They risked their lives for me. (Romans 16:4)
In a recent study we noted all of the people Paul refers to in Romans 16. I’m sure he considered each of them as a part of his team, and essential in his accomplishing his mission in life. I thought it might be helpful to do a biographical study of those who are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. This will give you a better understanding of the diversity of person types God brings together to accomplish His purposes.
In a biographical study you follow the same three points you do in a topical or doctrinal study. First, you list the references where the individual being studied is mentioned and you write out the information about that individual found in these references: that is, you collect information. Second, you organize the information: that is, you correlate it into an outline. Finally, you crystallize what you have learned about the individual into some applications you can make to your own life.
Take Priscilla and Aquila, mentioned in Romans 16:3-5, for example. They are referred to in Acts 18, 1 Corinthians 16:19 and 2 Timothy 4:19. In Romans 16 you find out that they were referred to by Paul as fellow workers in Christ Jesus. He remembers that they had risked their lives for Paul, possibly during the time that Paul’s life was threatened in the riot that broke out in Ephesus, described in Acts 19. They were much appreciated by all the Gentile churches and were no doubt wealthy, since there was a church that met in their house.
List additional information about them found in the other references listed above.
