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Romans 16

Romans 16

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 · 27

Romans 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.

Deep dive

The movement opens with “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” By verse 4, the text has turned to “Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also…” It lands on “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the…” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 1 stated contrast, 1 verse naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.

Connecting words, claims, reasons, contrasts, and commands hold the argument together. Each instruction draws its force from the truth that supports it. Words such as Christ, Greet, church, Salute, Achaia, Andronicus tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.

Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Christ, Greet, Salute, Achaia, Andronicus, Aquila. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 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.” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.

Words to trace: Christ, Greet, church, Salute, Achaia, Andronicus

Verse-by-verse path

  1. Romans 16:1

    “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.

  2. 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…” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

  3. Romans 16:3

    “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:” Naming Aquila and Christ keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  4. 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…” Naming Gentiles keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  5. Romans 16:5

    “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia…” Naming Achaia and Christ keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  6. Romans 16:6

    “Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.” Naming Greet and Mary keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  7. Romans 16:7

    “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in…” Naming Andronicus and Christ keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

Romans 16:1-7

King James Version

1I 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.

Deep dive

The movement opens with “Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.” By verse 11, the text has turned to “Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in…” It lands on “Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 4 verses naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.

Connecting words, claims, reasons, contrasts, and commands hold the argument together. Each instruction draws its force from the truth that supports it. Words such as Salute, Lord, beloved, Christ, Greet, household tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.

Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Salute, Lord, Christ, Greet, Amplias, Apelles. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 11: “Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.

Words to trace: Salute, Lord, beloved, Christ, Greet, household

Verse-by-verse path

  1. Romans 16:8

    “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.

  2. Romans 16:9

    “Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.” Naming Christ and Salute keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  3. Romans 16:10

    “Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.” Naming Salute and Apelles keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  4. Romans 16:11

    “Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.” Naming Greet and Herodion keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  5. Romans 16:12

    “Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.” Naming Salute keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  6. Romans 16:13

    “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” Naming Rufus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  7. Romans 16:14

    “Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.” Naming Asyncritus and Hermas 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 Version

8Greet 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.

Deep dive

The movement opens with “Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which…” By verse 18, the text has turned to “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good…” It lands on “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 2 stated contrasts, 1 verse naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.

Connecting words, claims, reasons, contrasts, and commands hold the argument together. Each instruction draws its force from the truth that supports it. Words such as salute, Christ, good, Jesus, Lord, simple tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.

Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Christ, Jesus, Lord, Salute, Amen, God. Its number language includes one. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 17: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and…” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.

Words to trace: salute, Christ, good, Jesus, Lord, simple

Verse-by-verse path

  1. Romans 16:15

    “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.

  2. Romans 16:16

    “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.

  3. Romans 16:17

    “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have…” The line’s distinctive content terms include avoid, beseech, brethren. Its relationship to verses 16 and 18 shows what work it does in this passage.

  4. Romans 16:18

    “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

  5. 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…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

  6. 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.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

  7. Romans 16:21

    “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.” Naming Jason and Lucius keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

Romans 16:15-21

King James Version

15Salute 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.

Deep dive

The movement opens with “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.” By verse 24, the text has turned to “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” It lands on “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 1 stated contrast, 3 verses naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.

Connecting words, claims, reasons, contrasts, and commands hold the argument together. Each instruction draws its force from the truth that supports it. Words such as Christ, Jesus, Amen, Lord, saluteth, began tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.

Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Christ, Jesus, Amen, God, Lord, Erastus. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 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…” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.

Words to trace: Christ, Jesus, Amen, Lord, saluteth, began

Verse-by-verse path

  1. Romans 16:22

    “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.

  2. Romans 16:23

    “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.

  3. Romans 16:24

    “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Naming Amen and Christ keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  4. 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…” Naming Christ and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

  5. Romans 16:26

    “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God…” The verse names God rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

  6. Romans 16:27

    “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” Naming Amen and Christ 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 Version

22I 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.

Questions to keep in mind while reading

  1. Identify the audience, problem, argument, command, and pastoral purpose.
  2. Follow connecting words so that one sentence remains inside the author’s reasoning.
  3. Distinguish a universal theological claim from an instruction shaped by a particular situation.

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.

Questions beneath the surface

  1. What account of God, human freedom, responsibility, and the good life emerges from Romans 16?
  2. Which tension does the chapter refuse to resolve quickly?
  3. What changes when the chapter is read as part of the whole canon rather than as an isolated moral story?
  4. Where might a sincere reader confuse a familiar tradition with something the text states directly?

Questions for serious personal contemplation

These open-ended questions make room for tension, honest response, prayer, and conclusions that remain accountable to the chapter.

Observe without rushing

  1. What part of Romans 16 makes you stop, feel unsettled, or feel surprised, and why?

  2. Which detail in the passage would be easiest to overlook? How does that detail change your understanding?

  3. Where do you see tension between what happens and this focus: Romans 16 develops its own movement around Salute, Christ, Lord, Jesus, Greet?

  4. What important question does the passage leave open instead of resolving quickly?

Examine your inner life honestly

  1. Which person, response, fear, or desire in the passage feels most like your own life right now?

  2. What assumption about God, other people, or yourself does this text challenge?

  3. Which part would you rather soften, avoid, or explain away too quickly? What might that reaction reveal?

  4. If this Scripture could ask you one direct question, what do you think it would ask?

Respond with wisdom and courage

  1. What do you need to remember, confess, grieve, thank God for, or trust after reading this passage?

  2. How might another faithful person read this situation differently without ignoring the text?

  3. What obedient response would be costly, uncomfortable, or slow, yet still faithful to Scripture?

  4. What question will you carry into prayer this week, and which verses will you keep in front of you?