Introduction: Today we will continue through this final chapter of greetings and introductions from Paul. 7a Greet Andronicus and Junia, • When Junia (F) or Junias (M) are used as the object of the verb they are both spelled and so, we have no way of knowing whether this is a boy or a girl. 7b my countrymen – • They are Jews but perhaps from the same as Paul or even close blood relatives. • While we might have a stronger connection with people of certain or experiences, we are not to limit the scope of the gospel work to that group alone. 7d who are of note among the apostles, • Many are called messengers but not all messengers held the office of . • These men and their work for the Lord had been so outstanding that they had received the of the Apostles. • Do not be by the success of others and the attention that it might bring. • We the glory of God and not glory for ourselves. 7e who also were in Christ before me. • Wherever we go, we will find that God has been there working. • We need to the things that the Lord has done apart from us. 7c and my fellow prisoners, • There may be a great to paid for the exercise of our faith. • Prison was not the , many died for their faith. • Persecution at some level is to be . • Persecution our faith and affixes our to the Lord and His promises. • Persecution provides an opportunity to the value of the Gospel and the of our faith.