161 I commend to you our sister Phoebe , who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea ; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints , and that you help her in whatever e matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many , and of myself as well . 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila , my fellow workers in Christ Jesus , 4 who for my life risked their own necks , to whom not only do I give thanks , but also all the churches of the Gentiles ; 5 also greet the church that is in their house . Greet Epaenetus , my beloved , who is the first convert to Christ from Asia . 6 Greet Mary , who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias , my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners , who are outstanding among the apostles , who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus , my beloved in the Lord . 9 Greet Urbanus , our fellow worker in Christ , and Stachys my beloved . 10 Greet Apelles , the approved in Christ . Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus . 11 Greet Herodion , my kinsman . Greet those of the household of Narcissus , who are in the Lord . 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa , workers in the Lord . Greet Persis the beloved , who has worked hard in the Lord . 13 Greet Rufus , a choice man in the Lord , also his mother and mine . 14 Greet Asyncritus , Phlegon , Hermes , Patrobas , Hermas and the brethren with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia , Nereus and his sister , and Olympas , and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss . All the churches of Christ greet you.
17 Now I urge you, brethren , keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned , and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves , not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites ; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting . 19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all ; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil . 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet . The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater , my kinsmen . 22 I, Tertius , who write this letter , greet you in the Lord . 23 Gaius , host to me and to the whole church , greets you. Erastus , the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus , the brother . 24 [The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all . Amen .]
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ , according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested , and by the Scriptures of the prophets , according to the commandment of the eternal God , has been made known to all the nations , leading to obedience of faith ;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 16:1-26
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.
Commentary on Romans 16:17-20
(Read Romans 16:17-20)
How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound doctrine of the Scriptures, opens a door to divisions and offences. If truth be forsaken, unity and peace will not last long. Many call Christ, Master and Lord, who are far from serving him. But they serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. They corrupt the head by deceiving the heart; perverting the judgments by winding themselves into the affections. We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. It has been the common policy of seducers to set upon those who are softened by convictions. A pliable temper is good when under good guidance, otherwise it may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle expects from God, is victory over Satan. This includes all designs and devices of Satan against souls, to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?
Commentary on Romans 16:21-24
(Read Romans 16:21-24)
The apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons with him, known to the Roman Christians. It is a great comfort to see the holiness and usefulness of our kindred. Not many mighty, not many noble are called, but some are. It is lawful for believers to bear civil offices; and it were to be wished that all offices in Christian states, and in the church, were bestowed upon prudent and steady Christians.
Commentary on Romans 16:25-27
(Read Romans 16:25-27)
That which establishes souls, is, the plain preaching of Jesus Christ. Our redemption and salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, are, without controversy, a great mystery of godliness. And yet, blessed be God, there is as much of this mystery made plain as will bring us to heaven, if we do not wilfully neglect so great salvation. Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, and the Sun of Righteousness is risen on the world. The Scriptures of the prophets, what they left in writing, is not only made plain in itself, but by it this mystery is made known to all nations. Christ is salvation to all nations. And the gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and disputed about, but to be submitted to. The obedience of faith is that obedience which is paid to the word of faith, and which comes by the grace of faith. All the glory that passes from fallen man to God, so as to be accepted of him, must go through the Lord Jesus, in whom alone our persons and doings are, or can be, pleasing to God. Of his righteousness we must make mention, even of his only; who, as he is the Mediator of all our prayers, so he is, and will be, to eternity, the Mediator of all our praises. Remembering that we are called to the obedience of faith, and that every degree of wisdom is from the only wise God, we should, by word and deed, render glory to him through Jesus Christ; that so the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be with us for ever.