Romans Chapter 16

BIBLE PASSAGE

ROMANS CHAPTER 16

Personal Greetings

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Final Instructions and Greetings

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

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

23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

Doxology

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

SYNOPSIS

Romans 16 is a significant chapter that provides insight into the early Christian church and Paul's relationships with various believers. The chapter mentions at least 26 individuals and two families, with a notable inclusion of women in leadership roles. Paul commends Phoebe, described as a deacon or minister in the church at Cenchrea, and entrusts her with delivering his letter to the Romans. The chapter also mentions Junia, who is referred to as "outstanding among the apostles." Paul's recognition of women like Phoebe, Junia, and others as valued coworkers in spreading the gospel is evident throughout the chapter. The diverse composition of the Roman church, including Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free people, men, and women, reflects its potential for both great influence and conflict in the capital of the empire. Paul's extensive list of greetings demonstrates his deep interest in the people he ministered to and worked with, even though he had not yet visited Rome. The chapter concludes with warnings against false teachers, greetings from Paul's companions, and a closing doxology.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Paul acknowledges and honors many people who have served alongside him in ministry. How can you express gratitude and encouragement to those who have impacted your faith journey?

2. How can you actively contribute to fostering relationships within your church community?

3. Paul ends the letter with a doxology, praising God for His wisdom and glory (vv. 25-27). How can you cultivate a habit of praising and glorifying God in your daily life?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the faithful believers who have gone before me and those who continue to serve in Your kingdom today. Help me to appreciate and encourage those who work for the gospel, and let me also be faithful in the ways You have called me to serve.

Give me wisdom to recognize and avoid anything that causes division or leads me away from Your truth. Keep my heart rooted in Your Word and help me to promote unity and love among my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Lord, like Paul, I want to glorify You in all that I do. May my life be a reflection of Your goodness, and may I never stop praising You for the grace and salvation You have given me.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.