Romans 16

Please join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 am.  We are currently working through the Book of Romans.

This week's assignment is to read Chapter 16.

After reading the passage, use these questions as the basis for your discussion.

1.  What stood out for you / what was interesting and why?  (The Holy Spirit's prompting)

2.  What was the passage about / the main message / big idea?  (The Word of God)

3.  What should we do / how can we apply this  message?  (Faith in Action)

Romans 16 — Commending, Greeting, and Guarding the Church

Theme:  Unity, honor, and discernment within the body of Christ.
Key Verse:  “Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel…” — Romans 16:25

I. Commendation of Phoebe (vv. 1–2)
  • A. Paul commends Phoebe — a servant (διάκονον, diakonos) of the church at Cenchrea.
  • B. She is a helper of many — likely the letter’s courier.
  • C. Call to receive and assist her as a fellow believer.
Application:  Honor those who serve faithfully, especially women who labor in ministry.

II. Greetings to Fellow Workers (vv. 3–16)
  • A. Priscilla and Aquila — co-workers who risked their lives for Paul.
  • B. The house churches — evidence of early Christian gatherings in homes.
  • C. Long list of believers (over 25 by name):  Epaenetus, Mary, Andronicus, Junia, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, etc.
  • D. “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (v. 16) — sign of unity and love.
Application: The church is relational — every member matters.

III. Warning Against Divisive People (vv. 17–20)
  • A. Avoid those who cause divisions and offenses.
  • B. Such people serve their own appetites, not Christ.
  • C. Be wise about what is good and innocent about evil.
  • D. Promise: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Application:  Discernment protects the unity and purity of the church.

IV. Greetings from Paul’s Companions (vv. 21–23)
  • A. Timothy (fellow worker).
  • B. Lucius, Jason, Sosipater — kinsmen.
  • C. Tertius — the scribe who wrote the letter.
  • D. Gaius, Erastus, Quartus — hosts and supporters.
Application:  Paul’s ministry was deeply collaborative — no one labors alone.

V. Doxology of Praise (vv. 25–27)
  • A. God strengthens believers through the gospel.
  • B. The mystery once hidden is now revealed to all nations.
  • C. To God alone be glory through Jesus Christ forever.
Application:  All ministry, unity, and faithfulness lead to the glory of God.

Summary Insights
  • Heart of Paul: Deep love for individuals by name.
  • Model for the Church: Personal connection, doctrinal purity, and worshipful focus.
  • End of the Letter: A blend of affection, warning, and worship.