Team Effort
You've probably heard of Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician at Bletchley Park who helped turn the tide of WWII by cracking the German Enigma code—work that also laid the foundation for modern computers. But you may not know names like Joan Clarke, who worked alongside Turing as a gifted cryptanalyst; Mavis Batey, who broke a critical Italian naval cipher at just 19; Jane Fawcett, who decrypted the message that led to the sinking of the Bismarck; Margaret Rock, a key figure in deciphering German military communications; and Bill Tutte, who deduced the structure of Hitler’s most secret cipher machine without ever seeing it. These mostly unsung heroes were just a few among the nearly 7,500 women and 2,500 men who contributed to this monumental, life-saving effort.
Romans 16:1-27
We often think of Paul as a one-man show when it comes to his role in spreading the Gospel in the decades after Jesus’ death and resurrection. But the final chapter of Romans shows us just a tiny portion of the men and women who linked arms with Paul to help spread this life-saving, world-changing good news. First we’re introduced to Phoebe, a woman whose work and reputation in the church at Cenchreae meant Paul entrusted her to deliver this letter to the various congregations in Rome. Then we hear of a husband and wife who risked everything to help Paul spread the gospel. Then on and on, a total of 16 men and 10 women are listed who played pivotal roles in spreading the good news of Jesus to the known world.
Romans 16 isn’t just a list of names—it’s a snapshot of the team behind the mission. Paul’s work depended on people who prayed, gave, taught, hosted, traveled, and just plain showed up. Just like the church today, it was never about one person—it was about what God can do through a whole community working together.
Things to Ponder
What do you think it felt like for Phoebe or Priscilla to see their names mentioned in this letter?
Why do you think Paul made space in Scripture to name these people?
What are some ways each person in your family contributes to the life of your home or church?
Can “helping” or “serving” sometimes feel small or invisible? What does this chapter show about that?
Who might need your encouragement or support this week in the work God is doing?
Application Challenge
Romans 16 shows us that gospel work takes a team—and that team includes men and women from all walks of life, in all kinds of roles. Some, like Phoebe carried Paul’s message across long distances. Others offered their homes, risked their lives, or simply kept showing up with love and endurance. Just like the men and women of Bletchley Park, their contributions weren’t small—they were essential.
What would it look like for you to recognize your role in God’s bigger mission? Maybe you offer encouragement to someone discouraged, help behind the scenes at church or school, or simply look for those who often go unnoticed. Could God be inviting you to serve in a new way, knowing that every act of faithfulness matters?
Prayer Prompt
God, thank You for reminding us that we’re not meant to do Your work alone. Help us see the ways You’ve gifted each of us and how we can support one another. Teach us to value every role, big or small, and to serve with joy as part of Your team. In Jesus’ name, Amen.