Romans 16NIV
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Romans16

New International Version

1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.

2I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

3Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.

4They 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 dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

6Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

7Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

8Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

9Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

10Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

11Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

15Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.

16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.

17I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of 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 be with you.

21Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.

24

25Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,

26but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—

27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Romans 16.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there. (1–16). Cautions the church against such as made divisions. (17–20). Christian salutations. (21–24). The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God. (25–27).

vv1-16

Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know not what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Though the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remember many persons, and send salutations to each, with particular characters of them, and express concern for them. Lest any should feel themselves hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in the close, a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of Christ.

vv17-20

How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound doctrine of the Scriptures, opens a door to divisions and offences. If truth be forsaken, unity and peace will not last long. Many call Christ, Master and Lord, who are far from serving him. But they serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. They corrupt the head by deceiving the heart; perverting the judgments by winding themselves into the affections. We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. It has been the common policy of seducers to set upon those who are softened by convictions. A pliable temper is good when under good guidance, otherwise it may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle expects from God, is victory over Satan. This includes all designs and devices of Satan against souls, to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?

vv21-24

The apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons with him, known to the Roman Christians. It is a great comfort to see the holiness and usefulness of our kindred. Not many mighty, not many noble are called, but some are. It is lawful for believers to bear civil offices; and it were to be wished that all offices in Christian states, and in the church, were bestowed upon prudent and steady Christians.

Cross References

Romans 16
v20Genesis 3:15allusion

Direct verbal echo of the promise that the seed of the woman would bruise Satan's head.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v3Acts 18:2-17thematic

Provides historical background of Aquila and Priscilla, their trade, and their association with Paul.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

Parallels the greeting to Priscilla and Aquila and the church meeting in their home.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v19Romans 1:8thematic

Echoes Paul's earlier commendation of the Roman church's widespread reputation for faith and obedience.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v25Colossians 1:26thematic

Parallels the language of the gospel mystery once hidden but now made manifest to the saints.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v11 Timothy 5:10thematic

Elucidates the active role and public ministry of widows and deaconesses like Phoebe.

Supported by John Calvin

v32 Timothy 4:19thematic

Demonstrates the enduring prominence of Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila in the Pauline mission.

Supported by JFB

v5Colossians 4:15thematic

Illustrates the common early church practice of believers meeting in individual households.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v13Mark 15:21thematic

Likely identifies the same Rufus, son of Simon of Cyrene, prominent in the Roman church.

Supported by JFB