Romans16
New Living Translation
1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.
2Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
3Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus.
4In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches.
5Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ.
6Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit.
7Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.
8Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus.
11Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus.
12Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord.
13Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
14Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them.
15Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them.
16Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.
17And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.
18Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
19But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.
20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
22I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord’s followers.
23Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings, and so does our brother Quartus.
24
25Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time.
26But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him.
27All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Romans 16.
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.
Key Words
ὑμῖν (hymîn): to (with or by) you
ἡμῶν (hēmōn): of (or from) us
ἀδελφή (adelphḗ): a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)
Φοίβη (Phoíbē): probably akin to the base of G5457 (φῶς)); Phœbe, a Christian woman
ὤν (ṓn): being
διάκονος (diákonos): an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía): a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Κεγχρεαί (Kenchreaí): Cenchreæ, a port of Corinth
ἵνα (hína): compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
Cross References
Romans 16Direct verbal echo of the promise that the seed of the woman would bruise Satan's head.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
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
Echoes Paul's earlier commendation of the Roman church's widespread reputation for faith and obedience.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels the language of the gospel mystery once hidden but now made manifest to the saints.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Elucidates the active role and public ministry of widows and deaconesses like Phoebe.
Supported by John Calvin
Demonstrates the enduring prominence of Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila in the Pauline mission.
Supported by JFB
Illustrates the common early church practice of believers meeting in individual households.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Likely identifies the same Rufus, son of Simon of Cyrene, prominent in the Roman church.
Supported by JFB