Romans 16

I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 1. I commend, and so forth He concludes with a number of salutations, to show his affection for them.—Phœbe, who is in the ministry, or employed in the ministry, as women, called diaconissæ, used to be, privately instructing catechumens, assisting particularly at the baptizing of women, distributing charities, and so forth Witham.

EXPLANATION

or, deacon

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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.

3

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

4

who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 4. It is not exactly known to what the apostle here refers. Orig. thinks that they delivered the apostle from the snares of the Jews. Others, that they exposed themselves for him in the sedition raised at Corinth, or in that at Ephesus, when he was in such danger, on account of the outcry of the silversmiths. The obligations of the Churches of the Gentiles towards them must be understood of the hospitality, which these faithful servants of Christ exercised to all. Calmet.—Τον εαυτων τραχηλον υπεθηκαν, a proverbial expression, as in Latin, præbere cervices, caput objicere periculis, to support any thing, or person, that is in a sinking way, or in great danger.

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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.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 5. This means the assembly of Christians, who probably resorted to the house of Prisca and Aquila, as to a place of retreat, and there held their religious assemblies. Or it may mean their family only, which was as regular and holy as an assembly of saints. The apostle, in another place, salutes the Church in the house of Nympha, and writing to Philemon, salutes the Church in his house. 1 Corinthians 16:19.

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6

Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.

8

Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.

9

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.

10

Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

11

Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.

12

Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.

13

Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

14

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

The word for “brothers” here and where context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters” or “siblings.”

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15

Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

16

Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 16. Thus the primitive Christians express their concord and benevolence, as also their perfect equality. For it was customary with the Persians, and all oriental nations, to salute only their equals thus; though, to their inferiors, the presented their hand to be kissed. Saint Clement Pædog. and Polus.

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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.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 17. The apostle does not here say that these men caused scandals, contrary to the Scripture; but contrary to the doctrine delivered to them: this place, therefore, is an argument in favour of tradition. Estius.

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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.

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.

20

And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21

Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.

22

I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 22. This Tertius was the amanuensis, or secretary of Saint Paul, and wrote this epistle as Saint Paul dictated. It is not on that account less divinely inspired than the rest. Estius.

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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.

24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.