Romans 16
Romans 16 is the chapter in which the apostle Paul gives final greetings and encouragement to various believers in Rome. In this chapter, he mentions fellow workers one by one in particular, and shares words of gratitude and encouragement with them. Paul also adds a warning about those who seek to cause divisions in the church, and concludes the letter with a hymn of praise that gives glory to God.
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.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1–16: Greetings and recommendations for fellow workers and believers appear. He mentions Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, and each of their faith communities and individuals with great care, remembering their steadfastness and labor.
- Verses 17–20: He urges them to stay away from those trying to divide the church and asks them to remain in goodness, away from evil.
- Verses 21–23: He conveys greetings from fellow workers with Paul.
- Verses 25–27: He concludes Romans by praising God’s wisdom and the gospel and giving glory to the eternal God.
Overall Meaning
Romans 16 emphasizes that each person is precious within the faith community. Paul’s practice of directly naming individuals highlights the value of relationships, cooperation, and encouragement within a faith community. It also reminds us that the core of the gospel is revealed through each person’s roles and commitments. Along with that, Paul advises not to neglect guarding the church’s purity and unity, and in the end, he offers a prayer that gives glory to God. Through this, Romans concludes by emphasizing grace and truth, community and boundaries, and the glory of God that is the foundation of it all.
Meditation Points
- Reflect on how much attention you give to fellow workers and believers who live out their faith alongside you.
- Meditate on how important words of encouragement and gratitude are in the process of building up and serving the church.
- Consider what the essence of the community is, and think about what role you yourself are carrying out for its purity and unity.
Apply to Yourself
- Decide to joyfully carry out even small acts of devotion and labor for the sake of God’s kingdom.
- Make an effort to express your gratitude and encouragement to the people around you through specific words and actions.
- If there are elements that harm the unity and goodness of the community, discern them wisely, and commit yourself to letting your influence be good.
This is the last chapter of Romans.