Romans 16 - Greetings and Final Instructions
Commendations, Warnings, and the Grace of God
Romans 16
Greetings and Love Expressed
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;
that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever * matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles;
also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.
Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.
Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord.
Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them.
Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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,
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;
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.
Three Questions
What roles do women play in the early Roman church?
How does Paul address internal conflicts and external threats?
What is the overall tone and purpose of this letter?
Question 1 - What roles do women play in the early Roman church?
Here are some of the roles women played in the early Roman church, as described in the source:
Phoebe is described as a "minister of the church at Cenchreae" and a benefactor.
Prisca is mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila, as a "co-worker in Christ Jesus" who "risked their necks" for Paul. The church also met in their house.
Mary is acknowledged for working hard for the church in Rome.
Junia is called an "apostle" who was "prominent among the apostles" and was "in Christ before" Paul.
Tryphaena and Tryphosa are described as "workers in the Lord."
Persis is called "beloved" and is said to have "worked hard in the Lord."
The mother of Rufus is acknowledged alongside him, and Paul refers to her as "his mother" too.
It's important to note that this list only includes women mentioned by name in Romans 16. There were likely many other women who played important roles in the early Roman church. This passage demonstrates that women in the early church served in various roles, including leadership positions and roles that involved hard work and even risk to their lives.
Question 2 - How does Paul address internal conflicts and external threats?
Here are some ways Paul addresses internal conflicts and external threats in Romans 16:
He warns against those who create dissensions and obstacles. Paul urges his readers to "watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles, in opposition to the teaching that you learned; avoid them." He characterizes these individuals as serving their "own appetites" and deceiving "the hearts of the innocent" with "fair and flattering speech."
He encourages unity and love within the community. Paul emphasizes the importance of positive relationships, demonstrated through his extensive greetings to individuals and families within the church. He encourages them to "greet one another with a holy kiss," signifying a bond of peace and fellowship.
He emphasizes the power of God to overcome threats. Paul expresses confidence that "the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet." He highlights God's strength and sovereignty in the face of external challenges.
He promotes discernment and wisdom. Paul encourages his readers to be "wise as to what is good and simple as to what is evil." This suggests a need for discernment to navigate internal conflicts and external pressures.
Question 3 - What is the overall tone and purpose of this letter?
The overall tone of the letter is warm, encouraging, and authoritative. The purpose is to commend Phoebe to the church in Rome, give greetings, offer warnings against division, and impart a final blessing.
The author begins by warmly commending Phoebe to the church and asking them to assist her.
He then sends numerous greetings to individuals and groups within the church.
This section highlights the author’s affection for the recipients and his familiarity with the Roman church.
The tone shifts slightly as the author urges his audience to “watch out” for those who cause division within the church and to “avoid them”.
The author warns that such people “do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites” and deceive others with “fair and flattering speech”.
He encourages them to “be wise as to what is good, and simple as to what is evil”.
The letter concludes with a final blessing and doxology.
The combination of warm greetings, personal commendations, warnings against division, and a final blessing reveals a multifaceted purpose.
The author seeks to encourage and strengthen the Roman church while also addressing potential threats to its unity and well-being.
Today’s Action
Romans 16 is a chapter that includes personal greetings and commendations to various individuals in the early church, highlighting the importance of community and recognizing the contributions of others. One action you can take to apply the teachings of Romans 16 is to express gratitude and appreciation:
Acknowledge and Thank Someone for Their Contributions: Identify someone in your community, workplace, or church who has made a positive impact or contributed significantly. Take the time to personally thank them, either through a note, a conversation, or a public acknowledgment, for their efforts and dedication.
This action reflects the spirit of Romans 16, where Paul takes the time to greet and commend many individuals for their work and support in the ministry. By expressing gratitude, you strengthen community bonds and encourage others in their contributions.
Check out this podcast as the hosts do a deep dive on this topic.