Romans 16King James Version
Greetings to twenty seven people by name, including Phebe a deacon of the church at Cenchrea, Priscilla and Aquila, Mary, Junia, Tryphena, Tryphosa, the beloved Persis. The list of names is itself a kind of prayer. Then a benediction: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel.
Paul sends Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, with the letter and a request for her to receive help with her business. He greets twenty-six people by name, including Priscilla and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia described as notable among the apostles, and multiple households. He warns against divisive people who serve their own appetites. Then a final doxology: glory to God who is able to establish the believers according to Paul's gospel, the mystery now disclosed to all nations.
The most systematic theological letter in the New Testament closes with a community of named people, which is the proof of concept: the gospel produces real relationships, real service, and real gratitude.
7: "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." A woman named Junia identified as notable among the apostles, in Paul's own words, in the most formal letter of his career.
Phoebe traveled from Corinth to Rome with this letter, a journey of several weeks by sea. She was likely a woman of means who could afford the passage and was trusted with the most important document Paul ever wrote. The church at Rome received the letter through her, and the first commentary on Romans was probably her own explanation of what Paul meant.
Phoebe, deacon and patron, who carries the letter. Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for Paul. Junia, notable among the apostles. Twenty-plus individuals whose names Paul knows despite never visiting Rome. Tertius, who wrote the letter down.
The greetings are not just social ritual; they are evidence. Paul names people he knows in a city he has never visited, which tells us how much early Christian networks overlapped. The letter was entrusted to Phoebe for delivery, which meant she could answer questions about its meaning. The closing doxology brings the letter full circle to the theme of 1:16: the gospel is for all nations.
For when faith feels abstract and institutional. This chapter is the opposite: dozens of names, specific affection, shared history, people who risked lives for each other. The gospel lands in people, not in propositions.
1I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2That 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.
3Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
6Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
10Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
11Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
13Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
15Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
16Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18For 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.
19For 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 concerning evil.
20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
22I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
23Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25Now 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,
26But 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:
27To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.