Romans 16

Romans 16 is the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans. In this chapter, Paul greets various individuals and groups in the Roman church, commends some of his fellow workers, and warns the church about those who cause divisions. This chapter provides insight into the personal connections Paul had within the early Christian community and highlights the importance of fellowship, cooperation, and vigilance within the body of Christ.

Romans 16:1-2 (NKJV)
1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,
2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

Paul introduces Phoebe, a respected member of the church in Cenchrea, and commends her to the Roman believers. He asks them to welcome her with Christian love and assist her as needed, as she has supported many in the church, including Paul. This commendation highlights Phoebe’s role as a dedicated servant and helper, showing the value of faithful women in ministry.

Romans 16:3-5 (NKJV)
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.

Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, fellow workers in Christ who risked their lives to protect him. Their sacrificial service earned gratitude from Paul and from the Gentile churches. They host a church in their home, reflecting their dedication to fostering Christian fellowship and providing a gathering place for believers. Paul also acknowledges Epaenetus, the first believer in Achaia, marking him as an early fruit of his ministry.

Romans 16:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Paul greets Mary, who worked diligently for the believers, and Andronicus and Junia, likely Jewish Christians who were imprisoned with Paul and were well-regarded among the apostles. Their faithfulness and longstanding commitment to Christ are honored here, as they are recognized for their devotion and service.

Romans 16:8-16 (NKJV)
8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.
10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them.
15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

Paul sends warm greetings to numerous individuals, reflecting the diverse and personal nature of the early Christian community. Many of these people, like Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, are recognized for their diligent work in the Lord. Rufus and his mother are given special mention, with Rufus noted as “chosen in the Lord,” and his mother having shown motherly care for Paul. Paul encourages a greeting of a “holy kiss,” a customary sign of brotherly love and unity within the church.

Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Paul warns the believers to be vigilant against those who cause divisions and lead others astray with teachings contrary to the gospel. Such individuals prioritize their self-interests rather than Christ’s work, using persuasive speech to deceive vulnerable believers. Avoiding them helps protect the unity and purity of the church.

Romans 16:19-20 (NKJV)
19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Paul commends the Roman believers for their obedience, which has gained a positive reputation. He encourages them to continue in wisdom, focusing on good while staying innocent regarding evil. Paul reassures them of God’s victory over Satan, promising that Satan will soon be defeated under their feet, a testament to God’s ultimate power and protection over His people.

Romans 16:21-24 (NKJV)
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Paul’s companions send their greetings, including Timothy, his close co-worker, and Tertius, who served as the scribe for this letter. Gaius, who hosted Paul and the church, and Erastus, an influential city official, are mentioned, showing the diverse community of believers. This communal greeting reflects the unity and interconnectedness within the early church.

Romans 16:25 (NKJV)
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began

In this verse, Paul glorifies God's ability to strengthen (establish) believers through his gospel, which focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This gospel reveals a divine mystery, previously concealed throughout the ages. This mystery involves God's plan of salvation, accessible to all humanity—both Jews and Gentiles—a plan fully unveiled through Jesus Christ and the apostolic preaching.

In Colossians 1:27, Paul further elaborates on the mystery, describing it explicitly as "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This key passage clarifies that the mystery extends beyond the inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s salvation plan. It underscores the profound reality of Christ’s indwelling presence within believers (2 Corinthians 3:17). This presence of Christ not only assures believers of their future glory, which entails the ultimate salvation and eternal life with God, but also transforms them in the present. The phrase "the hope of glory" thus captures both the present transformation experienced by believers through Christ's indwelling—allowing them to reflect God's character now—and the future aspect of Christian hope, which is the complete realization of eternal life through Christ's redeeming work.

Romans 16:26 (NKJV)
26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—

The purpose of revealing this mystery is twofold: first, it is "made known to all nations," which emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. Secondly, it is revealed for "the obedience of faith," indicating that the goal of this revelation is not merely informational but transformational. It aims to bring about a response of faith that leads to obedience, aligning the lives of believers with God’s will. The "obedience of faith" in Paul’s writing encapsulates both the act of believing the gospel and the ongoing life of discipleship that flows from that faith. It's not about legalistic adherence to law but about a dynamic and transformative relationship with God through Christ, which naturally expresses itself in a life of faithful obedience.

Romans 16:27 (NKJV)
27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

Paul concludes with a doxology, giving glory to the only wise God through Jesus Christ, reaffirming the eternal praise due to Him.