161 Be sure to welcome our friend Phoebe in the way of the Master, with all the generous hospitality we Christians are famous for. I heartily endorse both her and her work. She's a key representative of the church at Cenchrea. 2 Help her out in whatever she asks. She deserves anything you can do for her. She's helped many a person, including me. 3 Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila, who have worked hand in hand with me in serving Jesus. 4 They once put their lives on the line for me. And I'm not the only one grateful to them. All the non-Jewish gatherings of believers also owe them plenty, 5 to say nothing of the church that meets in their house. Hello to my dear friend Epenetus. He was the very first Christian in the province of Asia. 6 Hello to Mary. What a worker she has turned out to be! 7 Hello to my cousins Andronicus and Junias. We once shared a jail cell. They were believers in Christ before I was. Both of them are outstanding leaders. 8 Hello to Ampliatus, my good friend in the family of God. 9 Hello to Urbanus, our companion in Christ's work, and my good friend Stachys. 10 Hello to Apelles, a tried-and-true veteran in following Christ. Hello to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Hello to my cousin Herodion. Hello to those Christians from the family of Narcissus. 12 Hello to Tryphena and Tryphosa - such diligent women in serving the Master. Hello to Persis, a dear friend and hard worker in Christ. 13 Hello to Rufus - a good choice by the Master! - and his mother. She has also been a dear mother to me. 14 Hello to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and also to all of their families. 15 Hello to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas - and all the Christians who live with them. 16 Holy embraces all around! All the churches of Christ send their warmest greetings!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 16:1-16
Commentary on Romans 16:1-16
(Read Romans 16:1-16)
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know not what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Though the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remember many persons, and send salutations to each, with particular characters of them, and express concern for them. Lest any should feel themselves hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in the close, a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of Christ.