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Romans Chapter
Sixteen
Romans 16
Never having known the Roman Christians as an assembly,
Paul sends many personal salutations. This was the link which subsisted. We see
how touchingly his heart dwells upon all the details of service which attached
him to those who had rendered it. He who by grace had searched into all the
counsels of God, who had been admitted to see that which could not be made
known to man here below, remembered all that these humble Christians-these
devoted women-had done for him and for the Lord. This is love; it is the real
proof of the power of the Spirit of God; it is the bond of charity.
We have also here a precious and most perfect rule for our walk,
namely, to be simple concerning evil, and wise unto that which is good. Christianity
alone could have given such a rule; for it provides a walk that is positively
good, and wisdom to walk in it. As Christians we may be simple concerning evil.
What a deliverance! While the man of the world must needs acquaint himself with
evil, in order to avoid it in this world of snares and of artifice, he must
corrupt his mind, accustom himself to think of evil, in order not to be
entrapped by it. But soon there should be entire deliverance-soon should Satan
be trodden under their feet.
We see also that the apostle did not write his letters
himself, but employed a brother to do it. Here it was one named Tertius (v.
22). Deeply concerned at the condition of the Galatians, he wrote himself the
letter addressed to them; but the salutation at the end of this, as of other
epistles, was in his own hand in order to verify the contents of the epistle.
(1 Corinthians 16:21; 2 Thessalonians 3:17, in which the feigned epistle
alluded to in 2 Thessalonians 2 gave occasion to state this proof, which he
always gave, that an epistle was truly his.) We see likewise, by this little
circumstance, that he attached a solemn and authoritative character to his
epistles, that they were not merely the effusions of a spiritual heart, but
that in writing them he knew and would have others understand, that they were
worthy of consideration and of being preserved as authorities, as the
expression and exercise of his apostolic mission, and were to be received as
such; that is to say, as possessing the Lord's authority, with which he was
furnished by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were letters from the Lord by
his means, even as his words had also been (1 Thess. 2:13, and 1 Cor. 14:37).
We have yet to observe, with regard to the three verses
at the end of the epistle, that they are, as it were, detached from all the
rest, introducing, in the form of a doxology, the suggestion of a truth, the
communication of which distinguished the apostle's teaching. He does not
develop it here. The task which the Holy Ghost accomplished in this epistle,
was the presentation of the soul individually before God according to the
divine thoughts. Nevertheless this connects itself immediately with the
position of the body; and the doctrine respecting the body, the assembly,
cannot be separated from it. Now the apostle informs us distinctly, that the
mystery, the assembly, and the gathering together in one of all things under
Christ, had been entirely unknown: God had been silent on that subject in the
times which were defined by the word ages, the assembly not forming a part of
that course of events, and of the ways of God on earth. But the mystery was now
revealed and communicated to the Gentiles by prophetic writings-not "the
writings of the prophets." The epistles addressed to the Gentiles
possessed this character; they were prophetic writings-a fresh proof of the
character of the epistles in the New Testament.
He who has understood the doctrine of this epistle, and
of the writings of Paul in general, will readily apprehend the significance of
this postscript. The epistle itself develops with divine perfection and fulness
how a soul can stand before God in this world, and the grace and righteousness
of God, maintaining withal His counsels as to Israel.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Romans》
Romans 16
Chapter Contents
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and
greets several friends there. (1-16) Cautions the church against such as made
divisions. (17-20) Christian salutations. (21-24) The epistle concludes with
ascribing glory to God. (25-27)
Commentary on Romans 16:1-16
(Read Romans 16:1-16)
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It
becomes Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers;
we know not what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had
been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Though
the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remember many
persons, and send salutations to each, with particular characters of them, and
express concern for them. Lest any should feel themselves hurt, as if Paul had
forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints,
though not named. He adds, in the close, a general salutation to them all, in
the name of the churches of Christ.
Commentary on Romans 16:17-20
(Read Romans 16:17-20)
How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations!
Whatever differs from the sound doctrine of the Scriptures, opens a door to
divisions and offences. If truth be forsaken, unity and peace will not last
long. Many call Christ, Master and Lord, who are far from serving him. But they
serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. They corrupt the head by
deceiving the heart; perverting the judgments by winding themselves into the
affections. We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. It has
been the common policy of seducers to set upon those who are softened by
convictions. A pliable temper is good when under good guidance, otherwise it
may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as
not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle expects from God, is victory over
Satan. This includes all designs and devices of Satan against souls, to defile,
disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven
here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and
we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in
our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the
grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?
Commentary on Romans 16:21-24
(Read Romans 16:21-24)
The apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons
with him, known to the Roman Christians. It is a great comfort to see the
holiness and usefulness of our kindred. Not many mighty, not many noble are
called, but some are. It is lawful for believers to bear civil offices; and it
were to be wished that all offices in Christian states, and in the church, were
bestowed upon prudent and steady Christians.
Commentary on Romans 16:25-27
(Read Romans 16:25-27)
That which establishes souls, is, the plain preaching of
Jesus Christ. Our redemption and salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, are,
without controversy, a great mystery of godliness. And yet, blessed be God,
there is as much of this mystery made plain as will bring us to heaven, if we
do not wilfully neglect so great salvation. Life and immortality are brought to
light by the gospel, and the Sun of Righteousness is risen on the world. The
Scriptures of the prophets, what they left in writing, is not only made plain
in itself, but by it this mystery is made known to all nations. Christ is
salvation to all nations. And the gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and
disputed about, but to be submitted to. The obedience of faith is that
obedience which is paid to the word of faith, and which comes by the grace of
faith. All the glory that passes from fallen man to God, so as to be accepted
of him, must go through the Lord Jesus, in whom alone our persons and doings
are, or can be, pleasing to God. Of his righteousness we must make mention,
even of his only; who, as he is the Mediator of all our prayers, so he is, and
will be, to eternity, the Mediator of all our praises. Remembering that we are
called to the obedience of faith, and that every degree of wisdom is from the
only wise God, we should, by word and deed, render glory to him through Jesus
Christ; that so the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be with us for ever.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Romans》
Romans 16
Verse 1
[1] I
commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at
Cenchrea:
I commend unto you Phebe — The bearer of this letter.
A servant —
The Greek word is a deaconness.
Of the church in Cenchrea — In the apostolic age, some grave and pious women were appointed
deaconnesses in every church. It was their office, not to teach publicly, but
to visit the sick, the women in particular, and to minister to them both in
their temporal and spiritual necessities.
Verse 2
[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.
In the Lord —
That is, for the Lord's sake, and in a Christian manner. St. Paul seems fond of
this expression.
Verse 4
[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.
Who have for my life, as it were, laid down
their own necks - That is, exposed themselves to the utmost danger.
But likewise all the churches of the gentiles — Even that at Rome, for preserving so valuable a life.
Verse 5
[5]
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Salute the church that is in their house — Aquila had been driven from Rome in the reign of Claudius, but was now
returned, and performed the same part there which Caius did at Corinth, Romans 16:23. Where any Christian had a large
house, there they all assembled together though as yet the Christians at Rome
had neither bishops nor deacons. So far were they from any shadow of papal
power. Nay, there does not appear to have been then in the whole city any more
than one of these domestic churches. Otherwise there can be no doubt but St.
Paul would have saluted them also.
Epenetus —
Although the apostle had never been at Rome, yet had he many acquaintance
there. But here is no mention of Linus or Cemens; whence it appears, they did
not come to Rome till after this.
The firstfruits of Asia — The first convert in the proconsular Asia.
Verse 7
[7] Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are
of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Who are of note among the apostles — They seem to have been some of the most early converts.
Fellowprisoners —
For the gospel's sake.
Verse 9
[9]
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Our fellowlabourer —
Mine and Timothy's, verse 21. Romans 16:21
Verse 11
[11]
Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus,
which are in the Lord.
Those of the family of Aristobulus and
Narcissus, who are in the Lord - It seems only part of their families were
converted. Probably, some of them were not known to St. Paul by face, but only
by character. Faith does not create moroseness, but courtesy, which even the
gravity of an apostle did not hinder.
Verse 12
[12]
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved
Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa — Probably they were two sisters.
Verse 13
[13]
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Salute Rufus —
Perhaps the same that is mentioned, Mark 15:21.
And his mother and mine — This expression may only denote the tender care which Rufus's mother had
taken of him.
Verse 14
[14]
Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which
are with them.
Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, … — He seems to join those together, who were joined by kindred, nearness of
habitation, or any other circumstance. It could not but encourage the poor
especially, to be saluted by name, who perhaps did not know that the apostle
bad ever heard of them. It is observable, that whilst the apostle forgets none
who are worthy, yet he adjusts the nature of his salutation to the degrees of
worth in those whom he salutes.
Verse 15
[15]
Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the
saints which are with them.
Salute all the saints — Had St. Peter been then at Rome, St. Paul would doubtless have saluted
him by name; since no one in this numerous catalogue was of an eminence
comparable to his. But if he was not then at Rome, the whole Roman tradition,
with regard to the succession of their bishops, fails in the most fundamental
article.
Verse 16
[16]
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Salute one another with an holy kiss — Termed by St. Peter, "the kiss of love," 1 Peter 5:14. So the ancient Christians
concluded all their solemn offices; the men saluting the men, and the women the
women. And this apostolical custom seems to have continued for some ages in all
Christian churches.
Verse 17
[17] Now
I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary
to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Mark them who cause divisions — Such there were, therefore, at Rome also.
Avoid them —
Avoid all unnecessary intercourse with them.
Verse 18
[18] For
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.
By good words —
Concerning themselves, making great promises.
And fair speeches —
Concerning you, praising and flattering you.
The harmless —
Who, doing no ill themselves, are not upon their guard against them that do.
Verse 19
[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.
But I would have you — Not only obedient, but discreet also.
Wise with regard to that which is good — As knowing in this as possible.
And simple with regard to that which is evil — As ignorant of this as possible.
Verse 20
[20] And
the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
And the God of peace — The Author and Lover of it, giving a blessing to your discretion.
Shall bruise Satan under your feet — Shall defeat all the artifices of that sower of tares, and unite you
more and more together in love.
Verse 21
[21]
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen,
salute you.
Timotheus my fellowlabourer — Here he is named even before St. Paul's kinsmen. But as he had never
been at Rome, he is not named in the beginning of the epistle.
Verse 22
[22] I
Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you — Tertius, who wrote what the apostle dictated, inserted this, either by
St. Paul's exhortation or ready permission.
Caius —
The Corinthian, 1 Corinthians 1:14.
My host, and of the whole church — Who probably met for some time in his house.
Verse 23
[23]
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain
of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
The chamberlain of the city — Of Corinth.
Verse 25
[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,
Now to him who is able — The last words of this epistle exactly answer the first, chapter i. 1-5:
Romans 1:1-5: in particular, concerning the
power of God, the gospel, Jesus Christ, the scriptures, the obedience of faith,
all nations.
To establish you —
Both Jews and gentiles.
According to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ — That is, according to the tenor of the
gospel of Jesus Christ, which I preach.
According to the revelation of the mystery — Of the calling of the gentiles, which, as plainly as it was foretold in
the Prophets, was still hid from many even of the believing Jews.
Verse 26
[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:
According to the commandment — The foundation of the apostolical office.
Of the eternal God — A
more proper epithet could not be. A new dispensation infers no change in God.
Known unto him are all his works, and every variation of them, from eternity.
Made known to all nations — Not barely that they might know, but enjoy it also, through obeying the
faith.
Verse 27
[27] To
God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
To the only wise God — Whose manifold wisdom is known in the church through the gospel, Ephesians 3:10. "To him who is able,"
and, to the wise God," are joined, as 1 Corinthians 1:24, where Christ is styled
"the wisdom of God," and "the power of God." To him be
glory through Christ Jesus for ever - And let every believer say, Amen!
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Romans》
Chapter 16. Greetings and Praising
Wise about What
Is Good
Innocent about What Is Evil
I. Commend
Phoebe Seriously
II. The
Billboard of Successful Saints
III. Resist
Temptations Contrary to the Teaching
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter Sixteen General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To be impressed with such Christians as Phoebe, Priscilla, and Aquila 2) To understand the warning against those who cause division SUMMARY
In this last chapter, Paul closes with miscellaneous instructions, greetings, warnings, and a doxology. Of particular note are hiscomments concerning Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea (1-2).Also, his greetings to Priscilla and Aquila remind us of howinstrumental this couple was in the spread of the gospel (3-5a ). Theremaining greetings from Paul remind us that there were many others whocontributed to the growth of the church in the first century (5b-16). A final warning is given against those who would cause divisions and occasions of stumbling contrary to what Paul had taught in this epistle (17-18). For above all else, Paul wanted to ensure their continued obedience in the gospel (19-20). Paul's companions at Corinth closes this wonderful epistle with an expression of praise to God for the revelation of the gospel which was leading to the obedience of faith among all nations (25-27). OUTLINE
I. CONCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS & FAREWELLS (1-24)
A. COMMENDATION OF PHOEBE (1-2) 1. A servant of the church in Cenchrea (1) 2. To receive her in a worthy manner, helping her along (2) B. MISCELLANEOUS GREETINGS FROM PAUL (3-16) 1. To Priscilla and Aquila (3-5a ) 2. To various others (5b-16) C. A FINAL WARNING (17-20) 1. Against those who selfishly cause divisions and offenses (17-18) 2. To continue in obedience, for God will give them victory (19-20) D. GREETINGS FROM PAUL'S COMPANIONS (21-24) 1. From Timothy and others (21) 2. From Tertius, Paul's "amanuensis" [personal scribe] (22) 3. From brethren at Corinth II. PAUL'S DOXOLOGY (25-27)
A. TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH YOU (25-26) 1. According to the gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ (25a ) 2. According to the mystery once secret, but now revealed and made known to all nations (25b-26) a. Made known by the prophetic Scriptures (26a ) b. Made known for obedience to the faith (26b) B. TO GOD, ALONE WISE, BE GLORY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST FOREVER! (27) REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
- Concluding Instructions And Farewells (1-24) - Paul's Doxology (25-27) 2) How does Paul describe Phoebe? (1-2)
- A servant of the church; a helper of Paul and of many