Portraits of a Resurrection People: Junia
ReferEnce texts:
Romans 16:1-25
Overview:
This week’s portrait draws our attention to Junia—a name tucked into Paul’s greetings in Romans 16, yet rich with implications. Paul calls her “outstanding among the apostles,” recognizing her as a fellow Jew, a co-prisoner, and a faithful worker in Christ even before his own conversion. Despite the weight of Paul’s affirmation, Junia’s legacy was diminished for centuries by efforts to recast her as male—highlighting just how disruptive the resurrection was to the social expectations of her time. Her story invites us to consider the voices we have overlooked, the stories we've misread, and the power of resurrection to reframe identity and leadership in the kingdom of God. The risen Christ doesn’t just transform individuals—he expands who is seen, who is honored, and who gets to participate in the unfolding work of God.
Junia’s inclusion reminds us that the resurrection calls us to live with imagination and curiosity. Who might we be missing? What might God be doing just beyond the limits of our assumptions? Resurrection opens the door for all people—regardless of status, gender, or background—to be co-laborers in the Gospel. Our work is not only to act or contribute, but to notice, to ask, and to respond with humility and partnership.
Reflection questions:
Paul names 30 people in his final greetings—many of whom have been lost to history. Why do you think these names mattered to him, and what does that invite us to consider about the people we might overlook in our own communities?
What might Paul’s public affirmation of Junia teach us about his understanding of leadership in a resurrection-shaped community?
Have you ever felt unseen or unrecognized in your work or faith journey? What do you hear in Junia’s story?
What voices or gifts might you be missing because of unspoken assumptions or blind spots?
How might Jesus be inviting you to greater imagination and curiosity—toward yourself, others, and the work already happening around you?
Practices:
🟤 notice who’s missing
This week, take a moment to ask: Who do I tend not to see? Whose voices are missing in my conversations, my workplace, my friendships, or my faith community? Consider reaching out, listening more closely, or making space for someone else’s story to be told.
🟤 Practice curiosity
Rather than rushing to conclusions, make space to wonder. Ask someone about the work they’re doing, their experience, or how they’ve seen God at work. Let curiosity lead to connection.
🟤 make room to respond
Who is already carrying resurrection hope in your life? Look for ways to encourage or partner with them—not to lead, but to learn. Let your presence be a response to the Spirit’s work through others.
Prayer Prompt:
God of resurrection,
you call us to a wide and generous table.
You make space for every voice,
even those we try to silence.
Give us eyes to see what you are doing
through those we might have overlooked.
Give us the courage to be curious,
to notice, to ask, to respond with imagination.
Let us be people who honor the resurrection
by honoring one another—
co-laborers, apostles, and friends in your mission.
Amen.
