans 16 is the chapter many people skip—but it’s packed with names, networks, and real lives that show what the gospel actually looks like in community. Pastor Billy walks through Paul’s closing greetings to highlight three big truths:Romans is a real letter to real people—not just a theology textbook.Following Jesus is a group effort—faith was never designed to be a solo quest.The church is a diverse community—across race/ethnicity, social class, and gender—united in Christ.Along the way we meet Phoebe (a trusted leader and benefactor), Priscilla & Aquila (church-planting lifesavers), Junia (a debated but celebrated figure in the early church), Tertius (the scribe), and Erastus (a public official). Their stories remind us: the gospel breaks down walls and builds a family.