Romans 16:12 – “Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul sends greetings to three women: Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis. He describes Tryphena and Tryphosa as women “who work hard in the Lord,” and he calls Persis “my dear friend” while also praising her for her labor in Christ.

The wording Paul uses suggests that these women were not merely passive members of the church but were actively involved in serving Christ and others. The phrase “work hard in the Lord” implies dedicated service, possibly in evangelism, hospitality, or helping care for the needs of fellow believers.

It is also notable that Paul acknowledges the work of women in the church. In many ancient cultures, women were often overlooked, but the early Christian movement valued and included them in ministry.

Historical Context

The names Tryphena and Tryphosa suggest that these women may have been sisters or at least closely related. Their names mean “delicate” and “dainty,” which makes Paul’s description of them working hard even more striking. It suggests that, despite what their names implied, they were strong and dedicated in their service to Christ.

Persis is another woman whom Paul honors. The name Persis means “Persian woman,” indicating that she may have been from Persia or of Persian descent. Paul calls her “my dear friend,” which suggests a personal affection and high regard for her. The way he describes her—saying she “has worked very hard”—implies that she was especially known for her dedication and service in the church.

This verse gives us a glimpse into the early Christian community in Rome. The church was not just led by well-known apostles but also supported by faithful men and women who labored tirelessly for the sake of the gospel.

Theological Implications

1. God honors the labor of every believer, regardless of gender. Paul’s recognition of these women’s work shows that serving Christ is not limited to men. Women played a vital role in the growth of the early church, and their contributions were valued.
2. Serving Christ requires real effort. Paul repeatedly uses the phrase “worked hard in the Lord,” which reminds us that Christian service is not just about belief—it involves action, commitment, and endurance.
3. Personal relationships matter in the church. Paul calls Persis his “dear friend,” showing that ministry is not just about tasks but also about relationships. The Christian faith is meant to be lived out in community.

Literary Analysis

Romans 16 is filled with personal greetings, but this verse stands out because it focuses on the work of women. Many of Paul’s letters focus on doctrine and theology, but here we see his deep appreciation for individuals who labored for Christ.

The repetition of the phrase “worked hard in the Lord” is significant. The Greek word used here (kopiaō) means to toil, to labor to the point of exhaustion. This is the same word Paul uses elsewhere to describe his own ministry efforts (1 Corinthians 15:10). It emphasizes the dedication and commitment of these women.

The structure of this verse also highlights Persis’s unique role. While Tryphena and Tryphosa are grouped together, Persis is mentioned separately, with stronger language about her work. This suggests that her labor was particularly well known or that she had been serving faithfully for a long time.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 4:3 – Paul mentions other women who worked alongside him in spreading the gospel.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
• Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
• Luke 10:38-42 – The story of Mary and Martha, showing the importance of serving Christ.
• Proverbs 31:31 – “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faithful service is important, no matter how small it may seem. These women may not have been famous, but their dedication was noticed and honored by Paul. Every act of service done for Christ matters.
2. Christian work is not always easy, but it is valuable. Paul describes their work as laborious, reminding us that serving God takes effort. Whether it’s teaching, encouraging others, or helping those in need, true service requires perseverance.
3. The church is a place where both men and women serve together. Paul does not limit his greetings to men—he openly acknowledges the labor of women. This should encourage the church today to value and appreciate all who serve in Christ’s name.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is demonstrated in how He sees and values the work of every believer. Even if people overlook or forget our efforts, God does not. He honors those who faithfully serve Him.

This verse also reflects God’s inclusive love. He does not call only certain kinds of people—He calls men and women, the rich and poor, the well-known and the unknown. His kingdom is built through the faithfulness of ordinary people who give their lives to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Himself valued and honored women in ministry. He had women disciples (Luke 8:1-3), and He entrusted Mary Magdalene with the message of His resurrection (John 20:17). Paul’s greetings to these women reflect this same heart of Christ.
2. Jesus taught that serving others is part of following Him. In Mark 10:45, He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” These women lived out that truth by dedicating themselves to Christian work.
3. Jesus promises that no labor for Him is wasted. In Matthew 25:21, He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Those who work hard for Christ—like Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis—are honored by Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach us about the value of serving Christ, even in unseen ways?
2. How does Paul’s greeting challenge the way we view women’s roles in the church?
3. Are we putting in real effort to serve God, or do we only serve when it is convenient?
4. How can we encourage and honor those in our church communities who work hard for the Lord?
5. What motivates us to keep serving Christ, even when the work is tiring or difficult?