Romans 16
Romans 16 is part of “Conclusion: Paul's Ministry and Plans” (15:14–16:27) in the outline of Romans.
Romans 16 summary
Paul is now concluding this long and excellent epistle, and he does it with a great deal of affection. As in the main body of the epistle he appears to have been a very knowing man, so in these appurtenances of it he appears to have been a very loving man. So much knowledge and so much love are a very rare, but (where they exist) a very excellent and amiable - composition; for what is heaven but knowledge and love made perfect? It is observable how often Paul speaks as if he were concluding, and yet takes fresh hold again.
Read the full introduction
Paul is now concluding this long and excellent epistle, and he does it with a great deal of affection. As in the main body of the epistle he appears to have been a very knowing man, so in these appurtenances of it he appears to have been a very loving man. So much knowledge and so much love are a very rare, but (where they exist) a very excellent and amiable - composition; for what is heaven but knowledge and love made perfect? It is observable how often Paul speaks as if he were concluding, and yet takes fresh hold again. One would have thought that solemn benediction which closed the foregoing chapter should have ended the epistle; and yet here he begins again, and in this chapter he repeats the blessing (Rom 16:20), "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, Amen." And yet he has something more to say; nay, again he repeats the blessing (Rom 16:24), and yet has not done; an expression of his tender love. These repeated benedictions, which stand for valedictions, speak Paul loth to part. Now, in this closing chapter, we may observe, I. His recommendation of one friend to the Roman Christians, and his particular salutation of several among them (v. 1-16). II. A caution to take heed of those who caused divisions (Rom 16:17-20). III. Salutations added from some who were with Paul (Rom 16:21-24). IV. He concludes with a solemn celebration of the glory of God (Rom 16:25-27).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Romans 16 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Personal Greetings
1I Commende vnto you Phebe our sister, which is a seruaunt of the Church of Cenchrea: 2That ye receiue her in the Lord, as it becommeth Saintes, and that ye assist her in whatsoeuer businesse she needeth of your ayde: for she hath giuen hospitalitie vnto many, and to me also. 3Greete Priscilla, and Aquila my fellowe helpers in Christ Iesus, 4(Which haue for my life laide downe their owne necke. Vnto whom not I onely giue thankes, but also all the Churches of the Gentiles.) 5Likewise greete the Church that is in their house. Salute my beloued Epenetus, which is the first fruites of Achaia in Christ. 6Greete Marie which bestowed much labour on vs. 7Salute Andronicus and Iunia my cousins and fellowe prisoners, which are notable among the Apostles, and were in Christ before me. 8Greete Amplias my beloued in the Lord. 9Salute Vrbanus our fellow helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloued. 10Salute Apelles approoued in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus friendes. 11Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greete them which are of the friendes of Narcissus which are in the Lord. 12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, which women labour in the Lord. Salute the beloued Persis, which woman hath laboured much in the Lord. 13Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14Greete Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Mercurius, and the brethren which are with them. 15Salute Philologus and Iulias, Nereas, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the Saintes which are with them. 16Salute one another with an holy kisse. The Churches of Christ salute you.
Final Instructions and Greetings
17Now I beseech you brethren, marke them diligently which cause diuision and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye haue learned, and auoide them. 18For they that are such, serue not the Lord Iesus Christ, but their owne bellies, and with faire speach and flattering deceiue the heartes of the simple. 19For your obedience is come abroade among all: I am glad therefore of you: but yet I woulde haue you wise vnto that which is good, and simple concerning euill. 20The God of peace shall treade Satan vnder your feete shortly. The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you. 21Timotheus my helper, and Lucius, and Iason, and Sosipater my kinsemen, salute you. 22I Tertius, which wrote out this Epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23Gains mine hoste, and of the whole Church saluteth you. Erastus the steward of the citie saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Doxology
25To him nowe that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel, and preaching of Iesus Christ, by the reuelation of the mysterie, which was kept secrete since the worlde began: 26(But nowe is opened, and published among all nations by the Scriptures of the Prophetes, at the commandement of the euerlasting God for the obedience of faith) 27To God, I say, only wise, be praise through Iesus Christ for euer. Amen. ‘Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe, seruaunt of the Church which is at Cenchrea.’