Welcome to the last Bible Study Chapter of Romans 16:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Romans 16:1-27“, followed with a Summary and Prayer.

Verse 1: “I commend unto you Phoebe, our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:”

Paul introduces Phoebe, a woman serving the church in Cenchrea (a port near Corinth). This immediately challenges the common misconception that women held no significant roles in the early church. “Servant” (diakonos) can mean deaconess, suggesting a position of leadership and service. Paul’s commendation implies she is trustworthy and deserving of respect and assistance.

Verse 2: “That ye receive her in the LORD, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.”

Paul urges the Romans to welcome Phoebe warmly (“in the LORD,” indicating a spiritual context) and to help her with whatever she needs. He highlights her past service to others, including himself, emphasizing her character and worthiness.

Verse 3: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in CHRIST JESUS:”

Paul greets Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple who were fellow missionaries and worked alongside him. Their partnership in ministry is a significant example of collaborative work in the early church.

Verse 4: “Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”

This powerful statement reveals the depth of their commitment and the risks they took for Paul and the gospel. Their selfless dedication is acknowledged not only by Paul but by Gentile churches across the region.

Verse 5: “Likewise greet the church that is in their house.”

Their home served as a meeting place for the church, highlighting the importance of house churches in the early spread of Christianity.

Verse 6: “Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.”

Another woman is mentioned, Mary, who worked diligently for Paul and his ministry. This further underscores the active participation of women in the early church.

Verse 7: “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in CHRIST before me.”

Andronicus and Junia are described as Paul’s relatives and fellow prisoners, and importantly, as “of note among the apostles.” The term “Junia” is debated by some scholars, but the text clearly indicates their prominence within the early apostolic movement.

Verse 8: “Greet Amplias my beloved in the LORD.”

A simple greeting to Amplias, highlighting a personal relationship with Paul.

Verse 9: “Greet Urbanus, our helper in CHRIST, and Stachys my beloved.”

More greetings to individuals who were involved in the ministry.

Verse 10:” Greet Apelles, approved in CHRIST.”

Apelles is commended for his faithfulness and commitment to CHRIST.

Verse 11: “Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.”

A greeting to the entire household of Aristobulus, suggesting a possible connection to a prominent family.

Verse 12: “Salute Herodion my kinsman.”

Another personal greeting to a relative.

Verse 13: “Greet them which are of the household of Narcissus, which are in the LORD: salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord: salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the LORD.”

More greetings, highlighting the involvement of women (“Tryphena,” “Tryphosa,” and “Persis”) in Christian service.

Verse 14: “Greet Rufus chosen in the LORD, and his mother and mine.”

A particularly touching greeting to Rufus, his mother, and Paul’s own mother, suggesting a close family connection.

Verse 15: “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.”

A group greeting to several individuals and their companions.

Verse 16: “Greet Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.”

Another group greeting, including a sister of Nereus.

Verse 17: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

A shift in tone. Paul warns against those who create divisions and teach false doctrines, urging the Romans to avoid them.

Verse 18: “For they that are such serve not our LORD JESUS CHRIST, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Paul explains the motivation of these divisive individuals: self serving ambition and manipulation of others through flattery.

Verse 19: “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men: I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Paul praises the Romans’ obedience but encourages them to be discerning, wise in recognizing good and naive in falling for evil.

Verse 20: “And the GOD of peace shall bruise satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you. Amen.”

A powerful concluding blessing, promising victory over satan and invoking the grace of CHRIST.

Verse 21: “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.”

More greetings from Paul’s associates and relatives.

Verse 22: “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the LORD.”

Tertius identifies himself as the scribe who wrote the letter.

Verse 23: “Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.”

Greetings from Gaius (a host to the church), Erastus (a city official), and Quartus.

Verse 24: “The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. Amen.”

A final, inclusive blessing for all the recipients.

Verse 25: “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of JESUS CHRIST, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,”

A doxology praising GOD’S power to strengthen the Romans in their faith.

Verse 26: “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting GOD, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:”

This refers to the revelation of the gospel, now made known through the scriptures and GOD’S command.

Verse 27: “To GOD only wise, be glory through JESUS CHRIST for ever. Amen.”

A final doxology giving glory to GOD through JESUS CHRIST.

Let’s Summarize Romans Chapter 16:

“Romans 16:1-27” is a personal and practical conclusion to Paul’s letter. It showcases the diversity and activity within the early church, highlighting the significant roles played by women and men in ministry and service. It also serves as a warning against false teachers and a powerful affirmation of GOD’S grace and the ultimate victory of CHRIST. The numerous greetings emphasize the importance of community and fellowship within the Christian faith.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank you for the rich tapestry of lives revealed in Romans Chapter 16. We pray for the strength to follow the examples of faithfulness and service shown by those mentioned in this chapter. Help us to be discerning in our faith, avoiding those who would lead us astray. Grant us the wisdom to recognize and embrace the truth of your gospel, and may your grace be with us always. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!