Romans 16
BSB1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my beloved Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my beloved Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. 17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus. 25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past 26 but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith — 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Study Notes — Romans 16
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Romans 16
- Themes from Romans 16
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Romans 16
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Romans 16, Paul commends Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea, and asks the Romans to receive her in the Lord (Romans 16:1-2). He then extends greetings to various individuals, including Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-5). Paul also warns the Romans to beware of those who cause divisions and offenses, and to mark them as enemies of the cross of Christ (Romans 16:17-18). The chapter concludes with a doxology, where Paul praises God for His wisdom and knowledge (Romans 16:25-27). Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of living a life of love, unity, and obedience to God's will.
Context for the Chapter
Romans 16 is the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans, a letter that has been described as the greatest theological treatise ever written. The chapter is a conclusion to Paul's systematic presentation of the gospel, which he began in Romans 1:1. The chapter's emphasis on unity, love, and perseverance reflects the overall theme of the letter, which is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and to encourage believers to live a life of obedience to God's will. The chapter is also situated within the larger biblical narrative, where it contributes to the overall story of God's redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As we read Romans 16, we are encouraged to examine our own lives and to ask whether we are living a life of love, unity, and perseverance. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of challenges and hardships, and to remain faithful in our witness to the gospel. May we be inspired by Paul's example and encouraged to live a life that honors God and advances the gospel.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Romans 16 is a chapter that encourages us to live a life of love, unity, and perseverance. Paul extends greetings to various individuals and warns against false teachers. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of challenges and hardships, and to remain faithful in our witness to the gospel. As Paul says in Romans 16:19, our circumstances can serve to advance the gospel, demonstrating God's power and wisdom.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of notions, but a living, burning, and powerful thing, which comes to us with the force of a revelation from God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The church is the body of Christ, and as such, it is the instrument of God's redemption in the world. We must therefore be diligent in our efforts to maintain the unity and purity of the church.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction and Greetings (Romans 16:1-2) — Paul commends Phoebe and asks the Romans to receive her in the Lord.
- Greetings to Various Individuals (Romans 16:3-16) — Paul extends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for him, and to other believers in Rome.
- Warning Against False Teachers (Romans 16:17-18) — Paul warns the Romans to beware of those who cause divisions and offenses, and to mark them as enemies of the cross of Christ.
- Conclusion and Doxology (Romans 16:19-27) — Paul concludes the chapter with a doxology, praising God for His wisdom and knowledge.
- Final Greetings (Romans 16:21-24) — Paul extends final greetings to the Romans, including Timothy, Lucius, and Jason.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Unity in the Church
- Romans 16 emphasizes the importance of unity in the church, as seen in Paul's greetings to various individuals and his warning against false teachers.
- The Power of Perseverance
- The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of challenges and hardships, and to remain faithful in their witness to the gospel.
- The Dangers of False Teaching
- Paul's warning against false teachers in Romans 16:17-18 is a stark reminder of the dangers of division and offense within the church.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Paul's circumstances serving to advance the gospel.
Lessons from Romans 16
- The Importance of Personal Relationships in Ministry — Paul's greetings to various individuals in Romans 16 demonstrate the importance of personal relationships in ministry.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — Paul's warning against false teachers in Romans 16:17-18 is a stark reminder of the dangers of division and offense within the church.
- The Power of Perseverance — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of challenges and hardships, and to remain faithful in their witness to the gospel.
- The Importance of Unity in the Church — Romans 16 emphasizes the importance of unity in the church, as seen in Paul's greetings to various individuals and his warning against false teachers.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Paul's circumstances serving to advance the gospel.
Themes from Romans 16
- Unity in the Church — Romans 16 emphasizes the importance of unity in the church, as seen in Paul's greetings to various individuals and his warning against false teachers.
- The Power of Perseverance — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of challenges and hardships, and to remain faithful in their witness to the gospel.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — Paul's warning against false teachers in Romans 16:17-18 is a stark reminder of the dangers of division and offense within the church.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Paul's circumstances serving to advance the gospel.
- The Importance of Personal Relationships in Ministry — Paul's greetings to various individuals in Romans 16 demonstrate the importance of personal relationships in ministry.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Paul's example of extending personal greetings to various individuals in Romans 16?
- How can we apply Paul's warning against false teachers in our own lives and in our churches?
- What does Romans 16 teach us about the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and hardships?
- How can we demonstrate our love and unity with other believers, as encouraged in Romans 16?
- What role does God's sovereignty play in our lives, according to Romans 16?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction and Greetings (Romans 16:1-2)
| Romans 16:1 | Paul commends Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea, and asks the Romans to receive her in the Lord. |
| Romans 16:2 | Paul asks the Romans to assist Phoebe in whatever way she may need, as she has been a helper of many, including Paul himself. |
2. Greetings to Various Individuals (Romans 16:3-16)
| Romans 16:3 | Paul extends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for him. |
| Romans 16:4 | Paul also greets the church that meets in their home, and Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. |
| Romans 16:5 | Paul greets Mary, who worked hard for the Romans, and Andronicus and Junias, who were outstanding among the apostles. |
3. Warning Against False Teachers (Romans 16:17-18)
| Romans 16:17 | Paul warns the Romans to beware of those who cause divisions and offenses, and to mark them as enemies of the cross of Christ. |
| Romans 16:18 | Paul explains that such people are not serving Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. |
4. Conclusion and Doxology (Romans 16:19-27)
| Romans 16:19 | Paul expresses his confidence that the Romans are wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil, and he wants them to be wise in what is good, but innocent in what is evil. |
| Romans 16:20 | Paul says that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under their feet, and he greets them with a holy kiss. |
| Romans 16:21 | Paul extends greetings from Timothy, Lucius, and Jason, and from all the brothers who are with him. |
5. Final Greetings (Romans 16:21-24)
| Romans 16:21 | Paul extends greetings from Timothy, Lucius, and Jason, and from all the brothers who are with him. |
| Romans 16:22 | Paul extends greetings from Tertius, who wrote down the letter, and from Gaius, who is host to Paul and to the whole church. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Phoebe, and why is she important in Romans 16?
Phoebe is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, and Paul commends her and asks the Romans to receive her in the Lord (Romans 16:1-2). She is an example of a faithful servant of the Lord, and her ministry is an encouragement to all believers.
What is the warning against false teachers in Romans 16:17-18?
Paul warns the Romans to beware of those who cause divisions and offenses, and to mark them as enemies of the cross of Christ. He explains that such people are not serving Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
What is the significance of the doxology in Romans 16:25-27?
The doxology is a praise to God for His wisdom and knowledge, and it is a conclusion to the letter to the Romans. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, and it encourages believers to trust in Him and to live a life of obedience to His will.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 16:1 → Acts 18:26 | Phoebe is also mentioned in Acts 18:26, where she is described as a servant of the church in Cenchrea. |
| 2 | Romans 16:3 → Acts 18:2 | Priscilla and Aquila are also mentioned in Acts 18:2, where they are described as tentmakers who were forced to leave Rome due to Claudius' edict. |
| 3 | Romans 16:5 → 1 Corinthians 16:19 | The church that meets in the home of Priscilla and Aquila is also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:19. |
| 4 | Romans 16:17 → Matthew 7:15 | The warning against false teachers in Romans 16:17 is similar to Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:15, where He says 'Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves'. |
| 5 | Romans 16:19 → Philippians 3:1 | The phrase 'to write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is safe' in Romans 16:19 is similar to Philippians 3:1, where Paul says 'Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is safe'. |
| 6 | Romans 16:20 → Genesis 3:15 | The phrase 'the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet' in Romans 16:20 is a reference to the prophecy in Genesis 3:15, where God says 'I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel'. |
| 7 | Romans 16:25 → Ephesians 3:9 | The phrase 'the revelation of the mystery' in Romans 16:25 is similar to Ephesians 3:9, where Paul says 'and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things'. |
| 8 | Romans 16:26 → 1 Timothy 2:4 | The phrase 'to all the nations' in Romans 16:26 is similar to 1 Timothy 2:4, where Paul says 'who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth'. |
| 9 | Romans 16:27 → Jude 1:25 | The doxology in Romans 16:27 is similar to Jude 1:25, where Jude says 'to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen'. |
| 10 | Romans 16:25-27 → Revelation 1:6 | The doxology in Romans 16:25-27 is also similar to Revelation 1:6, where John says 'to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen'. |
Sermons on Romans 16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews) 3-Cain and Abel by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various topics related to faith and obedience to God. He mentions the story of Noah and the ark, highlighting how God's plan was perfect and |
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(Basics) 2. God Makes Evil Work for Good by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a businessman who drifted away from God as his business prospered. Despite the elders of his church trying to bring him back to faith |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Infinite Wisdom of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God, in His wisdom, has allowed the world to be under occupation by foreign soldiers. The preacher uses the book of Romans to explain tha |
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Adam's Conversion by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher describes the human spirit as a royal residence created by God. The human personality, consisting of the mind, emotion, and will, is compared to a musi |
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The Church That Goes Through the Great Tribulation by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love in holding the church together. He urges believers to walk worthy of their calling with humility, meekness, and love |
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Commending and Welcoming Radical Risk Takers for Christ by John Piper | This sermon focuses on the lives of saints in different locations, emphasizing the importance of serving God faithfully, being Christ-centered in all aspects of life, and being wil |
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Carry My Love to My Beloved by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the importance of expressing love and affection towards fellow believers, highlighting the significance of genuine relationships rooted in Christ's love. The |
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Freedom of Spirit by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the nature of the liquid we consume. He compares bad liquid to rock, symbolizing negative influences, and good liquid to m |
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Adam's Conversion - the Fall of Man by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher describes the human spirit as a royal residence created by God. The human personality, consisting of the mind, emotion, and will, is compared to a musi |
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God's Heart in Church Discipline by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of church discipline without any bias or favoritism. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including 1 Cori |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans 16
In Romans 16, Matthew Henry notes that Paul's greetings to various individuals demonstrate his love and care for the Roman believers. Henry also emphasizes the importance of warning against false teachers, who cause divisions and offenses within the church. He encourages believers to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil, and to trust in God's sovereignty and power. The doxology in Romans 16:25-27 is a praise to God for His wisdom and knowledge, and it emphasizes God's sovereignty and power. Henry concludes that the letter to the Romans is a powerful presentation of the gospel, and that it encourages believers to live a life of obedience to God's will. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's Personal Touch
Throughout the chapter, Paul extends personal greetings to various individuals, demonstrating his care and concern for the Roman believers. This personal touch is a hallmark of Paul's ministry and reflects his love for the church.
Warning Against False Teachers
Paul's warning against false teachers in Romans 16:17-18 is a stark reminder of the dangers of division and offense within the church. This warning encourages believers to be vigilant and to mark those who cause divisions as enemies of the cross of Christ.
The Power of Perseverance
The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and hardships. Paul's own circumstances, which could have hindered his ministry, ultimately served to advance the gospel, demonstrating the power of perseverance and trust in God's sovereignty.