Romans Chapter 16
Greetings to the Christians in Rome
A. Greetings to many different Christians
1. A Recommendation of Phoebe
Romans 16:1–2: “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.”
The Apostle Paul begins his closing chapter with a personal commendation of Phoebe, a faithful servant of Christ from the church in Cenchrea, the eastern port of Corinth. Paul commends her to the believers in Rome, likely because she was entrusted with carrying this precious epistle to them. In the ancient world, letters of recommendation were common, serving both as a practical safeguard against deceivers and as a means of establishing trust within Christian communities. By commending Phoebe, Paul ensures that she is received with honor and helped in any matter she might need while in Rome.
Paul’s acknowledgment highlights the value of women in the work of the gospel. He calls Phoebe a “servant of the church,” using the same Greek word diakonos that is elsewhere translated “deacon.” While this does not necessarily mean she held the formal office of a deaconess, it does affirm that she was a recognized and trusted minister in practical service to the saints. Her very name, Phoebe, meaning “bright” or “radiant,” was associated in pagan culture with Apollo, yet she did not change it upon conversion. This reminds us that Christ redeems individuals without requiring them to alter their personal identity, but instead transforms their lives so that their names, even if tied to pagan associations, become testimonies of grace.
Paul notes that she had been “a helper of many and of myself also.” The word “helper” here carries the sense of a patron, someone who offers resources, support, and protection. This is one of the highest compliments Paul could give, underscoring that practical service and generosity are vital to the advance of the gospel. Without such faithful helpers, the work of ministry would be greatly hindered. Thus, Phoebe stands as an example of godly service, reminding believers of the importance of supporting gospel work in whatever capacity God enables.
2. Greetings to Priscilla and Aquila
Romans 16:3–5a: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.”
Paul next extends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, a husband-and-wife team who were close companions in ministry. They are first introduced in Acts 18:2, where they are described as Jewish tentmakers who had recently left Rome due to the decree of Claudius expelling Jews from the city. They later assisted Paul in Corinth, traveled with him to Ephesus (Acts 18:18), and even instructed the eloquent preacher Apollos more accurately in the way of the Lord (Acts 18:26). By this time, they had returned to Rome, demonstrating their steadfastness in service despite repeated upheavals.
Paul honors them as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,” a title reserved for those who labored alongside him in the advance of the gospel. Their devotion is further highlighted by their willingness to risk their own lives for Paul. Though the details of this event are unknown, it is clear that their courage had a profound impact not only on Paul personally but also on the broader body of Christ, for “all the churches of the Gentiles” gave thanks for them. This illustrates how the faithfulness of a few can bless many.
Paul also greets “the church that is in their house.” In the first century, there were no dedicated church buildings. Instead, believers met in homes, often hosted by those with the means and space to do so. Each house gathering functioned as a local congregation, likely with its own leadership and teaching. The example of Priscilla and Aquila shows that their home was not merely a private dwelling but an outpost for the kingdom of God. Their hospitality and commitment to the body of Christ set a model for Christian stewardship, where one’s home and resources are placed at the disposal of the Lord.
Charles Spurgeon once contrasted this godly couple with Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 5. Whereas the latter conspired together in hypocrisy and deceit, Priscilla and Aquila united in sincerity and devotion to Christ. Their example demonstrates the power of a husband and wife pulling together in faithful service to the Lord, showing how Christian marriage can be a mighty force for the advancement of the gospel.
Various Greetings
Romans 16:5b–16: “Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are 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. The churches of Christ greet you.”
Paul continues his closing chapter with an extraordinary series of personal greetings, reminding us that this great theological epistle was not an abstract treatise but a pastoral letter written to real people—brothers and sisters in Christ whom Paul knew and loved. Twenty-four individuals are named, plus several groups, showing Paul’s wide network of relationships. This passage demonstrates the relational heart of Christianity and the personal affection that undergirded Paul’s ministry.
Epaenetus
Paul begins by greeting “my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.” The phrase firstfruits indicates that Epaenetus was one of the earliest converts in the province of Achaia, which included Corinth, the city where Paul wrote this letter. Just as the firstfruits of a harvest were offered to God under the Old Testament law, so this man stood as the first pledge of a greater harvest to come. Paul calls him beloved, a term of deep personal affection that he never used lightly. Epaenetus reminds us that every soul won to Christ is precious and that those first saved in a region hold a special place in the memory of the church.
Mary
Next, Paul greets “Mary, who labored much for us.” Her exact identity is unknown, but her labor was not. Paul’s emphasis is not on titles or positions, but on the reality of sacrificial service. To labor “much” suggests strenuous effort, perhaps in hospitality, acts of mercy, or ministry support. The name Mary was common, but what made this Mary notable was her selfless work for the sake of Christ and His people.
Andronicus and Junia
Paul then mentions “Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” These were Jewish believers (Paul calls them “my countrymen”) and they had even shared imprisonment with Paul for the sake of the gospel. He notes that they had come to faith in Christ before him, likely in the earliest years following Pentecost.
The phrase “of note among the apostles” has been debated. It may mean that Andronicus and Junia were highly esteemed by the apostles, or that they themselves were considered apostolic emissaries (not of the Twelve, but recognized messengers of the churches). Some have suggested Junia was a woman, and if so, this verse would be the strongest evidence of a woman serving in such a capacity. Yet even if that is the case, it is not evidence of holding the governing office of apostle equal to the Twelve, but of being notable servants of Christ sent forth for gospel work. Their faithfulness, regardless of their precise role, was of great renown.
Amplias, Urbanus, Stachys, and Apelles
Paul next greets “Amplias, my beloved in the Lord,” and “Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.” These men are otherwise unknown to us, but Paul’s warm words give them eternal honor. In fact, a tomb inscription in the earliest Christian catacombs in Rome bears the name AMPLIAS, leading some to suggest it may have been this very believer. Urbanus is called a “fellow worker,” showing that his service was recognized alongside Paul’s. Stachys, again, is called beloved. Then Paul commends “Apelles, approved in Christ,” a man tested and found genuine in faith. Perhaps Apelles had endured trials or persecution, emerging as one whose faith had proven true. His life stood as a testimony to perseverance.
Aristobulus and Narcissus
Paul greets “those who are of the household of Aristobulus.” The absence of Aristobulus himself may suggest he was not a believer, though some in his household were. This highlights how the gospel often penetrates families unevenly, saving some while others resist. Charles Spurgeon once warned that many today, like Aristobulus, live in homes where grace abounds but never yield their own hearts to Christ. Similarly, Paul sends greetings to “those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.” Again, it appears that some in the household had believed, even if their master had not. The gospel works its way through households, servants, and entire family structures, sometimes beginning with those thought least likely.
Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis
Paul greets “Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord.” These names, likely sisters or close relatives, both mean “delicate” or “dainty,” yet Paul honors them for their labor in the Lord. The irony is striking: women whose names suggested delicacy were strong in service to Christ. He also greets “the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.” While Tryphena and Tryphosa are honored for their labor, Persis is noted as having labored much, suggesting an even greater devotion and effort. Spurgeon rightly observed that while all labor for Christ is honorable, it is a greater honor still to labor much. These women remind us that God values diligent, faithful service regardless of recognition from men.
Rufus and His Mother
Paul then greets “Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” Rufus may have been the same man mentioned in Mark 15:21, where Simon of Cyrene is described as “the father of Alexander and Rufus,” the man compelled to bear Christ’s cross. If so, this Rufus may have been well known to the Roman church. Paul calls him “chosen in the Lord,” likely a recognition of his eminence among believers. He also honors Rufus’s mother, who had evidently cared for Paul in a motherly way during his labors. This demonstrates the deep family bonds that are forged in Christ, where even unrelated believers become as mothers and sons to one another.
Nereus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, Philologus, Julia, Olympas
Paul continues with a list of additional names: “Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.” Many of these names were common among servants and freedmen, and some, such as Nereus, may connect with known historical figures. In A.D. 95, two high-ranking Romans were executed for their faith, and their household servant was named Nereus. Some suggest that this may have been the very man Paul greets here, showing how the gospel reached both the lowest servants and the highest nobility.
Notably, of the twenty-four names in this chapter, thirteen appear in inscriptions connected with the imperial household. Paul may very well have been greeting many who served in Caesar’s household, confirming what he later wrote in Philippians 4:22: “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.”
The Holy Kiss
Paul closes this section with the command: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” In the ancient world, a kiss was a common cultural greeting, as Jesus noted in Luke 7:45 when rebuking Simon the Pharisee: “You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in.” In the church, this greeting became a sign of genuine fellowship and unity in Christ. However, even in the early centuries, abuses arose. Clement of Alexandria complained that some churches turned the holy kiss into an occasion of impropriety. Thus, the command is not about the form of greeting but about the spirit of holy affection and sincere love among believers.
The Value of Paul’s Extensive Greetings
This passage, rich with names, reveals that the Book of Romans was not written to faceless theologians but to real people—ordinary men and women who loved Christ. Leon Morris noted that this section demonstrates that Romans is “a letter to real people and, as far as we can see, ordinary people.” Spurgeon further emphasized that we should not only admire the front-rank leaders of the church but also love the “rank and file” of God’s army. These greetings remind us that the Christian faith values every servant, whether their labor is great or small, known or unknown.
Particularly striking is the number of women mentioned: Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Julia, and the mother of Rufus. Their contributions were vital, yet consistent with the biblical order of the church. As Newell wisely noted, the ministry of women in the Spirit is distinct from assuming authority over men, yet it is invaluable in its proper sphere. The honor given to these women shows the breadth of the Spirit’s work in the early church.
Finally, the variety of labor is noted—some labored, others labored much. This distinction reminds us that the measure of honor in the kingdom is tied to the measure of faithful service. Those who labor much for Christ are held in highest esteem, not for their status, but for their sacrifice.
Concluding Words and Warnings
A Word of Warning Regarding Dividers and Deceivers
Romans 16:17–20: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
Paul moves from affectionate greetings to an urgent warning, reminding the believers in Rome of the constant threat posed by false teachers and divisive influences. Though the Roman church had a reputation for faithfulness and obedience, Paul understood that vigilance was necessary to preserve unity and purity. He calls the believers to watch carefully for those who bring division and deception, and to avoid them entirely.
Mark and Avoid Dividers and Deceivers
Paul says, “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” To “note” means to carefully watch, identify, and mark such people. Divisions fracture the unity of the body, while offenses refer to doctrinal stumbling blocks—false teachings that oppose the truth already received. Once such individuals are identified, the response is not debate or compromise, but avoidance. To allow divisive or deceptive voices to gain a hearing in the church is to give Satan a foothold.
This strikes at the heart of God’s design for the church, which is to be “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Truth without unity produces pride, while unity without truth results in apostasy. Both must be held together in balance: the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) and the sound doctrine once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
Paul’s urgency is evident: “Now I urge you, brethren.” The tone suggests this was a deeply personal exhortation. Some scholars believe Paul may have even taken the pen from his scribe Tertius at this point to write these words himself, emphasizing their gravity. As Newell once observed, “Mad dogs are shot; infectious diseases are quarantined; but evil teachers who would divide to their destruction and draw away the saints with teaching contrary to the doctrine of Christ and His Apostles are everywhere tolerated!”
The Subtle Tactics of Deceivers
Paul explains why this warning is so necessary: “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” Dividers and deceivers rarely reveal their true motives. They present themselves as noble, as if fighting for truth or justice, yet Paul unmasks them: they are ultimately serving their own appetites—their own selfish desires and ambitions.
Their tools are “smooth words and flattering speech.” False teachers often gain influence not by openly contradicting the gospel but by subtly appealing to pride, emotion, or curiosity. They target “the simple,” those who are immature in the faith, easily swayed, or not grounded in doctrine. This is why Paul earlier emphasized the importance of sound teaching and being established in the gospel. The best way to guard against deception is not to study every counterfeit but to know the truth so thoroughly that error is immediately recognizable.
The Roman Believers Commended
Paul reassures them, saying: “For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf.” The Roman church had already established a testimony of faithful obedience, and Paul rejoices in their reputation. They were not in the midst of a doctrinal crisis but were standing firm. Yet Paul warns that diligence must not slacken. Past victories do not guarantee future security; continued vigilance is required.
He then exhorts them: “I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.” The best defense against false teaching is not to study error endlessly, but to be deeply wise in the knowledge of truth. Likewise, to be “simple concerning evil” does not mean to be naïve, but to be innocent—unacquainted with sin’s ways, not dwelling on the intricacies of wickedness but keeping one’s focus on righteousness.
The Promise of God’s Victory
Paul closes with a word of hope: “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” The language here deliberately echoes Genesis 3:15, where God promised that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head. Christ fulfilled this at the cross, disarming principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15) and securing ultimate victory. Yet believers also share in this triumph, for Paul says Satan will be crushed “under your feet.” God Himself performs the crushing, but His people are included in the victory.
This promise has both a present and future dimension. Every time the church resists false teaching and maintains its unity and purity, Satan suffers a defeat. But the ultimate fulfillment awaits the future when Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–3) and finally consigned to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). Thus, each present victory is a preview of that coming day when Christ will reign supreme and Satan’s power will be completely destroyed.
