Romans 16 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Romans 16

The Book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul, a devout Jew who had a dramatic conversion experience and became one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church. Paul offers greetings and commendations to various members of the church in Rome in this final chapter, highlighting the diverse community that was forming around the new faith. Paul’s deep concern for the wellbeing of the believers in Rome and his desire to strengthen their unity in Christ will be evident as we examine this chapter. He warns them of those who would seek to divide and mislead the church, echoing the admonitions found in earlier chapters (Romans 12:16, 15:5-6). Paul’s personal connections with many in the Roman church also shed light on the growth and expansion of the gospel message during this pivotal time.

Throughout the Book of Romans, Paul has emphasized the universal nature of God’s salvation, extending to both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16, 3:29-30). This theme is reflected in the diverse array of individuals he greets in this chapter, underscoring the inclusive nature of the early Christian community. Paul encourages unity and mutual care among the believers in Rome as they delve into these final verses.

Romans 16:1-2

Romans 16:1-2 reads, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. The apostle Paul introduces Phoebe to the Roman Christians in these verses. Phoebe is described as a sister in Christ and a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, which was a port city near Corinth. The fact that Phoebe held a significant role as a deaconess in the church indicates that women played active and important roles in the early Christian communities. This challenges traditional gender roles of the time and highlights the inclusivity of the Christian faith.

Paul not only commends Phoebe to the Roman Christians but also instructs them to receive her in a manner worthy of God’s people and to assist her in any way she may need. This demonstrates Paul’s care and concern for Phoebe and emphasizes the importance of hospitality and support within the Christian community. Paul reinforces the idea of Christians caring for and supporting one another by urging the Roman Christians to help Phoebe, showing kindness and generosity to fellow believers.

Furthermore, Paul acknowledges Phoebe’s role as a benefactor to many people, including himself. This suggests that Phoebe was a woman of means who used her resources to support the ministry and needs of others. Her generosity and service to the church exemplify the virtues of selflessness, charity, and stewardship that are central to the Christian faith. This serves as a reminder for believers to use their resources to bless others and advance the kingdom of God on earth. Phoebe’s example in the broader context of the Bible aligns with the teachings of Jesus regarding serving others and the importance of hospitality. Jesus emphasizes the significance of caring for those in need in Matthew 25:35-36.”

Phoebe’s mention in the closing chapter of Romans underscores the diversity, unity, and cooperation within the early Christian communities. Phoebe challenges societal norms of her time and contributes to the building of a strong and caring Christian community as a woman in leadership and a generous supporter of the church. Her commendation by Paul serves as a testament to her faith, character, and service, inspiring believers to emulate her example of faithfulness, generosity, and love towards others.

Romans 16:3-5

The apostle Paul mentions several important individuals who were instrumental in spreading the message of Christ and supporting the early Christian communities in Romans 16:3-5. Let’s break down these verses into sections for a closer examination:

1. “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”

Priscilla and Aquila were a remarkable couple who played a significant role in the early church. They were tentmakers by trade and had originally come from Rome, but were forced to leave due to a decree by Emperor Claudius expelling the Jews from the city (Acts 18:2). They met Paul in Corinth, where they worked together in their trade and also shared in ministry. They later accompanied Paul to Ephesus and became key figures in the church there.

The fact that Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul underscores their dedication to the gospel and their willingness to sacrificially serve the community of believers. Their example of partnership and service is a timeless reminder of the importance of working together in spreading the message of Christ. It also speaks to the value of genuine, sacrificial friendships in the faith community, where individuals are willing to go to great lengths for one another.

1. “Greet also the church that meets at their house.”

Priscilla and Aquila were not just active in their support of Paul, but they also opened their home for the church to gather for worship and fellowship. This act of hospitality and generosity was common in the early church, where believers often met in homes due to persecution or lack of formal church buildings. It speaks to the intimate and familial nature of the early Christian communities, where relationships were nurtured and sustained in the context of shared meals and worship.

The mention of the church meeting in their house highlights the vital role that ordinary believers played in the expansion of the early church. It underscores the idea that every member of the body of Christ has a part to play in the ministry and growth of the church, whether through hosting gatherings, offering hospitality, or using their gifts and talents to serve others. Romans 16:3-5 serves as a reminder of the importance of partnership, sacrifice, and hospitality in the Christian community. It celebrates the contributions of individuals like Priscilla and Aquila who, though not prominent in the eyes of the world, played a crucial role in advancing the kingdom of God. Their example encourages believers to invest in meaningful relationships, to be willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel, and to open their hearts and homes to fellow believers in love and fellowship.

Romans 16:6-7

The apostle Paul sends his greetings and commendations to various individuals in the Roman church in Romans 16:6-7, recognizing their contribution to the body of believers. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this into sections and delve deeper into the meaning and significance of each part. Paul mentions a woman named Mary, who has worked very hard among the believers in verse 6. This indicates that Mary was not just a passive participant in the Christian community but was actively involved in serving and supporting others. Her dedication and commitment to the faith are commendable, as she tirelessly contributed to the needs of fellow believers. This demonstrates the importance of active participation and service within the church community, emphasizing the significance of using one’s gifts and talents for the benefit of others. Mary serves as a reminder that all members of the body of Christ have a role to play in building up the church and advancing God’s kingdom on earth.

Moving on to verse 7, we encounter Andronicus and Junia, who are referred to as Paul’s relatives and fellow prisoners. This indicates that they shared a deep bond of fellowship and suffering with Paul, possibly being imprisoned alongside him for the sake of the gospel. The fact that Paul highlights them as noteworthy individuals within the Christian community underscores their importance and contribution to the spread of the gospel. It is worth noting that there is some debate among scholars about whether Junia was a woman or if the name should be rendered as Junias, a man. However, regardless of the gender interpretation, the key message remains the same – that Andronicus and Junia were esteemed members of the early church who labored alongside Paul in spreading the message of Christ. Paul emphasizes the value of unity, mutual support, and recognition within the body of believers by acknowledging the efforts of Mary, Andronicus, Junia, and other individuals in the Roman church. Each member has a unique role to play, and their contributions, whether big or small, are essential for the overall health and growth of the church. This passage serves as a reminder that Christianity is not meant to be lived out in isolation but in community, where each member plays a vital part in fulfilling God’s purposes.

Furthermore, this emphasis on unity and mutual support aligns with other biblical teachings on the body of Christ. Paul uses the analogy of the body to illustrate the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers within the church in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Just as each part of the body has a specific function and is essential for the proper functioning of the whole, so too are individual believers vital for the well-being of the body of Christ. Therefore, the recognition and appreciation of individuals like Mary, Andronicus, and Junia in Romans 16 serve as a reminder of the importance of valuing and affirming the diverse gifts and contributions of all believers within the Christian community.

Romans 16:8-10

The Apostle Paul sends greetings to specific individuals in the Roman church, recognizing their contributions and faithfulness in Romans 16:8-10. Paul mentions three key figures in these verses. “Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.” Ampliatus is believed to have been a prominent Christian in Rome, and Paul addresses him as beloved in the Lord, indicating a close relationship based on their shared faith in Christ. This highlights the importance of love and unity within the Christian community. It serves as a reminder that regardless of social status or background, believers are united in love through their shared faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is echoed in other parts of the New Testament, such as Galatians 3:28, which states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

1. “Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.” Urbanus is mentioned as a fellow worker in Christ, indicating his active involvement in spreading the Gospel alongside Paul. This underscores the importance of collaboration and teamwork in advancing the Kingdom of God. The concept of fellow workers in Christ is further emphasized in 1 Corinthians 3:9, where Paul describes believers as “God’s fellow workers.” Stachys is also mentioned as beloved by Paul, reflecting the deep bond of love and fellowship that existed among early Christians. This highlights the importance of nurturing relationships within the body of believers, showing care and affection for one another.

2. “Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.” Apelles is commended by Paul as being approved in Christ, suggesting that he had proven himself faithful and steadfast in his faith. This commendation implies that Apelles had endured trials and remained faithful to Christ, exemplifying perseverance and steadfastness in the face of challenges. This aligns with the biblical theme of endurance and perseverance in the Christian faith, as seen in James 1:12, which states, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Romans 16:8-10 serves as a reminder of the importance of love, unity, collaboration, and perseverance within the Christian community. The greetings extended to these individuals by Paul highlight the value of personal relationships and mutual support in the journey of faith. Paul affirms the significance of each believer’s role in building up the body of Christ and advancing the Gospel message by acknowledging their contributions and faithfulness.

Romans 16:11-12

The apostle Paul sends greetings to two individuals, Herodion and Apelles, who are among the believers in Rome in Romans 16:11-12. The mention of these two individuals serves as a reminder of the diversity and inclusivity of the early Christian community. It shows how people from various backgrounds and walks of life came together under the common bond of faith in Christ.

Herodion is believed by some scholars to have been a relative of Herod Antipas, who played a role in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. Despite any potential familial ties to figures in power, Herodion chose to align himself with the Christian community, indicating a significant shift in his allegiance from earthly kingdoms to the kingdom of God. This transformation underscores the transformative power of the gospel in changing hearts and redirecting lives towards a higher purpose.

Apelles, on the other hand, is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, so his story remains somewhat mysterious. However, his inclusion in Paul’s greeting signifies his importance within the local church in Rome. Like Herodion, Apelles represents the many unnamed and lesser-known individuals who were instrumental in spreading the message of Christ in the early church. This serves as a reminder that every member of the body of Christ has a vital role to play, regardless of their prominence or recognition in the eyes of the world.

These verses also highlight the significance of unity and fellowship within the body of believers. Paul demonstrates the value of personal relationships and community within the church by sending personal greetings to specific individuals. This emphasis on interpersonal connections echoes the broader theme of unity that runs throughout the entire book of Romans, where Paul stresses the importance of believers loving and supporting one another as members of one body (Romans 12:4-5). The mention of Herodion and Apelles in Romans 16:11-12 in conclusion serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel, the diversity of the early Christian community, and the importance of unity and fellowship among believers. Their stories, though brief, remind us that every individual has a role to play in advancing God’s kingdom, and that no one is insignificant in the eyes of the Lord.

Romans 16:13-16

The Apostle Paul is sending greetings to various individuals in the church at Rome in Romans 16:13-16. Let’s break down this passage for deeper insight into its significance.

Verse 13 begins by mentioning Rufus, whom Paul refers to as “chosen in the Lord.” This recognition of Rufus being chosen in the Lord could signify that Rufus was known for his faithfulness and service in the church. While Rufus is not discussed at length in the Bible, some scholars believe that he may be the same Rufus mentioned in Mark 15:21, where he is identified as the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross for Jesus. If this identification is correct, it adds a layer of significance to his mention here in Romans 16, as Rufus would have a direct connection to Christ’s crucifixion, further highlighting the unity of believers in Christ’s sacrifice. Paul greets Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, and Hermas, along with the brothers and sisters who are with them in Verse 14. These individuals may have been prominent figures within the Roman church, each contributing in their unique ways to the growth and sustenance of the early Christian community. It is noteworthy that Paul includes these lesser-known names in his greetings, emphasizing the value of every member of the body of Christ, regardless of their societal standing or recognition. This inclusivity and unity among believers have been consistent themes in Paul’s letters, highlighting the importance of mutual love and support within the church.

Moving on to Verse 15, we encounter Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas. These individuals were likely respected members of the Roman church, with Philologus and Julia possibly being a married couple, as their names are listed together. Nereus and his sister, while not much is known about them from the biblical text, were evidently esteemed enough for Paul to mention them in his greetings. The mention of Olympas serves as a reminder of the diversity within the early church, encompassing individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life, all united in their faith in Christ.

Finally, in Verse 16, Paul instructs the Roman believers to greet one another with a holy kiss, which was a customary form of greeting in the ancient Near East. This gesture of affection and camaraderie among believers reflects the familial bond that exists within the body of Christ. Paul’s emphasis on unity, love, and mutual respect among believers echoes the teachings of Jesus, who instructed His followers to love one another as He had loved them (John 13:34-35). Romans 16:13-16 underscores the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the diverse contributions of individuals within the church. Paul emphasizes the unity and equality that believers share in Christ by highlighting both well-known and lesser-known members of the Roman congregation. This passage serves as a reminder to modern-day Christians to value every member of the body of Christ, to foster unity and love within the church community, and to greet one another with genuine affection and respect.

Romans 16:17-19

The Apostle Paul writes a warning to the Roman believers about divisive individuals within the church community in Romans 16:17-19. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a deeper analysis.

Verse 17:
Paul starts by urging the Roman believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles that are contrary to the doctrine which they have been taught. These troublemakers were likely spreading false teachings or sowing discord among the members of the church. Paul’s emphasis on being aware of such individuals serves as a caution against the destructive nature of division within the body of believers. Division undermines the unity and harmony that are essential for a healthy church community to thrive. This is in alignment with the broader biblical theme of unity among believers, as emphasized in other passages like Ephesians 4:3, which calls for maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Paul explains the motivation behind the actions of these divisive individuals in verse 18. He points out that such people do not serve the Lord Christ but rather their own selfish interests. They use smooth and flattering words to deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. This highlights the deceptive tactics that false teachers often employ to lead people astray. It serves as a reminder for believers to be discerning and not easily swayed by persuasive speech that deviates from the truth of the Gospel. Paul’s warning echoes similar concerns raised in other parts of the New Testament, like 2 Peter 2:1-3, where false prophets and teachers are described as bringing destructive heresies into the church. Paul reassures the Roman believers in the final verse of this passage, stating that everyone had heard of their obedience to the faith and commending them for their faithfulness. Despite the presence of divisive individuals, Paul acknowledges the steadfastness of the Roman believers in adhering to the teachings they had received. This serves as a reminder that even in the face of opposition and false teachings, remaining faithful to the genuine message of the Gospel is commendable and brings glory to God. The affirmation of their obedience to the faith also encourages believers to continue in their walk with Christ and stand firm in the face of challenges, knowing that their faithfulness does not go unnoticed. Paul’s message in Romans 16:17-19 underscores the importance of vigilance against division and false teachings within the church community. It calls believers to be discerning, stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, and maintain unity among fellow believers. The timeless message of these verses resonates throughout the history of the church, as the body of believers continually faces challenges to their faith and unity. Believers can navigate through the complexities of differing doctrines and personal agendas to uphold the unity of the faith by heeding Paul’s warning and remaining grounded in the teachings of Christ.

Romans 16:20

Romans 16:20 states, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. A few key components in this verse deserve closer examination. Firstly, it mentions the “God of peace”, which emphasizes the concept of God as a source of peace and harmony. This notion of peace is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God’s desire for His people to experience inner peace and to live in peace with one another. It highlights God’s ultimate plan for reconciliation and restoration.

The verse also talks about the defeat of Satan, the adversary of God and humanity. This victory over Satan portrays the ultimate triumph of good over evil, reinforcing the idea that God’s power is superior to any forces of darkness. The image of Satan being crushed under the feet of believers symbolizes the believers’ authority and victory over spiritual warfare through the power of God. Believers receive unmerited favor and divine assistance through Jesus Christ, as indicated by the mention of “the grace of our Lord Jesus.” It serves as a reminder of the central role of grace in the Christian faith, underscoring the importance of relying on God’s grace for strength, forgiveness, and salvation.

This verse can be linked to other passages in the Bible that speak about the defeat of Satan, such as Genesis 3:15, where God foretells the enmity between the offspring of the woman and the serpent, ultimately culminating in the victory of the seed of the woman (Jesus Christ) over Satan. It also echoes the promise in 1 John 4:4 that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world,” emphasizing the believer’s victory through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 16:20 encapsulates the themes of peace, victory over evil, and the sufficiency of God’s grace. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that God’s ultimate plan of redemption and restoration will ultimately prevail.

Romans 16:21-23

The apostle Paul sends greetings to the Romans in Romans 16:21-23, mentioning a few individuals who were with him at the time. Let’s identify the subject: “we.” Now, rewrite the sentence in active voice: “We will break down this verse and delve into its deeper meanings.”

Firstly, in verse 21, Paul sends greetings to Timothy, his fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, who are presumably companions of Paul in his ministry. Timothy was a young disciple who became one of Paul’s closest companions and was entrusted with important tasks in the early Christian church. He is mentioned in various other epistles of Paul, and his dedication to spreading the gospel is well-known. Lucius is believed to be the same person mentioned in Acts 13:1, where it talks about the leaders of the church in Antioch, highlighting his role in the early Christian community. Jason is mentioned in Acts 17:5-9, where he hosted Paul and Silas in Thessalonica, showing his support for Paul’s mission despite facing persecution. Sosipater is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, but being included in Paul’s greetings indicates his involvement in the ministry and his importance to Paul.

Moving on to verse 22, Paul goes on to mention Tertius, who was the scribe writing down the letter as Paul dictated it. Tertius played a crucial role in helping Paul communicate with the Roman church, illustrating the collaborative effort behind the dissemination of Paul’s teachings. This emphasizes the importance of teamwork and unity in spreading the message of Christ, highlighting that even those behind the scenes are valued in the work of the Kingdom.

Finally, in verse 23, Gaius, who hosted Paul during his stay in Corinth, is greeted, along with Erastus, the city’s director of public works, and Quartus. Gaius’s hospitality towards Paul exemplifies the spirit of generosity and support that should characterize the Christian community. Erastus, mentioned in Acts 19:22, held a prominent position in Corinth, yet he is also part of the Christian fellowship, showing that faith transcends social status. Quartus is not otherwise mentioned in the Bible, but his inclusion in the greetings signifies his significance in the eyes of Paul. These verses in Romans 16 not only serve as personalized greetings from Paul to specific individuals but also provide insights into the collaborative nature of ministry, the importance of hospitality and support within the Christian community, and the diversity of individuals involved in spreading the gospel. These seemingly minor details reveal the interconnectedness of believers and emphasize the unity and diversity present within the body of Christ, echoing messages of inclusivity, teamwork, and mutual support found throughout the Bible.

Romans 16:24-27

The Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Romans with a final benediction in Romans 16:24-27. Let’s break down the verse into its important sections to uncover the deeper meanings it holds.

“24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

This verse is a classic Pauline ending to a letter, where he invokes the grace of Jesus Christ upon the recipients. Grace is a central theme in the Christian faith, highlighting the unmerited favor and divine assistance believers receive from God. Paul is expressing his desire for the Romans to experience God’s abundant blessings and assistance in their lives by praying for the grace of Jesus Christ to be with them. This simple yet profound blessing underscores the importance of relying on God’s grace for strength, guidance, and salvation.

“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 which has been kept secret for long ages past,”

Here, Paul acknowledges God’s power to strengthen and establish the believers in accordance with the gospel he preached. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, his death, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and the offer of eternal life. Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preaches is not a new invention but rather a revelation of a mystery that had been hidden for ages but is now made known through Christ. This mystery refers to God’s plan of salvation for all people, including Gentiles, which was unveiled through Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the concept of divine revelation and the fulfillment of God’s promises through Christ.

“26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;”

Paul continues by explaining that the mystery of God’s salvation plan has now been revealed and made manifest through the Scriptures and the preaching of the prophets. The Old Testament prophecies pointed towards the coming of the Messiah, and through Christ, these prophecies were fulfilled. The gospel is not just for a select group of people but is intended for all nations, emphasizing the universality of God’s redemptive plan. The goal of this revelation is to bring about the obedience of faith, indicating that faith in Christ leads to a transformed life characterized by obedience to God’s will. This verse underscores the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and the fulfillment of those prophecies in Jesus Christ.

“27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. Paul ascribes glory to God in the final verse, recognizing His wisdom and sovereignty in the plan of salvation. Through Jesus Christ, believers have access to God and can offer Him eternal praise and honor. This doxology expresses Paul’s reverence for God and his acknowledgement of God’s role in revealing the mystery of salvation. Paul underscores the central role of Christ in God’s redemptive plan and highlights the interconnectedness of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – in the work of salvation by giving glory to God through Jesus Christ. Romans 16:24-27 encapsulates key themes of grace, revelation, universality of the gospel, obedience of faith, and the glory of God through Jesus Christ. It serves as a fitting conclusion to Paul’s letter to the Romans, encapsulating the core message of salvation through faith in Christ and emphasizing the importance of recognizing God’s wisdom and sovereignty. This passage echoes other verses in the Bible that emphasize the role of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), the fulfillment of prophecies in Christ (Isaiah 53:5), and the universal offer of salvation (John 3:16).

After Romans 16

The apostle Paul’s final words in this chapter were a powerful reminder of the unity and diversity within the early Christian community. He greeted a long list of individuals, each with their own unique gifts and roles to play. This diversity was a strength, as it reflected the breadth of God’s work in the world. Yet, Paul also emphasized the importance of standing firm in the faith and avoiding those who would seek to divide the church. Paul will address the challenges and questions facing the believers in Rome as we move into the next chapter. He would offer guidance on navigating complex theological issues and practical matters of living out their faith. The road ahead would not be easy, but Paul’s words would serve as a steady beacon, calling the church to remain steadfast in their love for Christ and one another.