Previously in his letter to the Romans Paul shared his love and concern for the believers in Rome. Now the apostle concludes his epistle with words of encouragement as well as warm greetings.
“1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.” (Romans 16:1-2)
First Paul calls on his audience to be hospitable toward Phoebe, the bearer of the apostle’s letter to the Roman churches since she had been faithful in her service to Jesus Christ through Paul.
“3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.” (Romans 16:3-7)
Paul’s love for the Romans is shown as he pours out greetings for many servants of the churches in Rome, notably Priscilla and Aquila, both leaders of a household church in Rome. Paul’s gratitude for many Christians throughout Rome is obvious and heart felt in this section of his letter.
“8 Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.” (Romans 16:8-16)
Paul felt driven to send his personal greeting to over 16 people, one third of which were women serving the Lord among Roman churches. The apostle then calls on his readers to be on their guard for the enemy and those with him.
“17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” (Romans 16:17-18)
Paul warns believers to be on the lookout for imposters and hypocrites who claim to serve the Lord but in fact are self serving, selfish and ambitious deceivers whose ultimate goal is to weaken God’s children.
“19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:19-20)
Paul praises the Romans for their service and obedience, yet again warns them of evil that surrounds them until Satan is crushed by God upon the second coming of Christ.
“21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.” (Romans 16:21-22)
Here we find out Timothy was with Paul at the time he dictated this letter, seemingly scribed by Tertius, a servant of the Lord.
“23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. 25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:23-27)
Paul shares more greetings from brothers in Christ surrounding him in Corinth. Written in his own hand, the apostle concludes his letter to the Romans with a doxology, giving praise to God through glorifying words aimed at our King.
The mystery had indeed been revealed, that both Jews and Gentiles were called to salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son.
Paul’s letter to the Roman churches is a passionate icon among the Pauline epistles. Believers should look to this letter for guidance and reassurance, as well as comfort in challenging times knowing that God’s love for us is without measure. It is truly up to each one of us to choose right from wrong, heaven or hell. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
