Personal Greetings and Love 1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servanta of the church in Cenchrea. 2Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3Greet Priscab and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my beloved Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.c 6Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junia,d my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my beloved Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them. 15Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. Avoid Divisions 17Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. 20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christe be with you. Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers 21Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen. 22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus.f Doxology 25Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past 26but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faithg — 27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.h Footnotes: 1 a Or deaconess 3 b Prisca is a variant of Priscilla; see Acts 18:2. 5 c Literally in Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey. 7 d Some translators Junias 20 e NA, NE, and WH Lord Jesus 23 f SBL, BYZ, and TR include 24May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 26 g Literally the obedience of faith 27 h Some manuscripts place the text of verses 25–27 after Romans 14:23 or after Romans 15:33. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Romans 16 Summary Personal Greetings and LoveVerses 1–2 – Commendation of Phoebe Verses 3–5a – Greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and Their House Church Verses 5b–7 – Firstfruits and Fellow Prisoners Verses 8–16 – Embracing the Wider Fellowship Verses 17–20 – Stand Firm Against Divisions Verses 21–23 – Greetings From Corinth Verses 25–27 – Doxology of Praise and Revelation Romans 16 is the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans. Here, Paul extends personal greetings to numerous individuals in the Roman church, demonstrating the depth of his connections and his affection for his fellow workers in the gospel. He also issues a stern warning against those who create divisions and stumbling blocks contrary to the doctrine they have learned. The chapter concludes with a majestic doxology, praising God who is able to strengthen believers. Historical Setting: Paul Writes From Corinth, Winter AD 56-57 • Location: The references to Gaius (v.23) and Erastus match 1 Corinthians 1:14 and an inscription found in Corinth naming an Erastus who laid a pavement as city aedile. • Timing: Paul is on his third missionary journey, preparing to carry the Jerusalem relief offering (Acts 20:3). Romans serves as his theological introduction and support letter before a planned trip to Spain (15:24). • Audience: Multiple house churches scattered across the vast city, many formed by Jews expelled under Claudius (AD 49) and now returned (Acts 18:2). Phoebe of Cenchreae: Deacon and Patron • Cenchreae, the port east of Corinth, has yielded archaeological evidence of early Christian presence, including possible baptistery ruins. • “Servant” (diakonos) suggests recognized ministry; “patron” (prostatis) conveys financial backing and social advocacy. • Likely the courier of the letter, trusted to explain its contents—an early glimpse of women carrying weighty theological responsibility (cf. Mary Magdalene in John 20:18). Priscilla and Aquila: Tentmakers Turned Mentors • Mentioned six times in Scripture, always together (Acts 18; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). Their mobility—Rome → Corinth → Ephesus → Rome—mirrors the spread of the gospel along trade routes. • They corrected Apollos’ theology (Acts 18:26), showing that sound teaching sometimes happens around dinner tables rather than pulpits. Junia and Andronicus: Noteworthy Among the Apostles • “Outstanding among the apostles” (v.7) may mean the wider missionary circle (Acts 14:14). Either way, they were early believers (“in Christ before I was”), demonstrating that seasoned veterans still serve after decades of faith. • Their imprisonment parallels Paul’s (2 Corinthians 11:23) and Peter’s (Acts 12:3-19), reminding believers that gospel progress often meets iron bars. A Gallery of Names: What They Tell Us • Urbanus (“city-bred”), Ampliatus, Tryphena and Tryphosa (“dainty, delicate”), and Rufus hint at slave or freedman origins—common in inscriptions from the imperial household. • Aristobulus and Narcissus likely refer to households once belonging to famous imperial freedmen; the believers within may have met under that banner (vv.10-11). • “Rufus” could be the son of Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21), tying Calvary to the capital. • Mixed ethnicity: Jewish names mingle with Latin and Greek, fulfilling the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first the Jew, then the Greek” (Romans 1:16). House Churches in First-Century Rome • Archaeology shows insulae (multi-story apartment blocks) where small groups could gather. • Five separate meeting locations surface in this chapter: Priscilla’s home (v.5), Aristobulus’ household (v.10), Narcissus’ household (v.11), unnamed believers with Asyncritus et al. (v.14), another with Philologus et al. (v.15). • Fragmentation by location did not sever unity; the greetings stitch them together as one body. Warning Against Divisive Teachers (vv.17-20) • Parallel cautions: Galatians 1:8 (“let him be accursed”), 1 Timothy 6:3-5 (withdraw from such men), Titus 3:10 (“warn a divisive person once… then have nothing to do with them”). • “Smooth talk and flattery deceive the minds of the naive” (v.18). Counter-strategy: know the Word (Acts 17:11) and test the spirits (1 John 4:1). • Promise of victory echoes Genesis 3:15 where the serpent’s head is crushed, and anticipates Revelation 20:10 where Satan is finally defeated. The Doxology: Gospel Revealed, Nations Obey • Bookends: Romans opens (1:5) and closes (16:26) with “obedience of faith,” framing the entire letter as a call to trust and obey. • Mystery now made known “through the prophetic writings” bridges Old and New Testaments (cf. Isaiah 49:6; Habakkuk 2:4). • Universal reach: “all nations” underscores the missionary heartbeat that leads Paul toward Spain (15:24,28). Textual Note on Verse 24 • Some manuscripts include “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.” Its omission in many modern translations does not affect doctrine, as identical wording appears in verses 20 and 24’s sentiment is captured in Paul’s signature benedictions (2 Thessalonians 3:18). Archaeological Insights: Names on Stone and Clay • Catacomb inscriptions in Rome contain names such as Ampliatus and Urbanus, with Christian symbols (fish, anchor, chi-rho), supporting the picture that many greeted in Romans 16 later formed the core of the city’s burial fellowships. • The Erastus pavement in Corinth (now in the museum) reads, “Erastus, commissioner of public works, laid this pavement at his own expense,” matching v.23 and lending historical weight to Paul’s list. Living Out Romans 16 Today • Honor servants: Celebrate those who quietly fund, organize, or deliver ministry as Paul honored Phoebe. • Cultivate personal warmth: Name people, write notes, practice holy affection; church is family, not an event. • Guard sound teaching: Know the gospel well enough to detect counterfeits and protect tender believers. • Work across backgrounds: The chapter’s mix of cultures, genders, and social strata invites modern congregations to break down artificial walls (Galatians 3:28). • End in praise: However weighty our labors, keep pointing back to “the only wise God” whose plan spans ages. Enduring Lessons 1. Ministry is relational—Paul’s theology travels on the rails of friendship. 2. Ordinary believers, not just apostles, carry the gospel forward. 3. Unity with truth is non-negotiable; false teaching must be resisted. 4. God’s victory is certain, so perseverance is worthwhile. 5. All glory belongs to God, now and forever. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Corinthians 12:12-27This passage discusses the body of Christ and the importance of each member, echoing the themes of diversity and unity found in Romans 16. Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul urges believers to maintain unity in the Spirit, which complements his warnings against division in Romans 16. Philippians 4:2-3 Paul addresses specific individuals, urging them to be of the same mind, similar to his personal greetings and exhortations in Romans 16. Teaching Points Commendation of PhoebePaul begins by commending Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae, highlighting the importance of women in ministry. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea (Romans 16:1). Diverse Contributions The chapter lists various individuals, each contributing uniquely to the church. This diversity reflects the body of Christ, where every member has a role. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3). Unity in Diversity Despite their different backgrounds and roles, these individuals are united in Christ. This unity is a testament to the power of the Gospel to transcend cultural and social barriers. Warning Against Divisions Paul warns against those who cause divisions, emphasizing the need for discernment and unity. I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned (Romans 16:17). The Role of Women Several women are mentioned, indicating their significant roles in the early church. This challenges us to recognize and affirm the contributions of women in ministry today. Practical Applications Value Personal RelationshipsLike Paul, we should value and nurture personal relationships within our church communities, recognizing the unique contributions of each member. Embrace Diversity Celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ, understanding that each person's gifts and background enrich the church. Promote Unity Actively work to maintain unity within the church, being vigilant against divisive influences and fostering a spirit of cooperation and love. Encourage Women in Ministry Recognize and support the vital roles women play in the church, encouraging their involvement and leadership. People 1. PhoebeDescribed as a servant (Greek: διάκονος, diakonos) of the church in Cenchreae. Paul commends her to the Roman believers and asks them to assist her in whatever she may need (Romans 16:1-2). 2. Priscilla and Aquila A married couple who are fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They are noted for risking their lives for Paul and hosting a church in their home (Romans 16:3-5). 3. Epenetus Described as the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia (Romans 16:5). 4. Mary A woman who worked very hard for the Roman believers (Romans 16:6). 5. Andronicus and Junia Paul refers to them as his relatives and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles and were in Christ before Paul (Romans 16:7). 6. Ampliatus Described as beloved in the Lord (Romans 16:8). 7. Urbanus A fellow worker in Christ (Romans 16:9). 8. Stachys Described as beloved by Paul (Romans 16:9). 9. Apelles Described as approved in Christ (Romans 16:10). 10. Those of the household of Aristobulus Paul sends greetings to them, though Aristobulus himself is not directly mentioned (Romans 16:10). 11. Herodion Referred to as Paul's relative (Romans 16:11). 12. Those of the household of Narcissus Paul sends greetings to those who are in the Lord (Romans 16:11). 13. Tryphena and Tryphosa Women who are described as workers in the Lord (Romans 16:12). 14. Persis A woman who has worked very hard in the Lord (Romans 16:12). 15. Rufus Described as chosen in the Lord, along with his mother, who is like a mother to Paul (Romans 16:13). 16. Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them Paul sends greetings to this group (Romans 16:14). 17. Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them Another group to whom Paul sends greetings (Romans 16:15). Places 1. CenchreaeRomans 16:1: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae." Cenchreae was one of the two ports of Corinth, located on the eastern side, serving as a significant hub for trade and travel in the region. The Greek term "Κεγχρεαί" (Kenchreai) refers to this port town, indicating its importance in early Christian missionary activities. 2. Rome While not explicitly mentioned in the greetings of Romans 16, the entire letter is addressed to the believers in Rome. The city was the capital of the Roman Empire and a central location for the spread of Christianity. The Greek term "Ῥώμη" (Rhōmē) is used throughout the epistle to refer to this influential city. Events 1. Commendation of PhoebePaul begins by commending Phoebe, a servant (Greek: διάκονος, diakonos) of the church in Cenchreae. He asks the Roman believers to receive her in the Lord and assist her in any matter she may need (Romans 16:1-2). 2. Greetings to Priscilla and Aquila Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, his fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their lives for him. He notes that all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them (Romans 16:3-4). 3. Greetings to the Church in Their House Paul extends greetings to the church that meets in the house of Priscilla and Aquila, highlighting the early Christian practice of house churches (Romans 16:5). 4. Greetings to Epaenetus Paul greets Epaenetus, whom he calls the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia (Romans 16:5). 5. Greetings to Mary Paul sends greetings to Mary, who worked very hard for the Roman believers (Romans 16:6). 6. Greetings to Andronicus and Junia Paul greets Andronicus and Junia, his relatives and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles and were in Christ before him (Romans 16:7). 7. Greetings to Amplias Paul sends greetings to Amplias, whom he loves in the Lord (Romans 16:8). 8. Greetings to Urbanus and Stachys Paul greets Urbanus, a fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, whom he loves (Romans 16:9). 9. Greetings to Apelles Paul sends greetings to Apelles, who is approved in Christ (Romans 16:10). 10. Greetings to the Household of Aristobulus Paul greets those who belong to the household of Aristobulus (Romans 16:10). 11. Greetings to Herodion Paul sends greetings to Herodion, his relative (Romans 16:11). 12. Greetings to the Household of Narcissus Paul greets those in the Lord who belong to the household of Narcissus (Romans 16:11). 13. Greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa Paul greets Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who work hard in the Lord (Romans 16:12). 14. Greetings to Persis Paul sends greetings to Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord (Romans 16:12). 15. Greetings to Rufus and His Mother Paul greets Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to Paul as well (Romans 16:13). 16. Greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the Brothers with Them Paul sends greetings to these individuals and the brothers with them (Romans 16:14). 17. Greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and His Sister, and Olympas Paul greets these individuals and all the saints with them (Romans 16:15). 18. Exhortation to Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss Paul instructs the believers to greet one another with a holy kiss, a sign of fellowship and unity (Romans 16:16). 19. Warning Against Divisive People Paul warns the Roman believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in their way, contrary to the teaching they have learned (Romans 16:17-18). 20. Paul's Joy Over Their Obedience Paul expresses joy over the obedience of the Roman believers and encourages them to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19). 21. Promise of God's Peace Paul assures them that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under their feet (Romans 16:20). 22. Greetings from Paul's Companions Paul includes greetings from Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius (the scribe), Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus (Romans 16:21-23). 23. Doxology Paul concludes with a doxology, praising God for the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings (Romans 16:25-27). Lessons from Romans 16 1. The Power of Personal Greetings 2. Celebrating Diversity in the Church 3. The Role of Women in Ministry 4. The Importance of Hard Work 5. Beware of Divisions 6. The Joy of Mutual Encouragement 7. The Significance of Hospitality 8. The Value of Teamwork 9. The Legacy of Faithfulness 10. The Assurance of God's Sovereignty Topics 1. Commendation of Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2)Paul begins by commending Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae. He asks the Roman believers to receive her in a manner worthy of the saints and to assist her in any matter she may need. The Greek word for "servant" here is "διάκονος" (diakonos), which can also be translated as "deacon." 2. Greetings to Various Saints (Romans 16:3-16) Paul sends personal greetings to a number of individuals and households, including Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for him. This section highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Christian community. The use of the term "saints" (ἅγιοι, hagioi) reflects the set-apart status of believers. 3. Warning Against Divisive People (Romans 16:17-18) Paul warns the Roman church to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in their way, contrary to the teaching they have learned. He emphasizes the importance of unity and adherence to sound doctrine. 4. Promise of Victory and Peace (Romans 16:19-20) Paul encourages the believers by acknowledging their obedience and expressing his desire for them to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. He assures them that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." 5. Greetings from Paul's Companions (Romans 16:21-23) Paul includes greetings from his companions, such as Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. Tertius, who wrote down the letter, also sends his greetings, as well as Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus. 6. Doxology (Romans 16:25-27) The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God for the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings. This doxology emphasizes the obedience of faith among all nations and the wisdom of God. Themes 1. Commendation and Support of Fellow BelieversPaul begins Romans 16 by commending Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae, highlighting the importance of supporting and recognizing fellow believers in their ministry roles. The Greek word "διάκονος" (diakonos) is used here, indicating her role as a servant or deacon (Romans 16:1-2). 2. Greetings to the Church Community Paul sends personal greetings to various individuals and groups within the Roman church, emphasizing the interconnectedness and unity of the body of Christ. This includes Priscilla and Aquila, who are noted for risking their lives for Paul (Romans 16:3-16). 3. Recognition of Women's Contributions Several women are mentioned by name, such as Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, acknowledging their hard work and significant contributions to the church. This highlights the active role of women in early Christian communities (Romans 16:6, 12). 4. Warning Against Divisive Individuals Paul warns the Roman believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in their way, contrary to the teaching they have learned. The Greek term "σκοπέω" (skopeo) is used, meaning to watch or observe carefully (Romans 16:17-18). 5. Encouragement of Obedience and Wisdom Paul commends the Roman church for their obedience and encourages them to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. This reflects the call to live wisely and righteously in a challenging world (Romans 16:19). 6. Promise of God's Ultimate Victory Paul assures the believers that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet," echoing the promise of ultimate victory over evil. This is a reference to Genesis 3:15 and the defeat of Satan (Romans 16:20). 7. Doxology and Praise to God The letter concludes with a doxology, praising God for His ability to establish believers according to the gospel and the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past. The Greek word "δυνατός" (dunatos) is used, meaning powerful or able (Romans 16:25-27). Prayer Points Pray for a deeper appreciation of the diverse gifts within your church community and the wisdom to nurture these relationships.Ask God for unity in your church, that any divisions or obstacles would be overcome by His love and truth. Pray for the recognition and empowerment of women in ministry, that their contributions would be valued and encouraged. Seek discernment to identify and address any divisive influences within your church, promoting peace and harmony. Answering Tough Questions 1. Romans 16:1 – Does referring to Phoebe as a “servant” or “deacon” challenge traditional views on women’s roles in the early church? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Paul listed so many people in his greetings? 2. What can we learn from Paul's affirmations and appreciation for his fellow workers? 3. How should we handle those who create divisions and obstacles in the church today? 4. In what ways can we apply the concept of being "wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil" in our daily lives? 5. How can Paul’s warning against divisive people guide your interactions within your Christian community? 6. How does Paul's doxology at the end of the chapter inspire you? 7. What can you learn from the manner in which Paul concludes his letter? 8. How does the disclosure of the once secret mystery affect your understanding of God’s plan? 9. In what ways does Paul's greeting promote the sense of community in the church? 10. How can we acknowledge and appreciate those who work hard in the Lord in our own communities? 11. What steps can you take to protect your Christian community from divisive influences? 12. How does this chapter reflect on the importance of everyone's role in a Christian community? 13. What can we learn from the roles of different individuals mentioned in this chapter? 14. How does Paul's recognition of several women in the church speak to their role in the early church? 15. How does the promise of God crushing Satan under their feet encourage you in your personal spiritual warfare? 16. How can you foster unity within your own church or Christian community? 17. How does Paul’s greeting to the Roman church demonstrate his affection for the universal church? 18. How does the final doxology reflect the overall themes of the book of Romans? 19. How can you apply the principles of the gospel to foster personal relationships within your church? 20. Reflect on the role of women like Phoebe in this chapter. How does this change or reinforce your understanding of women's roles in the early church and today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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