Romans 16
We will begin this lesson in Romans 16:1 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:" Romans 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."
Succourer means a patron. In many of Paul's writings, such as this, we see that many women ministered with him. Paul calls her his sister, she is not his sister in the flesh, but in the ministry. Notice, also, that Paul says to help her in her business. In the first verse, he had told us that her business was as servant in the church. We see from this that, Paul is saying to help her in her ministry. She had been a great help to Paul, as well as others. Notice in this next Scripture in Jesus' own words what He feels toward these workers. Matthew 10:40 " He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." You see, when you receive a servant of God {male or female} you are, in fact, receiving the God that sent them.
Romans 16:3 "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:"
We know that these two had befriended Paul before. In fact, Paul lived with them and worked as a tentmaker while he ministered. Notice in the following Scripture that, they had a church in their home. I Corinthians 16:19 "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." The next Scripture will show that they brought the word in all truth to those who would hear. 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." These two were fellow workers with Paul on several occasions.
Romans 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."
Here, we see Paul giving a glowing report on the sincerity of these two who had helped him. Paul says that, they even put themselves in danger to save him. John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Romans 16:5 "Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ."
Here, again, we see a mention of the church which was in their home. It seems that Epaenetus was the first one saved under Paul's ministry in Achaia. It would be a natural thing for Paul to inquire of his convert. Acts 18:27 "And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:" We see for certain that Paul ministered in Achaia from this Scripture. I Corinthians 16:15 "I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)" This Scripture shows the good fruits of the church that Paul started in Achaia.
Romans 16:6 "Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us."
It is difficult to know for sure which Mary this is, since there were so many with this name who were followers of Jesus. This just shows, again, here, that many women helped with Paul's ministry.
Romans 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."
Very little is written in the Bible about Adronicus. A history book states that he became bishop of Pannonia. His name means man- conquering. He and Junia seemed to be blood relations of Paul. It also appears that they were probably converts of Jesus because they were believers before Paul. Since they were counted as apostles they were probably part of the 70 that Jesus sent out by twos. All of this is just guessing, since we don't have much in the Bible to clarify this.
Romans 16:8 "Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord."
We know no more of this person who was a Christian at Rome, except that Paul particularly loved him or her.
Romans 16:9 "Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved."
Urbane means polite or of the city. Stachys is said by historians {not the Bible} to have been bishop of Byzantium. Tradition, also, has him to be one of the 70 disciples.
Romans 16:10 "Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' [household]."
Just the fact that Apelles was approved of Christ tells us that he was probably one of the 70 sent out to minister by Jesus. Some historians believe he was the bishop at Smyrna. Aristobulus is another that is only mentioned here in the Bible, but seems to have been in the early converts to Christianity. Since his household is mentioned, probably his whole house received the Lord as Saviour. His name means counselor. Historians say that he was a brother to Barnabus.
Romans 16:11 "Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the [household] of Narcissus, which are in the Lord."
Herodian here is a blood relative of Paul and very little other than this is known of him and even less is known of Narcisus. Romans 16:12 "Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord."
Tryphena and Tryphosa are not mentioned anywhere else. All we know is that they worked for the Lord. The only thing we know about Persis is that this was a woman who was a labourer for the Lord.
Romans 16:13 "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine."
From this Scripture, it seems that Rufus was Paul's brother, because he says his mother and mine. There is no historic record of this, however.
Romans 16:14 "Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them."
The only thing we know about Asyncritus is that the name means incomparable. Phlegon means burning. Historians say he was one of the original 70 disciples of Christ. Hermas is celebrated as a saint on May 9th by the Romans. Hermas means mercury. Patrobas means life of his father. Little else is known of any of these Christians that Paul sent greetings to.
Romans 16:15 "Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them."
Philologus means fond of talk. There were many Julias at this time, and no one knows for sure which one she is. Nothing more is known of Nereus or Olympas.
Romans 16:16 "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you."
We notice, here, that this kiss was to be a holy kiss. This was not a passionate kiss, but a friendly kiss. Paul is explaining how the church must be together in Christ. We will list 4 of the Scriptures that speak of this greeting with a holy kiss. I Corinthians 16:20 "All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss." II Corinthians 13:12 "Greet one another with an holy kiss." I Thessalonians 5:26 "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." I Peter 5:14 "Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen." If we were to do this today in our churches, people would accuse us of being forward. If we are truly brothers and sisters in Christ, we should love each other.
Romans 16:17
Galatians 1:7
Galatians 1:9
We can see from this Scripture that, Paul says not to fellowship with those who would cause divisions in the church. We are not to accept any other doctrine than that which has been established in our church.
Romans 16:18
This is primarily speaking of those who carry tales from one to the other causing strife in the church. The tongue of one person can destroy the church. Notice, that the words this person uses sound good. This person is a deceiver. Too much talk is not good. Proverbs 14:15 "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going." We see in this that some simple people believe whatever is said to them. The simple fall for anything. Be wise, don't listen to gossip. Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Romans 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."
I Kings 3:9 "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" It takes great understanding to be able to run a church. I Corinthians 14:20 "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." This is the way to keep from being deceived by a talebearer. Ephesians 1:15 "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints," Ephesians 1:16 "Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;" Ephesians 1:17 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:" Do not listen to talebearers, but check out all things with the word of God.
Romans 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."
This prayer of Paul's is the same one we preachers should pray for our people. Satan is out to destroy the church. We have no power over Satan, but the name of Jesus has power over him, and we have been authorized to use Jesus' name. Since the third chapter of Genesis, we have been enemies of Satan. Genesis 3:15 'And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Hebrews 2:14 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;" Hebrews 2:15 "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." JESUS DEFEATED SATAN ON THE CROSS. He gave us permission to use His name to fight Satan.
Romans 16:21 "Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you."
Timothy, who is intended, is so close to Paul that Paul calls him his son. He is not his son in the flesh, but in the spirit. Acts 13:1 "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simian that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." We see here the connection between Paul {Saul} and Lucius. Jason means healing. He was from Thessalonica and had helped Paul and Silas there. Sosipater means saver of his father.
Romans 16:22 "I Tertius, who wrote [this] epistle, salute you in the Lord."
This does not mean that he was the author of this letter. It possibly means that he acted as secretary to Paul here.
Romans 16:23 "Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother."
Gaius was a Macedonian who went with Paul on some of his ministering journeys. He was arrested in Ephesus. This Erastus was from Corinth and was probably the city treasurer [chamberlain]. His name means beloved. Erastus went to Ephesus with Paul and was sent by Paul with Timothy to Macedonia. His usual place to live was Corinth and was there when Paul wrote this. Quartus means a fourth.
Romans 16:24 "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen."
This is a benediction used by many churches even today. This is about the best blessing that could be spoken on you.
Romans 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,"
Colossians 1:26 "[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:" Colossians 1:27 "To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" In the Old Testament the veil was covering the things of God. Jesus opened the way for us to the Father when He died on the cross. It is as if He removed the scales from our eyes and the Holy Spirit of God has revealed to us the salvation story. We could hear it all day long, but until the Holy Spirit reveals the meaning we are without understanding. Praise God Jesus sent the comforter who is our teacher and guide, as well.
Romans 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:"
Manifest means to render apparent. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Luke 24:44 "And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me." Luke 24:45 "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," Luke 24:46 "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:" Luke 24:47 "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Jesus spoke in parables when He taught so that the world would not understand. We see in the Scriptures above that He had to open our understanding for us to understand.
Romans 16:27 "To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."
Psalms 147:5 "Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite." This just about says it all. God is Wisdom. He is Power. He is Infinite.
Questions!!
1. Phebe was a servant at the church where?
2. What business that Paul mentioned, was she probably involved in?
3. Succourer means what?
4. When a minister of God, male or female, is received who are they really receiving?
5. How did Paul know Priscilla and Aquilla?
6. How do we know that they were strong in the Lord?
7. Just how far had Priscilla and Aquilla gone to protect Paul?
8. Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his ____ for his friends.
9. Who was the firstfruits of Achaia?
10. What good addiction is mentioned in 1 Corinthians ch.16 v.15?
11. What does Adronicus mean?
12. What does Urbane mean?
13. What statement shows us that Apelles was one of the original 70 disciples?
14. Who is a blood relative of Paul in verse 11?
15. What makes it appear that Rufus was Paul's brother?
16. What does Phlegon mean?
17. Who is celebrated as a saint by the Romans on May 9th?
18. What does Hermas mean?
19. What does Patrobas mean?
20. How does Paul tell them to greet the Christians?
21. Paul said mark them who do what 2 things and avoid them?
22. Galatians ch.1 v.8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let them be _________.
23. Romans ch.16 v.18, says that people who do this do not serve Jesus, but their own ______.
24. By what 2 things are the simple deceived?
25. The simple believeth every word, but the ________ looketh well to his going.
26. What are we warned to beware of in Matthew ch.7 v.15?
27. I would have you wise unto that which is _____.
28. Give thy servant an understanding heart to ______the _______.
29. In 1 Corinthians ch.14 v.20 we are told not to be children in what?
30. Do not listen to talebearers, but check all things by what?
31. Who shall bruise Satan for us?
32. We have no power over Satan ourselves, but what can we use to help us fight him?
33. What is the first place in the Bible that tells us that Satan is our enemy?
34. Who defeated Satan?
35. Who is this Timotheus in Romans ch.16 v.21?
36. What does Jason mean?
37. What does Sosipater mean?
38. What is probably intended by the statement of Tertius?
39. What area was Gaius from?
40. What office did Erastus hold in his city?
41. Quartus means what?
42. Quote Romans ch.16 v.24.
43. What is the mystery among the Gentiles in Colossians ch.1 v.27?
44. Who has God given the believers who is our teacher and guide?
45. What does manifest mean?
46. How does faith come?
47. Why did Jesus teach in parables?
48. Great is our Lord and of great power; his understanding is ________.
Source: adapted from lovethelord.com