The lamplit open doorway of a modest Roman house at dusk, a few people stepping inside to gather, all seen from behind.

The Book of

Romans 16

Paul closes his greatest letter with a page of names: the friends, workers and families who made up the church in Rome.

26 verses≈ 4 min5 peopleBSB

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In this chapter

Where we are

1–3:20The problemEveryone needs the gospel
3:21–5The answerRight with God by faith
6–8New lifeFree in Christ, led by the Spirit
9–11God and IsraelHis promises stand
12–16Living itLove in a church of Jews and GentilesChapter 16

Personal Greetings and Love

A small harbor town with a stone quay at morning, a merchant ship being loaded, and a small heap of cut hair on the quay steps.

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From PaulTo the saints in Rome

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.

Romans 16:1–2

Paul

they were in Christ before I was

Romans 16:7

his mother, who has been a mother to me as well

Romans 16:13

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

Prisca and Aquila’s road

The couple left Rome when the emperor Claudius ordered the Jews out of the city. In Corinth they met Paul and made tents with him; then they sailed with him to Ephesus. As Paul writes, they are back in Rome, and a church meets at their house. Paul says they “risked their lives for me.”

Reflect

Names Paul remembered

Paul remembers Phoebe, who “has been a great help to many people,” Mary, “who has worked very hard for you,” and a mother who “has been a mother to me as well.” Who has been that kind of help to you in following Jesus? Write their names down, thank God for each one, and think of one way to thank them this week.

Avoid Divisions

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil

Romans 16:19

Question

Quick question

Paul warns the church about people who cause divisions, and tells them how such people work.

How does Paul say these divisive people deceive the hearts of the naive?

Romans 16:20

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.

A reed pen resting on a half-written sheet of papyrus beside a clay inkpot and a burning oil lamp on a wooden table at night.

From TertiusTo the saints in Rome

I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Romans 16:22

Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus.

Doxology

Dawn breaking over the hills of ancient Rome, mist lying along the Tiber valley below low terracotta roofs and umbrella pines.

Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith— to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

0:25

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Pray

To the only wise God

Paul ends sixteen chapters of the gospel with praise “to Him who is able to strengthen you.” Thank God for what He has shown you in Romans. Ask Him to strengthen you, to keep you wise about what is good, and to make you a warm brother or sister to His people. Then join Paul: “to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.”

You’ve experienced

Romans 16

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A verse to carry with you

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

Romans 16:20

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