What is the meaning of Romans 16:6?

Greet

- Paul models a warm, personal connection within the body: “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16; cf. 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Corinthians 13:12).

- Genuine greetings communicate honor, unity, and mutual care—practical outworkings of Jesus’ command to love one another (John 13:34–35).

- A simple greeting can refresh weary saints, just as Paul was refreshed by Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16–18).

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Mary

- Although Scripture does not identify which Mary this is, Paul singles her out, showing that God sees and values every servant, even if history forgets their details (Hebrews 6:10).

- Women played pivotal roles in gospel ministry: Mary Magdalene supported Jesus materially (Luke 8:2–3), another Mary opened her home for prayer (Acts 12:12), and several Marys stood faithfully at the cross (Mark 15:40).

- Mary’s mention reminds us that spiritual gifts and opportunities are distributed without partiality (Galatians 3:28).

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who has worked very hard

- Paul uses strenuous language for sacrificial labor, similar to his own “toiling, struggling with all His energy” (Colossians 1:29) and the elders who “labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

- Hard work in the Lord can involve:

• Hospitality (Romans 12:13)

• Caring for the needy (Acts 9:36, 1 Timothy 5:10)

• Intercessory prayer (Colossians 4:12)

• Quiet, unseen acts of service (Matthew 6:3–4)

- Such labor is never wasted: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

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for you

- Mary’s service was directed to the believers in Rome, illustrating that ministry begins with those nearest to us—“especially to the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

- Serving others is how love becomes tangible (1 John 3:18) and how spiritual gifts are properly stewarded (1 Peter 4:10).

- Paul’s public acknowledgment cultivates gratitude and encourages others to follow her example, much like he commended Epaphroditus for risking his life “for the work of Christ” (Philippians 2:25–30).

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summary

Romans 16:6 highlights the power of a sincere greeting, the value God places on every believer, the beauty of sacrificial service, and the call to labor for the good of fellow saints. Mary’s example beckons us to greet warmly, serve tirelessly, and build up the body right where God has planted us.