The big picture
Romans 16 opens in verse 1 with “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 14 with “Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with…”, and closes in verse 27 with “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” Repeated or prominent terms include Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Romans · King James Version · 27Romans 16:1-7
1–7: I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church…
Romans 16:1–7 opens with “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” and reaches “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet, with particular weight carried by Christ, Greet, church.
Context that brings the passage to life
“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” Naming Cenchrea and Phebe keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of…” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.
Romans 16:1-7
King James Version1I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2That 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.
3Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
6Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Romans 16:8-14
8–14: Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
Romans 16:8–14 opens with “Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.” and reaches “Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet, with particular weight carried by Salute, Lord, beloved.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.” Naming Amplias and Greet keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Romans 16:8-14
King James Version8Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
10Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.
11Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
13Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
Romans 16:15-21
15–21: Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and…
Romans 16:15–21 opens with “Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are…” and reaches “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet, with particular weight carried by salute, Christ, good.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.” Naming Julia and Nereus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
Romans 16:15-21
King James Version15Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
16Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18For 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.
19For 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.
20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
Romans 16:22-27
22–27: I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Romans 16:22–27 opens with “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.” and reaches “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet, with particular weight carried by Christ, Jesus, Amen.
Context that brings the passage to life
“I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.” Naming Tertius keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus…” Naming Erastus and Gaius keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Romans 16:22-27
King James Version22I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
23Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25Now 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,
26But 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:
27To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Romans 16:1 begins with “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:”
Where the chapter turns
Romans 16:17 forms a natural hinge: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
The final note
Romans 16:27 leaves the reader with “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet, Amen help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
Whose perspective receives unexpected attention?
Hagar's. The messenger finds her, names her and speaks about her future.
What does Ishmael's name commemorate?
God has heard her affliction, according to verse 11.
KJV words made clear
- unto
- to
- hath
- has
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.