Romans 16 is like a heartfelt group photo at a family reunion, where Paul sends warm greetings to a tapestry of friends and fellow believers. Each name he mentions represents connections, stories, and shared faith that build the early church.
The Reading: Romans 16
World English Bible1 I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,
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2 that 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.
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3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
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4 who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.
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5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
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6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
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7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.
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8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.
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9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.
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10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
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11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
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12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.
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13 Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
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14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
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15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
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16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.
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17 Now 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.
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18 For 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.
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19 For 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.
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20 And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.
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22 I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.
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23 Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.
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24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.
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What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In this final chapter of Romans, Paul takes a moment to commend Phoebe, a deaconess from Cenchreae, urging the church in Rome to welcome and support her. He acknowledges her contributions, highlighting how she has helped many, including himself.
Greetings to Beloved Friends
Paul then launches into a long list of greetings to various individuals and groups. Among them are Prisca and Aquila, a married couple who risked their lives for Paul. He expresses gratitude for their support and mentions that they host a church in their home. Other notable mentions include Mary, who worked hard for the church, and Andronicus and Junia, who are recognized as notable apostles.
The list continues with people from various backgrounds and roles within the church, showing the diversity and unity of the early Christian community. Paul encourages the Romans to greet one another with a holy kiss, emphasizing affection and unity among believers.
A Warning Against Division
Towards the end, Paul shifts his tone slightly to address concerns about divisions within the church. He warns the community to be vigilant against those who create conflicts or teach contrary doctrines. He emphasizes the need for discernment, urging them to stay innocent regarding evil while being wise about good.
Paul concludes with a triumphant note, proclaiming that the God of peace will soon crush Satan, reminding them of the ultimate victory of good over evil. He sends blessings from his companions and expresses affection for the community in Rome.
Why It Matters
Embracing Community
Romans 16 teaches us the power of community and connection in our faith journeys. Every name Paul mentions reminds us that no one walks alone; we need each other. The diversity of names reflects a rich tapestry of backgrounds, reminding us that the church is a place for everyone, regardless of where they come from.
Unity Over Division
Paul's warning against division is particularly relevant today. It's easy to get caught up in disagreements and lose sight of our shared mission. Instead, we should focus on what brings us together: our love for Christ and one another. Building unity requires effort and intention, and we can find inspiration in the relationships Paul highlights.
If you're looking for a church community to connect with, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Join a group of believers where you can grow together and support one another in faith.
The Power of Encouragement
Lastly, this chapter emphasizes the importance of encouragement. Paul's greetings uplift those mentioned and serve as a reminder to express gratitude and support to those around us. A simple greeting or acknowledgment can go a long way in fostering a vibrant community.
Coming Up Next: 1 Corinthians 1
In the next part of our journey, we'll dive into 1 Corinthians 1, where Paul addresses issues of division within the Corinthian church. Get ready to explore how he encourages unity amidst challenges!