Romans: Chapter 16

Paul’s Final Words of Personal Blessings, Encouragement, Warnings, and Hope for All Christians

16:1-2

Paul commends to the Roman Believers, Phoebe, who is a deacon, (servant, in this translation, meant the same as deacon), a sister in the Lord of the church at Cenchrea, asking that they would receive her with a Christian welcome as all Believers, a.k.a.: saints, should welcome one another. Her name means bright and radiant. Paul asks them to help her in whatever matter she may require assistance. He tells them Phoebe has been a protector and helper of many Believers, including himself, protecting them from suffering. Paul not only trusts her judgement, but also entrusts her with this precious letter that we are privileged to study and apply to our lives. Obviously, Phoebe is a businesswoman with some influence, since she is bringing Paul’s letter to the Romans. She probably is traveling with others who assist her and may even work for her. Considering the culture, this position for a woman was quite unusual.

16:3-5

Paul gives his greetings to Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, identifying them as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus. (We have seen both mentioned in previous letters) Paul tells them Priscilla and Aquila had risked their lives for his life. It is interesting that he mentions Priscilla’s name first, rather than her husband. He thanks them on his own behalf and also on behalf of all the churches among the Gentiles. Obviously, they both have been very instrumental in acting as missionaries and supporters of the Gospel of Jesus. Many believe they were both working together as Pastors. (5.) Paul goes on and asks to be remembered by the entire church that meets in their house (another clue they are Pastors, or Teachers of God’s Word). Paul greets the beloved Epaenetus, who was one of the first converts to Jesus in Asia. All the churches met in homes. We would call them ‘house churches’. Remember, Christianity was not popular, or even tolerated in many areas. Christians were continually persecuted and killed. As Americans, we are seeing a steady trend of persecution against our own Faith, even in the USA. Much, if not most, of the rest of the world, persecutes Christians, to the point of murdering thousands each year. This fact is not published but is a reality in our world today. This worldwide persecution of Christians and Jews is inspired by Satan. He wants ALL Jews and Christians killed. Why? He hates us because we represent Jesus and he knows that Jesus cannot return, and eventually throw him into the Lake of Fire, unless we, both Jews and Christians, fulfill our destiny.

16:6-7

Paul greets Mary, who has worked very hard for all the Believers. Andronicus and Junias were once fellow prisoners with Paul. They were Jews of the tribe of Benjamin, and are held in high esteem among the apostles. Apostles were generally leadership Believers who had seen Jesus. They were Believers before Paul became a Believer.

16:8

Paul again refers to someone, Ampliatus, as his beloved in the Lord. It is believed that Ampliatus was a slave held in high regard. Keep in mind that Luke, the writer of the Book of Luke, also a doctor, was also a slave held in high regard.

16:9-10

Paul greets two more workers in Christ, Ubanus and Stachys. He Greets Apelles, whom he identifies as one tried and approved by the Messiah – Yeshua. And those belonging to the household of Aristobulus. Those ‘belonging’ probably means they were servants and/or slaves.

16:11-12

Again Paul greets a kinsman, Herodion, and those Believers in the household of Narcissus. He salutes workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa; as well as his dear Persis, who also has worked very hard in the Lord.

16:13-16

Paul greets Rufus, whom he identified as eminent in the Lord. This is probably the same Rufus (Simon) who carried the cross of Jesus. From other references, we can infer that both Rufus’ sons were believers. Paul greets Rufus’ mother, also a Believer, as treating Paul as her own son. (14.-15.) Paul greets another long list of people who are prominent in yet other home churches. (16.) He asks them to greet one another with a ‘holy kiss’ a sign of deep reverence, love and caring for one another. This is why Jesus asked Judas, “would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

16:17

A fervent appeal, a strong warning, to Believers to always be careful to deal with those who create difficulties and cause divisions and opposition to the Truth of the Word of God. He warns them to avoid those kind of people. He tells them, and us, to be on guard regarding these people. Remember, although unity among Believers is the ideal, when we encounter those who create and cause difficulties and divisions, we are told to AVOID these kind of people. So, clearly, peace at any price is NOT the goal.

16:18

Paul tells them truthfully that those types of people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own carnal desires. Those kinds of people he identifies as, deceivers; actually try to use flattering speech and lies to deceive and fool the hearts of unsuspecting and unlearned people. Thus another reason for all of us to learn God’s Word continuously. Note that anyone who teaches half-truths are teaching LIES! Beware of “popular” preachers who teach the ‘name it claim it’; and other such ‘prosperity gospel’ lies. Remember, our rewards are in Heaven, NOT here on earth!

16:19

Paul tells them that even though their honesty, loyalty and obedience are known to all, yet he wants them to be continually in God’s Word so they will be wise to what is good and righteous, and yet innocent to any evil doing. The more we learn and apply God’s Word to our lives, the more we become like Jesus. At the same time, the easier it is to avoid the evil desires of the flesh. Oh, how we should all long for those attributes!

16:20

Paul assures them, and us, that the God of Peace, Jesus, will soon crush Satan under their feet. We need to remind ourselves that evil will not prevail, Jesus is in control and He will enable Believers to prevail over the evil one. This blessing of God’s Grace from our Lord Jesus, as Messiah, is given to all who faithfully follow Him.

16:21-22

Timothy, Paul’s faithful fellow worker, also wants to be remembered to the Faithful Believers; meaning he also needed their prayers. Paul also mentions Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, Paul’s kinsmen. (22.) I, Teritius, the writer of this letter, greets you. Tertius was in all probability the scribe Paul dictated to.

16:23-24

Gaius who is the host of Paul and the entire Church, also greets the Believers in Rome. Even the city treasurer, Erastus and the brother Quartus. (24.) The Grace of our Lord Jesus, Yeshua, our Messiah, be always with you. Amen. This is Paul’s signature greeting, and blessing.

16:25-26

Now he assures them that Jesus, Yeshua, is the one establishing them according to the gospel revealed to Paul ~ that the Gentiles would be joint-heirs with the Jews ~ this secret was revealed to Paul and is being shared with both Jews and Gentiles. (26.) The prophecies revealed that all nations were to be obedient to Jesus in response to the commandment of the Everlasting God ~ obedience to the True Faith. Notice that Paul confirms that the scriptures are prophetic. Anyone who questions this Truth is denying the very Word of God!

16:27

God alone is all-wise and all-knowing and worthy of all Glory, Honor and Praise, through Jesus, Yeshua, our Messiah, the anointed One, forever. Amen, so be it. Be wise in hearing and believing popular ‘preachers/teachers’; note if they take any credit, or receive honor and praise, or glory in their ‘abilities’ to teach and share God’s Word. IF they do, beware.

These Believers knew and understood that they were all brothers in Jesus, their Messiah. They realized that their very identity as ‘followers of Jesus’ was only because of His Mercy and Grace. No one considered themselves ‘better’ than another brother. True Believers NEVER focus on themselves, only on Jesus. They had a deep sense of unity and fellowship. Their very lives were often a battle to the death. They knew that whatever rest God allowed them, was so they could continue in the Battle for Jesus. They clearly understood that they were called to the battleground. They had a deep conviction that they had to pray and work together, or they would be destroyed! We, here in America, have it so easy we are lulled into falsely thinking that there is no real danger or battle going on! Wrong! Wrong! Jesus told us, and them, that He had come to bring Truth and to triumph over evil. He told them He came not to bring peace, but the sword. Do we realize there is a fierce battle going on? It is a battle to the death. It is a battle over the minds and souls of all people, especially those who are and will become Believers! Satan is seeking to devour and destroy everyone, including all Believers. We are in a fierce and terrible spiritual war and must arm ourselves with ALL the armor of God. We must be prepared with the Word of God in our minds, hearts and souls, so we can unite with other Believers in the battle before us. This is a fierce and powerful battle for souls. Consider using the THANK YOU, LIVE FOREVER Ministry envelopes to reach lost and dying souls for Jesus. The battle is crucial, as the loss of these precious souls will be for all eternity. This battle will continue until Jesus returns to earth. Arm yourselves, continually and daily, with God’s Word and fervent heartfelt prayer, seeking His Perfect Will. Shalom!