Romans 16:1-27

19 minutes of reading

Commentary on Romans Chapter 16

Introduction:

Romans 16 is often overlooked as merely a list of greetings, but it’s one of the richest chapters for understanding the relational and communal nature of the early Church. It shows how the Gospel brought together men and women, Jews and Gentiles, city officials and humble servants into one family in Christ. Paul’s greetings, commendations, and final warnings give us valuable insights into how the early believers lived out their faith and supported one another in ministry.

Romans 16: 1-2 – 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.

 

Who Was Phoebe?

  1. A Beloved Sister – Paul introduces her as “our sister,” emphasizing spiritual family.

  2. A Servant (Diakonos) – She served in the church at Cenchrea, a port city near Corinth. The word diakonos may imply an official church role (i.e., deaconess).

  3. A Trusted Messenger – She likely carried Paul’s letter to the Romans, showing her trusted position in ministry.

  4. A Patron or Supporter – Paul calls her a “helper of many and of myself also.” The Greek word prostatis suggests she financially supported or defended others in ministry.

  5. An Example of Female Leadership – Phoebe’s role confirms that faithful women were vital to the church’s work.

 

About Cenchrea

  • Cenchrea was the eastern port of Corinth, about 8–10 miles away.

  • It was a strategic hub for travel and ministry.

  • Paul ended a Nazirite vow there:

    “He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” (Acts 18:18)

Cross-References

  • Luke 8:2–3 – Women supported Jesus’ ministry financially.

  • Acts 18:18 – Paul cut his hair at Cenchrea after a vow.

  • 1 Timothy 3:11 – Possible qualifications for women serving in church leadership.

  • Philippians 4:2–3 – Women laboring in the Gospel with Paul.

  • Numbers 6:1–21 – Laws regarding the Nazirite vow.

Romans 16:3-5a – 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.

 

Who Were Priscilla and Aquila?

  1. Paul’s Co-Workers – They worked alongside Paul in ministry and in the tentmaking trade (Acts 18:2–3).

  2. Courageous Believers – They “risked their necks” for Paul’s life, possibly during a riot or persecution.

  3. Church Planters and Hosts – They regularly hosted house churches, whether in Corinth, Ephesus, or Rome.

  4. Beloved by Gentile Churches – Paul notes that “all the churches of the Gentiles” are thankful for them.

 

Significance of House Churches

  • Early Christians met in homes, as public church buildings didn’t exist yet.

  • Priscilla and Aquila’s home served as a gathering place for worship, teaching, and fellowship.

 

Cross-References

  • Acts 18:2–3 – Paul meets Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth; they share the same trade.

  • Acts 18:26 – They teach Apollos “the way of God more accurately.”

  • 1 Corinthians 16:19 – Hosting a church in Ephesus.

  • 2 Timothy 4:19 – Mentioned again as active in Ephesus.

Romans 16:5b – Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.

 

Who Was Epaenetus?

  1. A Pioneer Convert – Called the “firstfruits of Achaia,” likely the first Gentile believer from southern Greece to come to Christ under Paul’s ministry.

  2. Greatly Loved – Paul calls him “my beloved,” a term of deep affection.

 

Significance of “Firstfruits”

  • A symbol of beginnings—his conversion marked the start of a spiritual harvest in the region.

 

Cross-Reference

  • 1 Corinthians 16:15 – Refers to the household of Stephanas as “firstfruits of Achaia,” possibly a related note.

Romans 16:6 – Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

 

Who Was Mary?

  1. A Tireless Worker – Paul honors her for her hard labor in ministry. The phrase “labored much” implies both physical and spiritual effort.

  2. Unidentified but Essential – Though we don’t know much else about her, Paul’s mention shows her work had lasting value.

 

Cross-Reference

  • Hebrews 6:10 – “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love…”

Romans 16:7 – Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

 

Who Were Andronicus and Junia?

  1. Fellow Jews – Paul calls them his “countrymen,” indicating shared Jewish heritage.

  2. Fellow Prisoners – They were imprisoned for the Gospel, possibly alongside Paul.

  3. Highly Esteemed – “Of note among the apostles” either means they were well-known to the apostles or counted among apostolic messengers.

  4. Early Believers – They were “in Christ before me,” highlighting their seniority in faith.

 

Debate Note

  • Junia is a female name, and her inclusion here has been pivotal in discussions about women’s roles in early church leadership.

 

Cross-References

  • Philippians 1:13 – Paul speaks of his imprisonment for the Gospel.

  • Colossians 4:10 – Mentions others who were imprisoned with him.

Romans 16:8 – Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.

 

Who Was Amplias?

  1. Beloved in the Lord – Though little is known, Paul’s affectionate greeting shows Amplias was dearly valued.

  2. Possibly of Humble Status – The name “Amplias” was common among slaves and freedmen in the Roman Empire, indicating he may have been a believer of low social standing but high spiritual regard.

Romans 16:9 – Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.

 

Who Were Urbanus and Stachys?

  1. Urbanus

    • A Fellow Worker – Actively involved in church ministry with Paul.

    • The name is Latin and also common among slaves, showing the diversity of the early church.

  2. Stachys

    • Beloved by Paul – Another believer Paul deeply valued.

    • The name is rare but appears in inscriptions connected to Caesar’s household, possibly suggesting nobility or a high-ranking servant.

Romans 16:10 – Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

 

Who Was Apelles?

  1. Tested and Proven – The phrase “approved in Christ” suggests he remained faithful through trials or testing.

  2. A Model of Endurance – Paul’s specific praise hints that Apelles’ faith was admired and respected.

 

The Household of Aristobulus

  • Paul greets not Aristobulus himself, but those in his household.

  • Aristobulus may have been a grandson of Herod the Great, with some of his servants or family becoming believers.

  • Suggests that Christian faith reached even into the households of powerful Roman figures.

Romans 16:11 – Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

 

Who Was Herodion?

  1. Fellow Jew – Called “my countryman,” likely indicating Jewish identity.

  2. Possibly a Member of the Herodian Family – His name is closely associated with the political Herodian dynasty.

 

Household of Narcissus

  • Paul greets those “who are in the Lord,” suggesting not all in this household were believers.

  • Narcissus may have been a powerful freedman under Emperor Claudius, well known in Roman history.

  • Again, this points to Christianity’s reach into the elite circles of Roman society.

Romans 16:12 – Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.

 

Who Were Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis?

  1. Tryphena and Tryphosa

    • Likely sisters or relatives, possibly even twins, due to their similar names.

    • Known for their active labor in the Lord, suggesting consistent ministry service.

  2. Persis

    • Beloved and Highly Commended – Paul praises her for having “labored much.”

    • The name means “Persian woman,” possibly indicating a Gentile background.

    • Her service was especially noteworthy and enduring.

 

Cultural Insight

  • The terms “labored” and “labored much” come from a Greek root meaning to work to the point of exhaustion, showing the intensity of their commitment to the Lord’s work.

Romans 16:13 – Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

 

Who Was Rufus?

  • “Chosen in the Lord” – This phrase likely means Rufus was a man of notable faith or divine calling.

  • Possibly the Son of Simon of Cyrene – The same Rufus may be mentioned in:

“Simon the Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus…” (Mark 15:21)

This connection is plausible, especially since Mark wrote his Gospel to a Roman audience.

 

Who Was His Mother?

  • Paul calls her “his mother and mine,” not literally, but likely because she cared for Paul like a mother would—perhaps showing him hospitality or spiritual nurture during his travels.

 

Application Insight

Rufus’s mother reminds us that spiritual parenting—nurturing, mentoring, and caring for others in Christ—is a powerful ministry in itself.

Romans 16:14 – Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them.

 

Who Were These Men?

  1. These names are all Greek or Roman, common among freedmen and slaves.

  2. They likely led or were part of a house church or fellowship group, as implied by the phrase “the brethren who are with them.”

  3. Though not well-known elsewhere, Paul includes them to show that every believer matters, even those less prominent.

Romans 16:15 – Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

 

Who Were They?

  1. Likely another house church group in Rome.

  2. Philologus and Julia may have been husband and wife.

  3. Nereus and his sister – Their names are listed separately, which may indicate biological siblings or simply a respectful mention of a godly woman.

  4. Olympas – A Greek name meaning “heavenly,” perhaps another leader.

  5. “All the saints who are with them” – Suggests a strong Christian community surrounding them.

 

Takeaway

God knows every name—even if we don’t. These faithful saints remind us that our labor is never hidden from the Lord, even if we’re unknown to history.

Romans 16:16 – Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

 

What Is the Holy Kiss?

  1. A Cultural Expression of Unity – In the 1st century, a “holy kiss” was a customary way to greet fellow believers with affection, respect, and reconciliation.

  2. Holy, Not Romantic – It symbolized spiritual purity and family love in Christ, not personal intimacy.

  3. Principle for Today – Though cultural forms change (handshakes, hugs, smiles), the heart of Christian fellowship remains the same—warm, sincere, and honoring.

 

“Churches of Christ” – What Does It Mean?

  1. A Descriptive Phrase – The phrase “churches of Christ” means churches that belong to Christ, not a formal title.

  2. Plural Form – Paul refers to various local congregations, united by faith in Jesus across the Roman world.

 

Other Scriptural Names for the Church

The early Church is described using several different terms throughout the New Testament:

Term Scripture Reference Description
Church of God 1 Corinthians 1:2 Emphasizes divine ownership
Church of the Firstborn Hebrews 12:23 Refers to believers whose names are written in heaven
Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:27 Expresses the church’s organic connection to Christ
Churches of the Gentiles Romans 16:4 Geographic/cultural identity
Church in (a location) Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:2 Refers to local house churches
Church in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Emphasizes both divine persons
The Way Acts 9:2, 19:9, 24:14 Early term for the Christian faith and community

 

Refuting Misuse

Some groups wrongly teach that “Church of Christ” is the only correct church name. But the Bible never commands a single institutional name—instead, it emphasizes who the church belongs to (Christ) and how it lives out the Gospel.

To base doctrinal exclusivity on Romans 16:16 is to ignore the many other Spirit-inspired ways the Church is referred to in Scripture.

 

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 16:20 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.”

  • 1 Peter 5:14 – “Greet one another with a kiss of love.”

  • Acts 9:2 – “If he found any who were of the Way…”

  • Philemon 1:2 – “To the church in your house…”

 

Summary of Romans 16:16

This verse is a beautiful snapshot of the love, unity, and identity of the early church. The Church is not defined by a legal name but by:

  • Its relationship to Jesus Christ,

  • Its unity with fellow believers, and

  • Its expression of Christlike love in every greeting, gathering, and Gospel work.

Romans 16:17–18 – Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 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’s Warning Against Divisive People

  1. Mark and Avoid – Paul tells the church to note (keep an eye on) those who create division and cause others to stumble spiritually.

  2. Contrary to Sound Doctrine – The standard of truth is “the doctrine which you learned”—the true Gospel as taught by the apostles.

  3. Avoid Them – Paul doesn’t just say “correct” them, but avoid them—showing the danger of their influence.

 

What Kind of People Are These?

  1. They Don’t Serve Christ – Their true allegiance is to “their own belly”—that is, their own appetites, desires, and selfish gain.

  2. They Use Flattering Speech – They appeal to emotions, pride, or superficial spirituality to gain followers.

  3. They Deceive the Simple – Those who are naïve, immature, or undiscerning are especially vulnerable.

 
Application Insight

Discernment is essential in the church. Not everyone who speaks well or looks spiritual is sent by God. Test the message and the fruit of the messenger.

 

Cross-References

  • Titus 3:10 – “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition.”

  • Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets…inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

  • 2 Peter 2:1–3 – False teachers who exploit others with deceptive words.

Romans 16:19 – 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.

 

A Word of Encouragement and Balance

  1. Obedience with Reputation – The Roman believers had a reputation for obedience that spread throughout the churches.

  2. Wise and Innocent – Paul wants them to be:

    • “Wise in what is good” – Grow in discernment, truth, and virtue.

    • “Simple concerning evil” – Stay innocent and unstained by corrupt or deceptive practices.

 

Spiritual Maturity Principle

Being “simple” doesn’t mean being ignorant—it means not allowing your heart or behavior to be tainted by evil.

 

Cross-Reference

  • Matthew 10:16 – “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Romans 16:20 – And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

God’s Promise of Victory

  • “God of Peace” – The same God who promotes peace will bring about the ultimate triumph over evil.

  • “Crush Satan” – This alludes to the first messianic prophecy in:

 

Genesis 3:15 – “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

 

  • “Under Your Feet” – The victory will come through the Church—not by our power, but as God acts through us.

 

What Does “Shortly” Mean?

  • It speaks of certainty and imminence, not necessarily a calendar date.

  • The church in Rome would face many trials, but Satan’s defeat is always sure in Christ.

 

Final Blessing

  • Paul ends this section with a grace benediction, reminding believers that the strength to overcome comes only from Christ.

 

Cross-References

  • Genesis 3:15 – First promise of Satan’s defeat.

  • Colossians 2:15 – Christ disarmed principalities and powers.

  • Revelation 12:11 – Believers overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb.

  • 1 John 4:4 – “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

 

Apologist’s Note:

 

The Lord Jesus has already defeated Satan—but there is an important distinction between the past victory, the present application, and the future fulfillment of that victory in the life of believers.

Let’s break this down clearly:

 

1. Has Jesus Defeated Satan? – YES (Past Victory)

At the cross and resurrection, Satan was defeated decisively:

 

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
(Colossians 2:15)

 

“That through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.”
(Hebrews 2:14)

 

Jesus broke Satan’s authority over sin, death, and condemnation through His perfect sacrifice. So yes—the victory is won.

 

2. Has That Victory Been Applied to Believers? – YES (Present Reality)

Believers now live under Christ’s victory, even though they still face spiritual warfare.

 

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

 

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”
(Revelation 12:11)

 

This means that Satan no longer has power over your eternal destiny, your identity in Christ, or your access to God. But he still tries to deceive, accuse, and tempt.

 

3. Will Satan Be Crushed Completely? – YES (Future Fulfillment)

Romans 16:20 points to a future and progressive fulfillment of the defeat:

 

“The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”

 

This echoes Genesis 3:15—the first promise of the Messiah—that Jesus would crush the serpent’s head.

While the cross was the decisive blow, Satan’s final judgment is still ahead:

 

“The devil…was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone…and will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
(Revelation 20:10)

 

In Summary
Aspect Fulfilled? Explanation
Victory at the Cross ✅ Yes Jesus disarmed and triumphed over Satan at Calvary.
Victory in the Believer’s Life ✅ Yes Believers have spiritual authority and freedom in Christ.
Final Crushing of Satan 🔜 Not yet God will one day completely remove Satan’s presence and power forever.

 

What This Means for Believers Today

  • We fight from victory, not for victory.

  • Satan is a defeated enemy, but still dangerous through lies and temptation.

  • The Church walks in spiritual authority, empowered by Christ, waiting for the day when Satan is finally crushed once and for all.

Romans 16:21–23 – Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother.

 

Who Are These People?

1. Timothy

  • Paul’s closest disciple and co-laborer.

  • Served with Paul across many missionary journeys.

  • Called Paul’s “son in the faith.” (1 Timothy 1:2)

Cross-references: Acts 16:1–3, Philippians 2:19–22, 1 Timothy 1:2

 

2. Lucius

  • Possibly Lucius of Cyrene, a teacher and prophet in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1).

  • Fellow Jew and coworker in the ministry.

Cross-reference: Acts 13:1

 

3. Jason

  • Possibly the Jason who hosted Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and was persecuted for it.

Cross-reference: Acts 17:5–9

 

4. Sosipater

  • Likely the same as Sopater of Berea, one of Paul’s companions.

Cross-reference: Acts 20:4

 

5. Tertius

  • Paul’s scribe, or amanuensis, who physically wrote down the letter to the Romans.

  • Adds his own greeting in verse 22, a rare personal note from a biblical letter’s scribe.

 

6. Gaius

  • Hosted Paul during his time in Corinth (where Romans was written).

  • Hosted the local church as well.

Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 1:14

 

7. Erastus

  • The city treasurer of Corinth—evidence of believers in high positions.

  • An inscription bearing his name was found in Corinth, supporting this identity.

Cross-reference: 2 Timothy 4:20

 

8. Quartus

  • Simply called “a brother.” Not much is known, but his inclusion shows every believer has value, even without a title.

Romans 16:25–27 – Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel… to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

 

Paul ends with a doxology, glorifying God for His revelation of the mystery now made known to the nations. This eternal Gospel results in faith and obedience. Glory belongs to God alone.

Cross-references: Ephesians 3:3–10; Colossians 1:26–27; Jude 1:24–25

Romans 16:24 – The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

Benediction of Grace

  • A beautiful and common closing in Paul’s letters.

  • Reinforces that all Christian life, fellowship, and perseverance are rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ.

 

Apologist’s Note:

Some ancient manuscripts omit verse 24, as it appears to repeat the earlier blessing in verse 20. Nonetheless, it reflects a common Pauline conclusion and affirms grace as the final word.

Romans 16:25–27 – 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 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— 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

 

 

What Is a Doxology?

  • A doxology is a statement of praise to God.

  • Paul ends this deeply theological letter by turning the reader’s eyes upward—to God’s wisdom, power, and glory.

 

Key Themes in the Doxology

  1. “Able to Establish You” – God alone strengthens and secures the believer in the Gospel.

  2. “According to My Gospel” – Not ownership, but Paul’s personal mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

  3. “Mystery Now Revealed” – Refers to God’s plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, hidden in ages past, now made known (see Ephesians 3:3–6).

  4. “Obedience to the Faith” – The goal of preaching the Gospel is not only belief, but obedience flowing from that faith.

  5. “To God, Alone Wise” – Paul ends with humility: all wisdom and glory belong to God.

 

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 3:3–10 – The mystery now revealed through Christ.

  • Colossians 1:26–27 – The hidden mystery now made manifest to the saints.

  • Jude 1:24–25 – A similar powerful doxology praising God’s ability to keep believers.

 

Final Summary of Romans 16:25–27

God’s Gospel is not a human invention—it is His eternal plan, now revealed and offered to all people. Our response is to glorify Him through Christ forever.

Final Reflection: The Gospel Woven in Relationships

Romans 16 may seem like a list of greetings, but it is much more—it is the living evidence of how the Gospel transforms lives, builds a new kind of family, and knits people together into the Body of Christ. This chapter puts faces and names to the theology Paul has taught throughout the letter.

 

The Content

We see individuals: men and women, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, leaders and laborers. They are house church hosts, gospel workers, patrons, prisoners, and helpers. Some are well known—like Timothy and Priscilla. Others are obscure, like Quartus and Hermas. Yet all are honored by name, reminding us that in Christ, no one is forgotten.

 

The Central Idea

Romans 16 teaches that Christianity is not just a belief system—it is a community built on relationships, sacrificial love, and shared mission. Paul doesn’t end Romans with theory; he ends it with people, because the doctrine of salvation is meant to be lived out in love.

 

The Theology

Romans 16 reinforces what Paul has taught since chapter 1:

  • The Gospel unites—no matter your background, all are one in Christ.

  • Grace empowers—those mentioned are not praised for power or position, but for faithfulness and service.

  • Spiritual discernment is essential—we must guard the truth, resist deception, and walk wisely.

  • God is the hero of the story—He establishes, He reveals, and He will soon crush Satan under the Church’s feet.

And ultimately, all glory belongs to Him.

“To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” (Romans 16:27)

 

The Challenge for Us Today

If Paul were writing to your city today, would your name be on this list?
Would he thank God for your hospitality, your service, your sacrifice, your love for the saints?

The Church is not built by the powerful, but by the faithful.
Romans 16 shows us that ordinary people, surrendered to an extraordinary God, can leave an eternal legacy.

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