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Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Do you recall coming across those names anywhere in your reading of the New Testament? Probably not and you wouldn’t be alone. What about Persis? Yes, you are excused for thinking “Who?” These three women are virtually unknown to us today, yet towards the end of his letter to the Roman church, the apostle Paul took the time to mention them by name in his personal greetings (see Romans 16:1-16). In verse 12 we read, “Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet my beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord” (AMP).

Interestingly, Paul did not establish the church in Rome (see Romans 1:7-12) and these individuals were not known to him personally. However, he obviously had heard about them and knew of their work. According to Joseph Benson’s Commentary on verse 12, Tryphaena and Tryphosa were “probably two sisters; who labour in the Lord — in the service of the Lord, according to their stations: as did also Persis, who seems to be here termed beloved, because she was distinguished among many for her fidelity and diligence.” The Biblical Illustrator sheds some probable light on the difference in greetings: “Tryphaena and Tryphosa laboured in the Lord; Persis laboured ‘much’ in the Lord. Tryphaena and Tryphosa may represent either those who can only do a little, but who do that little with all their heart . . . On the other hand, Persis is always at work; she can never do enough; her godly ambition is never satisfied.” If true, it is significant that Paul recognized both efforts. Whatever we do in the service of the Lord, whether it be little or much, none of it is insignificant.

As I reflected on the greeting to these women, I was reminded of Paul’s instructions to the church at Colosse, “Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). As the three labored in the church, they were probably not recognized by their congregation. Maybe there were disputes about the role of women in the church as it is in some circles today. Yet they continued to work in such an outstanding way that Paul felt it necessary to salute them. As the Bible Illustrator puts it, “To the persons noticed it must have been gratifying and stimulating, and while elevating them in the estimation of their brethren, it enlarged their sphere of useful influence.”

What does all of this have to do with you and me? Scottish author and Christian congregational minister George Macdonald was right when he said, “It is our best work that God wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think He must prefer quality to quantity.” Whatever area of ministry we are involved in, whether voluntary or paid, full-time or otherwise, in front or behind the scenes, let us do it with excellence, even when no one is looking. That can be very difficult to do as somewhere within some of us is a desire to have our efforts recognized and acknowledged by those around us. If we are not careful, we can become discouraged and our efforts leave much to be desired. But press on we must and with the right attitude. Paul puts it this way, “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve” (Colossians 3:23-24). Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis did not know Paul would single them out for recognition but he did. Two thousand years later their names are on our lips as individuals from whom you and I can learn about serving with excellence.

The post WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL – Serving With Excellence appeared first on Jamaicans.com.

On 17 July 2023, media reports revealed an alleged row between the governments of Jamaica and the United States concerning a request by the US to extend diplomatic immunity to the spouse of an American diplomat where the couple is in a same-sex marriage.

Allegations Stem From Earlier in 2023

The issue arose earlier in 2023 when the US government made a formal request for approval from Jamaica’s government to extend diplomatic immunity and attendant privileges to the same-sex partner of a diplomat scheduled for a posting in Jamaica. The issue was complicated by the fact that same-sex marriage is not recognized in Jamaica. Following a reportedly late response and ultimate denial of its approval by the Jamaican government, some media outlets stated that the US government had “retaliated” by denying a request from Jamaica to extend the stay of three of its diplomats in the US.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US Audrey Marks

Both Nations Deny Reports of a Diplomatic Rift

In response to the media reports, both the US and Jamaica denied there was any diplomatic problem. Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said that Jamaica considers all requests presented to the Ministry in the light of the country’s Constitution and that Jamaica extends privileges and immunities to diplomats being posted to the island, their staff, and families as stated in the context of the Constitution. Information Minister Robert Morgan, who cited Johnson Smith’s statement during a media briefing, that staff from both the US and Jamaica continue to live and work in each other’s territory and are “expected to observe the laws of the host country.”

Jamaican Ambassador Sets the Record Straight

Jamaica’s ambassador to the US, Audrey Marks, issued a clarification on the alleged “row” between the two countries on 26 July 2023. Denying there was any diplomatic rift, Ambassador Marks shared that the Jamaican Embassy received a request from the US on 20 June 2023, to extend diplomatic immunities and privileges to all spouses of accredited staff, regardless of gender, who were assigned to the US Embassy in Jamaica. Upon receiving the forwarded message, Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade provided the recommended response in keeping with the nation’s laws and sent it to the US Department of State on 5 July 2023. Marks emphasized that the request had not been “ignored or was a “second demand” as reported in the media.

Marks Explains Current Diplomatic Policies

The US has made requests of all nations since 2015 asking that they recognize the spouses of diplomats in same-sex marriages. This policy is clearly in conflict with Jamaican laws. Marks also denied media reports that suggested she be removed from her post or that she immediately leave the US prior to the end of 2023 or immediately when her diplomatic visa expired. She said she will return to Jamaica at the appropriate time as stated in her contract or when asked to return by Jamaica’s government. She did admit that in the past two years, “a few extensions were requested, and some were denied.”

New US Policy

According to Ambassador Marks, a new policy was implemented by the US in August 2019 and became effective in August of 2021 in which diplomats around the globe will be accredited for a maximum of five years. After that five-year period expires, the diplomats are expected to leave the US. However, this policy is not applicable to the Ambassador, Chargé d’Affaires, or the Deputy Chief of Mission. Ambassador Marks emphasized that the leaders of Jamaica have not been “snubbed” by the US in any way.

Jamaica and Us Make Assurances of Their Continued Strong Relationship

The department assured that the United States and Jamaica continue to foster a close relationship based on shared values, trade, culture, tourism, and a dynamic diaspora community in the US. The US Embassy noted that, as of August 2021, diplomats from all bilateral missions to the US worldwide are accredited for a maximum of five years.

Both US and Jamaica Confirm a Strong Relationship

Jamaica’s government has repeatedly denied any “diplomatic row” with Washington DC, as has the US. Morgan said there was “no diplomatic spat” as reported in the media, while the US Embassy in Jamaica continues to emphasize the fact that both countries continue to maintain close ties based on their shared values, trade, tourism, culture, and the existence of a large and vibrant diaspora community in the US.

Photo – Official Facebook Page For Ambassador Audrey Marks

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