Paul affirms Persis as working hard for God. We don’t know the details of why Paul says this, but he does. It’s unlikely he commends her because of a single time when she worked hard but because of an ongoing lifestyle of diligent effort.
Her consistent history of hard work is the most probable reason why Paul includes Persis in his list of notable individuals. By doing so he extols her dedication in helping the cause of Jesus.
Her diligent labor to serve the Lord is all Paul needs to say. That’s enough. May our lives be commendable, just like the life of Persis.
Though we shouldn’t seek the approval of people, are we conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of praise or do our actions deserve criticism?
[Discover more about Persis in Romans 16:12.]
Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.