Romans 16:1–7, 17–20, 25–27

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

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Romans 16:1–7, 17–20, 25–27

Commend Others (1–7)
Letters of commendation were important in the ancient world. People who traveled in an age with few public facilities such as hotels or restaurants depended on the assistance of people they had sometimes never met. Phoebe is going to be traveling to Rome, so Paul commends to the church this sister and servant in the church at Cenchreae.  Paul asks the Roman congregation to welcome her in a manner worthy of God’s people. He also asks the church to provide her with whatever help she might need because she has been a supporter of many others, including Paul himself. Phoebe was probably a wealthy businesswoman who used her wealth to support the church and its missionaries (like Paul).

In verses 3–15, Paul conveys individual greetings to a whole host of people. Prisca (or Priscilla) and Aquila are a well-known couple in the New Testament. Paul commends Prisca and Aquila as “co-workers,” a term he uses regularly to refer to people who minister with him in all kinds of ways. They have also risked their lives for Paul. When this happened we do not know, although it may have been at the time of the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19). They must have been fairly wealthy, owning a house large enough for a group of believers to meet there regularly for worship.

Epaenetus is mentioned only here in the New Testament. His name means “praiseworthy.” It is understandable that Paul should speak of him as “my dear friend” (literally “my beloved”) since this man was the first convert to Christ in connection with the mission to the province of Asia. This man naturally held a special place in the heart of the missionary. Paul also commends Mary for her willingness to grow weary in serving the Lord. He commends Andronicus and Junia, who were Paul’s “fellow countrymen” and “fellow prisoners” (probably for the sake of the gospel). He notes that they are “outstanding among the apostles.” The word “apostle” here probably is not a reference to the official, authoritative “Twelve Apostles.” The term can refer to a “messenger” or a “commissioned missionary.” In this context, this latter meaning is the most likely.

Caution Others (17–18)
Paul implores the Roman believers to “watch out!” Not everyone was working with Paul for the spreading of the gospel. There were some who were dividing the church by teaching false doctrine. Paul says watch out for those who are teaching contrary to the apostolic doctrine they had received. Ideas have consequences and false doctrine will lead to dissensions and create pitfalls.

For doctrine to be true, it had to agree with the doctrine that had already been delivered to the church. Truth does not contradict itself. Teaching that deviated from the apostolic teaching was by definition spurious. Even today, the church must accept or reject that which claims to be true on the basis of its consistency with revealed truth. The Word of God stands as the only absolute. To prevent the corrupting influence from spreading, Paul commands the Roman believers to avoid the teachers of false doctrine. Keep away from them and do not give them an opportunity to make further inroads into the congregation. 

Encourage Others (19–20)
Despite the warning about false teachers, the apostle affirms his confidence that the Roman believers will handle the situation. This assurance is based on their obedience, which is well known in the church at large. Paul has joy as he thinks of the good name of the congregation; on the other hand, he wants to make sure that they are discerning, able to spot trouble and avoid falling into it.

Point Others to God (25–27)
The closing benediction is the longest one Paul ever wrote. It reflects his special ministry to the Gentiles. The sacred secret has to do with God’s plan to unite both believing Jews and Gentiles in the church. Paul is pointing the believers to God because only God through His gospel can grant the obedience of faith to the peoples of the world.