161 And I commend you to Phebe our sister—being a ministrant of the assembly that 'is' in Cenchrea— 2 that ye may receive her in the Lord, as doth become saints, and may assist her in whatever matter she may have need of you—for she also became a leader of many, and of myself. 3 Salute Priscilla and Aquilas, my fellow-workmen in Christ Jesus— 4 who for my life their own neck did lay down, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the nations— 5 and the assembly at their house; salute Epaenetus, my beloved, who is first-fruit of Achaia to Christ. 6 Salute Mary, who did labour much for us; 7 salute Andronicus and Junias, my kindred, and my fellow-captives, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me. 8 Salute Amplias, my beloved in the Lord; 9 salute Arbanus, our fellow-workman in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved; 10 salute Apelles, the approved in Christ; salute those of the 'household' of Aristobulus; 11 salute Herodion, my kinsman; salute those of the 'household' of Narcissus, who are in the Lord; 12 salute Tryphaena, and Tryphosa, who are labouring in the Lord; salute Persis, the beloved, who did labour much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus, the choice one in the Lord, and his mother and mine, 14 salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren with them; 15 salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; 16 salute one another in a holy kiss; the assemblies of Christ do salute you.
17 And I call upon you, brethren, to mark those who the divisions and the stumbling-blocks, contrary to the teaching that ye did learn, are causing, and turn ye away from them; 18 for such our Lord Jesus Christ do not serve, but their own belly; and through the good word and fair speech they deceive the hearts of the harmless, 19 for your obedience did reach to all; I rejoice, therefore, as regards you, and I wish you to be wise, indeed, as to the good, and harmless as to the evil; 20 and the God of the peace shall bruise the Adversary under your feet quickly; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 'be' with you. Amen!
21 Salute you do Timotheus, my fellow-workman, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kindred; 22 I Tertius salute you (who wrote the letter) in the Lord; 23 salute you doth Gaius, my host, and of the whole assembly; salute you doth Erastus, the steward of the city, and Quartus the brother, 24 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 'be' with you all. Amen.
25 And to Him who is able to establish you, according to my good news, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the secret, in the times of the ages having been kept silent, 26 and now having been made manifest, also, through prophetic writings, according to a command of the age-during God, having been made known to all the nations for obedience of faith—
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 16:1-26
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.