Phebe
Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Rom 16:2 That 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.
Paul is sending an advance recommendation of this sister in Christ, so that the Romans will receive her and support her during her stay in Rome.
The name "Phebe" means "pure or radiant as the moon" The light shined through Phebe, as she was called a servant of the church, but a helper of many. Other Bible translations call Phebe a deaconess, or a servant. It is believed that Phebe carried the written book of Romans to the church.
Many site 1Timothy 3:12 as prohibiting women as deacons.
1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Today many women carry the gospel message throughout the world. Corrie Ten Boom has enriched many with her teachings of forgiveness and God's grace.
1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
The woman in church and the home is to be under her man's authority. She is not under all men's authority. In the church she is to be under those in authority.
Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
Equal, as Jesus is equal to God the Father, but in like manner, Jesus is under the Father in authority, so shall the woman be in the church. Outside of the church they are free to minister.
1 Tim 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
This is to show the order as to authority. Eve was to be a help meet to Adam, a support to him. She was created from him and for his fulfillment, to complete him not to compete or rule over him. This is against God's intent.
Priscilla and Aquilla
Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Rom 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Priscilla and Aquilla are mentioned in Acts 18:2, 18 and 26 as associates of Paul and helpers to Apollos. Apparently they were now back in Rome.
Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
They told Apollos of the baptism of Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit .
Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Acts 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
The church that is in their house gives us a clue to the organization of the early church; in a city with a Christian community of any size, there would be several "congregations" meeting in different houses, since there were no "church" buildings at this time. Each house church probably had its own pastor or leader.
Phebe a servant in the church and Priscilla and Aquilla (eagle) a husband and wife team, bringing forth the word of God and a help to Paul. The Lord uses everyone who is willing, let no man prevent the ministry of the saints.
Epaenetus and Mary
Rom 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Rom 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Epaenetus is of note because he was apparently among the very first converts of Achaiah (the region where Corinth was, where Paul was writing from), and he was also apparently dear to Paul - beloved of Paul, as the first fruit of a new region. Remember Paul was to"boldly go where no missionary had gone before" so seeing a convert is a conformation of God's blessings.
Mary, so many Mary's, and like the Mary's with Jesus she was a busy servant in love offerings to her Lord.
I see these names as credits of those who were behind the scenes, forever remembered in God's word. Much as the credits following a great performance in a theator, as the people make a final appearance and receive the appreciation of those in attendance. If we feel we are not appreciated, think this; every deed is recorded and will be revealed at the judgement seat of Christ. Then you will be personally congratulated by our Lord himself.
Apostles and Servants
Rom 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Paul salutes another man and wife, who were fellow Hebrews also in prison as he was. Apparently they too were apostles of renown who served Christ Jesus even before Paul began his ministry. Many say there were only 12 Apostles, or 13 counting Paul. Here are more mentioned. It is not Peter's method of choosing that makes an apostle, ( Acts 1:21-23 in which Paul did not qualify) but it is God who chooses those who shall serve him and be sent into new ministries as apostles. Are there Apostles today? Does God send people out to establish new ministries? I see this as true. Perhaps even apostles to the internet. Receive your calling, and Jesus will use you as he has planned before the world's were made.
Rom 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
Rom 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Amplias: There is a tomb dating from the late first or early second century in the earliest Christian catacomb of Rome which bears the name of AMPLIAS; some suggest that this is the same person mentioned in Romans 16:8. He also was loved and remembered by Paul.
Urbane was a servant in Christ and Stachys was also loved and appreciated by Paul and the Lord. So many people with gifts and willing hearts of love and service. Each important to the ministry of serving Jesus Christ. No good thing will ever go without reward. How may we do good in our lives? Lets dedicate ourselves to good works and loving one another in the name of Jesus.
Holy Kiss
Rom 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
Rom 16:11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Rom 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Rom 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Rom 16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
Rom 16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Many more names of friends that Paul wished to acknowledge.
Rufus may be the same man mentioned as a son of Simon the Cyrene in Mark 15:21; but Rufus was a common name
Nereus: In 95 a.d., two distinguished Romans were condemned for being Christians; the husband was executed and the wife was banished. The name of their chief servant was Nereus; this may be the same Nereus mentioned here and he may be the one who brought the gospel to them.
Man may kill the body but the soul belongs to God. Nereus brought them eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Paul mentions each name with praise and kind words. This is the way of a life touched by Jesus, he was a giver of life giving words. The gospel he preached and his words were full of grace and life.
When we enter a room do people feel the presence and love of the Lord? Do our words edify others, remember the devil is the destroyer, the nitpicker, the complainer to bring us down. Put on your life jacket in the sea of life. Reach out to save others by your words and life. The breastplate of righteousness, giving good to others.
Finally Paul writes:
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
This was their custom a hug and a kiss on the cheek. In our society this is done occasionally amongst the women. Yet, in close family a holy kiss and hug are appropriate. The men may hug another man or a woman if she hugs first. A warm handshake is usually more appropriate. All should be done with honor and respect as unto the Lord.
Where is our church family? In the churches, they salute you. You should feel at home in the churches, if God's love and presence are there.
Avoid Them
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Mark them which cause divisions.
Our Lord in his intercessory prayer for us speaks of our unity with himself and the father;
John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
We are not to put people in place of our Lord and unity. We were baptized in Jesus' baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit of unity.
1 Cor 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Jesus said:
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Rom 16:17...(mark them who cause) offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
We are told to avoid these who divide and cause offenses. They are of another spirit. God's Holy Spirit brings unity.
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Rom 16:18 For 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.
These are carnal, fleshly, acting in their own selfish interests.
1 Cor 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
If they speak deceiving words, they are of the devil who is a liar and deceiver.
John continues this thought while also warning us to not even allow them in our homes.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2 John 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Let another not accuse you of not being loving and faithful; if you keep this doctrine you will keep unity with those of Christ, while being separated from those who divide. Light and dark do not mix. Stay in the light and be not partakers with those who choose to follow the divider and the deceiver. You are one with Christ.
Satan under your feet
Rom 16:19 For 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.
Wonderful testimony, obedience is known to all men. Wise unto good, and simple concerning evil. Why would we want to know evil? Only in the sense that we would know what is sin and then confessing them before our Lord for forgiveness. Do we need to continue in learning of evil?
Better to be wise unto that which is good as in Phil 4:8;
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Continue in good works and the God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet shortly. God does the crushing, but Satan ends up under the feet of believers. Who are we speaking of? Perhaps the dividers and false teachers spoken of earlier. If we continue in love and good works, soon we find Satan under our feet, or under Christ's feet who dwells in us. We will walk in the victory that Jesus Christ has won on the cross. So important to walk in truth.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
Final Salute
Rom 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
Beloved Timothy, the young pastor who Paul loved so much. He wrote two Epistles to him encouraging him in the faith.
1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Tim 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
1 Tim 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
1 Tim 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
2 Tim 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Tim 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Paul salutes his fellow Jewish Christian brothers. Even his secretary, or letter writer that he dictated too has a greeting;
Rom 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Rom 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
Rom 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Gaius was noted for his good hospitality to all in the church.
Finally he blesses them: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. We have his grace also; in times of sorrow he is our comforter. In times of joy he is our companion laughing with us. In times of learning, he is our light and truth. All things good come from the grace of our Lord. Yes, even protection, when we call on the name of Jesus. Amen
Rom 16:25 Now 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,
Rom 16:26 But 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:
Rom 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
God gave the Gentiles the power to become the adopted children of God, by the gospel; the good news that God gave righteousness and forgiveness to all people by faith in Jesus Christ. They would be established in his word, being given the law and the prophets, without the requirement of keeping the Jewish ceremonial laws. They would partake of his fellowship with the Lord and those of like faith: the Church of Jesus Christ, the chosen and the redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. This was all a mystery to the Gentiles, because God had used Israel to reveal himself through the law and the prophets. Now salvation was available to the Jew first, and then to the Gentiles, by faith in the finished work of the Messiah Jesus Christ. They receive salvation through faith in Jesus and receive his grace to live forever with the saints in glory. Amen
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