Romans 16
1 Corinthians 16 is the part where Paul brings his letter to a close, leaving the church with practical counsel and greetings. It consists of instructions regarding the collection, plans for visits by fellow workers, and finally, concluding greetings and a blessing.
1verseI commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,
2versethat you receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.
3verseGreet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4versewho risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.
5verseGreet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
6verseGreet Mary, who labored much for us.
7verseGreet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.
8verseGreet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.
9verseGreet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.
10verseGreet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11verseGreet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12verseGreet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.
13verseGreet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14verseGreet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
15verseGreet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16verseGreet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.
17verseNow I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
18verseFor those who are such don’t serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
19verseFor your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.
20verseAnd the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21verseTimothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.
22verseI, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.
23verseGaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.
24verseThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.
Instructions for the Relief Collection (Verses 1-4)
- Paul provides the Corinthians with specific instructions about the relief collection for the believers in the church in Jerusalem.
- This offering is gathered in a planned way by every believer in their everyday life, so that when Paul comes, it can be delivered together.
- It shows that relief and sharing are important acts of faith within the church.
Paul’s Plan with Fellow Workers (Verses 5-12)
- As Paul explains his travel plans, he shares the reason for staying in Ephesus and his hope to visit Corinth.
- He also mentions the visit plans of other fellow workers, such as Timothy and Apollos.
- By seeing that the church is connected with various leaders, the message reveals the character of a community that encourages and respects one another.
Final Counsel and Greetings (Verses 13-24)
- Paul leaves the counsel, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and do everything in love," emphasizing the attitude and practice of faith.
- He mentions devoted believers such as the household of Stephanas and urges them to honor and submit to one another within the church.
- In the final greetings, he conveys greetings from many fellow workers on their behalf, blessing one another in the faith.
Meditation Point
- Faith becomes complete when it is applied practically within the community beyond mere doctrinal knowledge.
- You can reflect on how precious it is to practice sharing and serving, respecting fellow workers, and living out love.
Try Applying It to Me
- I also reflect on whether, even in small ways, I can practice sharing for my neighbors in everyday life.
- Within my relationships with brothers and sisters of faith, I can pursue a life that builds one another up with love and encouragement.
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This is the last chapter of Romans.