로마서 Chapter 16

Translation: ESV

1

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,

Key Message

In the early church, women were vital co-workers in gospel ministry, and God proclaimed the gospel through both men and women.

▸The final chapter of Romans begins with a list of greetings in which twenty-six names appear.

The final chapter of Romans begins with a list of greetings in which twenty-six names appear. The first person mentioned is Phoebe (Φοίβη, Phoibē), who is widely believed to have been the bearer of this letter to Rome. 'Servant (διάκονος)' refers to a person who holds an official ministry in the church, and her mention demonstrates the participation of women in ministry in the early church.

Related Verses

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
3

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

Key Message

A couple dedicated together to the gospel is one of the most beautiful expressions of faith, and God's kingdom is built by such co-workers.

▸The couple Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila are mentioned six times in the New Testament, and in four of those occurrences Prisca is named first.

7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.

Key Message

In the early church there were brothers and sisters who suffered together for the gospel, and their dedication became the foundation of the church.

▸Junia (Ἰουνίαν) is a figure who is 'well known to the apostles,' and some scholars interpret this as 'outstanding among the apostles.

17

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Key Message

The church community must maintain its health by discerning and distancing itself from those who undermine the truth of the gospel.

▸A sharp warning is suddenly inserted into the middle of the list of greetings.

20

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Key Message

Satan's defeat is already certain in Christ, and the church can live boldly in the assurance of this victory.

▸The phrase 'crush Satan under your feet' evokes the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.

25

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

Key Message

The gospel is not a human invention but an eternal truth that God planned before the creation of the world and has now revealed in due time.

▸The closing doxology of Romans begins.

27

to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Key Message

All of Romans is for the glory of God, and the ultimate purpose of all history and of the gospel is to ascribe glory to God.

▸The final words of the entire letter — brought to a close with a doxology.