Romans 16
Sincere Salutations to the Believers: Romans 16:1-27
Phebe,
Phoebe (fe' be; radiant), was a Christian lady
who was part of the church at Cenchrea. (Romans 16:1) Cenchrea (sen'kreah; pulverized, granular) which
refers to a
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant [deaconess]
of the church which is at Cenchrea:
16:1 In matchless grace God entrusted this epistle
to the hand of a woman during difficult days. Christians throughout the
centuries owes to Phebe a debt of honor, appreciation and gratitude. God
watched over her to preserve this valuable manuscript that was delivered safely
into the hands of the elders at
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.
16:2
Having set forth the nature (Romans
First Series:
Salutation to Specific Saints: Romans 16: 3-20
3 Greet Priscilla and
16:3
·
Priscilla (pris'sil'lah; ancient, little old woman), with her Christian Jewish
husband
·
Aquilla (ac'quilah; eagle), was a Jewish man born in
·
When the apostle began his travels to
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.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my
well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
16:4-5
·
Epaenetus (epen'etus; praiseworthy), was one of the first to be converted to
Christ from Achaia. (Romans 16:5) Achaia (akah'yah,
lit.
6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
16:6
·
Mary,
an unknown lady of great grace who labored on behalf of the
apostle Paul. (Romans 16:6)
7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who
are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ [Christians] before me.
16:7
·
Andronicus (andronni'cus; conquering man), was Paul’s relative who shared a
prison sentence with the apostle. (Romans 15:7)
·
Junia, was a certain disciple at
the city of
8 Greet Amplias my beloved [dear friend] in the Lord.
16:8
·
Amplias
(am'pleas; enlarged), a common name
among the slaves of
9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
16:9
·
Urbane (
·
Stachys (sta'kis; an ear [of corn]) was a disciple in the Church of Rome.
Paul sent him personal greetings. (Romans 16:9)
10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of
Aristobulus' household.
·
Apelles
(apel'leze; called) was an approved Christian in
·
Aristobulus
(aristobu'lus; best advising; best
counselor) was a Christian in
11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household
of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
·
Herodion (hero'deon), was a Christian at Rome, a Jewish kinsman of Paul
(Romans 16:11).
·
Narcissus (narsis’ us; a well-known flower), was a member of the Church in
Rome to whom Paul sent special greetings. (Romans 16:11)
12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the
beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
16:12
·
Tryphaena
(trifenah; delicate), and Tryphosa (trifo'sah, dainty) were two Christian woman of Rome to whom Paul
sent a special salutation for their service for the Savior. (Romans 16:12).
·
Persis
(pur'sis; that cuts or, divides, a horseman), was a beloved
Christian lady in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings. (Romans 16:12) She gave
much spiritual labor for the cause of Christ.
13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
16:13
·
Rufus
(ru' fus; red), was one included by
Paul among those in Rome to whom he sent special greetings. (Romans 16:13) His
mother was also honored as being a spiritual mother to Paul.
Another
man by this name was the brother of Alexander and the son of Simon the
Cyrenian, whom the Jews forced to help bear the cross of Christ on His way to
Calvary (Mark 15:21).
14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the
brethren which are with them.
16:14
·
Asyncritus
(asin'critus; incomparable or, unlike) was a Christian in Rome whom
Paul greeted in the Lord prior to his visit to the great city. (Romans 16:14)
He was probably a slave.
·
Phlegon
(fle'gon; burning), was a Christian
disciple at the church in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings. He was probably a
slave.
·
Hermas
(her'mas), was a Christian who resided
in Rome. (Romans 16:14) He was probably a slave.
·
Patrobas
(pat'robas; life of his father), was
a Christian in the city of Rome to whom Paul sent a greeting. (Romans 16:14) He
was probably a slave.
·
Hermes
(her'mees; gain, refuge), was a
Christian in Rome to whom Paul wrote. (Romans 16:14) He too was probably a
slave.
15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas,
and all the saints which are with them.
16:15
·
Philologogus (filol'ogus; fond of talk), was a Christian disciple in Rome to whom
Paul sent greeting. (Romans 16:15) He may have been the husband of Julia.
·
Julia (ju'leah), is the feminine of Julius. Julia was a woman who was a
disciple at the city of Rome. (Romans 16:15)
·
Nereus (ne' reus; a lamp), is the name of a Roman Christian to whom Paul
sent greetings, AD 60. He may have been servant of the emperor of Rome. (Romans
16:15) His sister is not named.
·
Olympas (olim'pas; heavenly), was a prominent believer in the house church
at Rome. (Romans 16:15)
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute
you.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
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.
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 [harmless] concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my
kinsmen, salute [greet] you.
16:21
·
Timothy
(tim' othy; beloved of
God), was taught the Law of God by his mother and grandmother (1 Tim. 1:5;
3:15). His mother was a Jewess and his father was a Greek (Acts 16:13).
Timothy was converted at Lystra when Paul made his first visit there
(Acts 14:6; 2 Tim. 1:5). The apostle Paul wanted Timothy to journey with him on
his missionary work. After he was circumcised by the apostle, Timothy was set
apart by the laying on of hands (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6; 4:5).
He
traveled with Luke and Silvanus to Phillippi (Acts 16:12), where he was
entrusted with the care of a church. Timothy appears at Berea, later uniting
with Paul at Athens. From Athens, Timothy was sent to Thessalonica (1 Thess.
3:2).
·
He returned to Athens. His name is
associated with Paul's who wrote to the city of Thessalonica (1 Thess. 1:1; 2
Thess. 1:1) and to the Church of Rome. (Romans 16:21).
Timothy
was also with Paul when the apostle wrote the Epistles to the Philippians, to
the Colossians, and to Philemon (Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; Phil. 1). Paul left
Timothy at Ephesus to oversee the care for the church (2 Tim. 1:4).
·
Lucius (lushi’ us, Lat. for Lucius,
surnamed the Cyrenain), was one of the prophets and teachers who ministered at
Antioch. In the year AD 45, moved by the Holy Spirit, he ordained Barnabas and
Paul to the work of the ministry. (Acts 13:1; Romans 16:21)
·
Jason (ja' sun; healing), provided for the needs of Paul and Silas in
Thessalonica. When a mob wanted to hurt Paul but could not find him, they
dragged Jason before the ruler who released him (Acts 17:59).
·
Sosipater (sosip'atur; savior of his father), was a kinsman of Paul who sent
greetings by the letter of Paul to the church at Rome. (Romans 16:21; note Acts
20:4)
22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the
Lord.
16:22
·
Tertius (tur'sheus; third), was a disciple who acted as an amanuensis
[secretary] to the Apostle Paul in the writing of The Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:22) He may the same as Titius
Justus of Acts 18:7.
23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain [treasurer] of the
city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
16:23
·
Gaius (gah'yus), was a resident of the city of Corinth whom Paul baptized.
(1 Cor. 1:14) Christians assembled in the home of Gaius. (Romans 16:23)
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.
16:24
·
Erastus
(eras'tus; beloved), was the
treasurer [chamberlain] of the city (perhaps Corinth cf. 2 Tim. 4:20). He was
one of the first converts to Christianity (Romans 16:23).
·
Quartus
(quar'tus; a fourth), refers to a
Christian from the city of Corinth who sent greetings by way of Paul to Rome.
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,
16:25 The
revelation of the mystery (Rom. 16:25) Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, the revelation of the mystery is made
manifest.
“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to
youward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery;
(as I wrote
afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in
the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of
men, as it is now
revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body,
and partakers of His promise in Christ by the Gospel: whereof I was made a
minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the
effectual working of His power.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and
to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the
beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus
Christ: to the intent that now unto
the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church
the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed
in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence
by the faith of Him” (Ephesians 3:1-12 cf. Col. 1:26ff).
What a wonderful truth it is
that God loves Gentiles as well as Jews. God loves the nations as He has loved
Israel. In matchless grace the gospel goes forth calling souls to salvation. No
wonder Paul says, and all who love Christ says with him, “To
God only wise, be glory
through Jesus Christ, for ever. Amen.”
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:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
16:5-25 Woven into fabric of the apostle’s
concluding comments are six special topics that are worthy of brief
consideration.
·
Home churches. (Romans 16:5) When the New
Testament expression of the Church first met to worship, they generally did so
in private homes. Such a physical setting allowed for a less formal leadership
structure.
·
A forum was provided for an active participation by all with emphasis
on the priesthood of believers.
Relationships were emphasized and
nurtured by singing of songs,
apostolic doctrine, teaching,
communion, prayer, testimonies,
exhortations, and expressions of
affection. (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 12:611;
Romans 16:16) The institutional
church that exists today emerged with the passage of time. The local assembly
of believers is generally characterized today by a formal structure (i.e. a building,
legal incorporation and staff), and a paid clergy (Pastors, etc.).
·
The need for verbal and
physical affection. (Romans 16: 16) A spirit of gratitude, along with verbal and
physical expressions of love, should be part
of the Christian fellowship. Notice how often Paul refers to someone as my
beloved, my helper etc.
·
Church Discipline. (Romans 16:17,18 cf. Matt.
18:15-17) While church discipline is certainly commanded by the Scriptures, it
much be something more than a religious judicial process against immorality and
doctrinal error. Church discipline is to take place within the context of a
loving and caring pastoral environment. It is to be under girded by instruction
in righteousness, and permeated by gentleness and humility on the part of those
who dare to administer discipline (Matt. 7:15; 28:20; John 21:15-17; Gal. 6:1;
2 Tim. 2:14-26; Titus 2; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:5-11; 2 Thess.
3:6, 14-15; Tit. 1:10-14; 3:9-11).
·
The defeat of Satan. (Romans 16:20) The
Christian is wise to acknowledge the reality of Satan, take his opposition
seriously, and understand his various strategies. There is a spiritual warfare
and every Christian is part of it. However, Christ has already won the
ultimate victory over the greatest enemy of heaven and earth. (Heb. 2:14) Satan
is a strong creature but he is not divine. He is neither omniscient nor
omnipotent, nor is he omnipresent. Moreover, His ultimate destiny is the Lake
of Fire. (Rev. 20:10)
16:25-27
The Epistle to the Romans comes to an end with a doxology that also serves as
a summary of the message that Paul preached in love. In this closing paragraph, we have a great doctrinal declaration: God,
the only true God, is of power to stablish those who believe in Him and receive
Him as their God. Paul says that God establishes them according to my Gospel
and the preaching of Jesus Christ. Paul, like all other God ordained, Godsent
ministers, preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ – and the Gospel is the death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the Scriptures.
Writing
to the Corinthian believers, Paul said, “Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel
which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand:
By which ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless
you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and
that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the
Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:14). Paul had a singular subject: The death, the burial,
the resurrection of Jesus according to the Scriptures” (Romans, Oliver B.
Greene).
It is the gospel that calls
forth the greatest praises from the souls of the saints who love the Savior and
value His redemptive work at Calvary. And what a privilege it is to be used of
God to tell the greatest story ever told. It is the story of Jesus and His
love.
Conclusion
There is a wonderful old story
about how Christ returned to heaven after the ordeal of Calvary and after His
resurrection. The marks of His great sufferings were still visible. An angel
approached the Lord and said to him, “You
must have suffered terribly for men down there. Jesus said simply enough, I did. Do they all know about what you did
for them?” asked the angel.
“No”, responded the Lord, “Not
yet. Only a few know so far. Well,”
said the angel, “what have you done that
the rest of mankind might know?”
And Jesus replied, “I have asked Peter and James and John and
the rest of the disciples and their converts to make it their business to share
with others and they in turn with still others until the fartherest man on the
widest circle of the globe has heard the gospel.”
The angel looked skeptical,
for he knew all too well the frailty of fallen humanity. “Oh”, he said, “but what if
Peter and James and John and others forget? What if they grow weary in well
doing? What if they grow tired of telling the story? What then? Do you not have
other plans?”
And Jesus answered, “I have no other plans. I’m counting on
them.”
~*~
Student’s Study Guide
Questions on Romans 16
1. What role did Phoebe play in
the early church?
2. How are individuals who
bring disruption to the body of Christ to be treated? (Rom. 16:18).
3. What physical display of
affection is allowed within the body of Christ? (Rom. 16:16).
4. Who wrote the text for Paul?
5. What is the future of Satan?
Answers on Romans 16
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
Are there Christians you should write to and
encourage in the faith? If so do that this week.
2.
Keeping in mind the apostolic injunction in
Romans 16: 16 what should the position be of a Christian missionary that goes
into a culture where public displays of affection is not allowed?
3.
Have you ever known of a case of church
discipline? Do you think church discipline is still proper for the church in
the twenty-first century? Explain.
4.
Why do you think relatively few individuals
become Christians who have worldly wealth and position –though some do by God’s
grace (Rom. 16: 23)?
5.
Should a Christian with a heathen name seek
to change it? Why?
~*~
Dear Reader,
If through this study you have been blessed or the Lord has set your soul free from a system of salvation by works and the fear of not being found justified and righteous before God, please write to either Mt. Zion Ministries or Dr. Stanford E. Murrell. We would enjoy hearing from you and would like to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Address correspondence to:
Dr. Stanford E. Murrell,
Pastor
Sovereign Grace Baptist
Church
833 Hawk Valley Drive
Apollo, PA 15656
412-443-7851
or
Mt. Zion Ministries
2603 W. Wright Street
Pensacola, FL 32505
850-438-6666
chapel@mountzion.org www.mountzion.org
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