Romans 16:1-16

1. Paul’s Ministry & Closing Remarks– 15:14-16:27 Romans 16:1-16 Paul’s Commendations

2. Introduction This passage contains the expression of love and appreciation for many of the “ordinary” Christians in Paul’s life. He reveals his deep affection for those whom he had served, for those who had served him, and for those who served with him.

3. Paul’s Commendation to Aquila & Priscilla Romans 16:3-4Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. This was a couple who opened their hearts and home even at the risk of death. Priscilla and Aquila were close companions of Paul. They were originally residents of Rome. But the Roman emporer, Claudius, had the Jews banished from Rome in A.D. 52. Priscilla and Aquila moved to Corinth. They were the couple who opened their home to Paul when he first entered Corinth.

4. Paul’s Commendation to Aquila & Priscilla Romans 16:3-4Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. They were also the couple who went into business with Paul as tent-makers. They later travelled with Paul to Ephesus where they settled (Acts 18:18). The chief characteristic of this couple was an open heart and an open house. Wherever we find them, we find that their home was the center for Christian worship and fellowship.

5. Paul’s Commendation to Aquila & Priscilla Romans 16:5aLikewise greet the church that is in their house. This is the couple who discipled Apollos (Acts 28:24-26), opened their home for the church to meet in while living in Ephesus (1Cor 16:19). Now we see they have returned to Rome and once again the church meets in their house. This couple used what God had given them (knowledge and resources) and used them to serve Christ.

6. Paul’s Commendation to Epaenetus Romans 16:5bGreet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Epaenetus was a courageous first convert. He was probably a member of the household of Stephanas whose house is said to have been the first fruits of Achaia (1 Cor. 16:15). It took raw courage to be the first convert to Christ in the midst of a pagan society. Just imagine the changed life, the surrendering of himself to Jesus as Lord, and the giving of all he was and had to the Lord's cause. Just imagine the attitude and reactions of his neighbors, friends and fellow-workers. Epenetus was unquestionably a man of remarkable courage.

7. Paul’s Commendation to Mary Romans 16:6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Mary was a woman who gave of her time and energy to serve. She was a member of the Roman church and Paul had never been to Rome. Mary must have ministered to Paul and his fellow-workers someplace else. In fact, she had ministered so much to his team of workers that Paul commends her for this labor rather than for her ministry to the church. We have no idea what she did for Paul's team, but whatever it was, it was an effective ministry that required much diligent labor. She was an ordinary person who served others.

8. Paul’s Commendation to Andronicus and Junia Romans 16:7Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. The term “countrymen” translates a term for “kinsman” and indicates that this couple were relatives of Paul. In this passage we see that they were imprisoned at some time with Paul, and indicates their willingness to suffer for Christ. They must have been part of the early Church in Jerusalem for they were known and respected by the apostles and were believers in Christ before Paul’s conversion. These were ordinary people who were willing to take their stand with Christ!

9. Paul’s Commendation to Amplias Romans 16:8Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. This person’s testimony is that he was loved by Paul. Notice that he is called “my beloved” a term of deep affection. God had this person’s name recorded in Scripture and would seem to indicate a man of remarkable love. A person who is greatly loved by others usually indicates a person that who has a great love for others.

10. Paul’s Commendation to Urbanus Romans 16:9aGreet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, Urbanus was a helper and fellow worker in the ministry. Three things in particular are noteworthy.1.  He was a man who worked side by side with Paul.2.  He was a man of unusual diligence. The fact that he would be laboring with, and mentioned by Paul indicates this.3.  He was a man of faithfulness who was loyal to Christ wherever he travelled. He met Paul outside Rome. We do not know his reason for travelling, but he was faithful in serving and witnessing for the Lord wherever he was.

11. Paul’s Commendation to Stachys Romans 16:9b… and Stachys, my beloved. Here is another whose life is characterized by love!

12. Paul’s Commendation to Apelles Romans 16:10a Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Apelles was a believer who had been tried and approved as faithful. Apparently, Apelles had undergone some extreme suffering and had stood against it, proving his loyalty beyond question.

13. Paul’s Commendation for Aristobulus’ household Romans 16:10b Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. The phrasing here seems to speak of slaves that served Aristobulus who had discovered and served their true master. Aristobulus was the name of a grandson of Herod the Great.

14. Paul’s Commendation for Herodion Romans 16:11a Greet Herodion, my countryman. Herodion was another of Paul’s relatives that had accepted Jesus as the Messiah and yielded his life to Him.

15. Paul’s Commendation for Herodion Romans 16:11b Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Narcissus was a wealthy secretary for Emperor Claudius. Again this is speaking to members of his household (most likely slaves) who had become followers of Jesus. “In the Lord” is a contrast to “in the world”.

16. Paul’s Commendation for Two Hard Working Ladies Romans 16:12aGreet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. These were two ordinary women who worked hard for Christ. Tryphena means “dainty” and Tryphosa means “delicate”. The word “labored” means to work to the point of exhaustion. The point is that these two poured their lives into laboring for Christ.

17. Paul’s Commendation for Persis • Romans 16:12bGreet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. • Here is another believer who worked hard for Christ. • Two things are noted: • His life was characterized by love and ministry that the church looked on him as the “beloved Persis”. • He labored diligently for the Lord every way He could.

18. Paul’s Commendation for Rufus Romans 16:13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Tradition states that it was Rufus the son of Simon the Cyrenian who carried the cross for Jesus. Notice that he was “chosen in the Lord” not “by the Lord”. This draws focus to an intimate relationship in Christ. This is a righteous man set on living his life in the power and character of Jesus. He was not Paul’s physical brother, but his mom “mothered” others including Paul.

19. Paul’s Commendation for the Faithful Romans 16:14-15 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. This seems to greet two groups of people that perhaps were smaller churches. We do not know much about these accept that they are “brethren” and “saints”. Like us, they were ordinary people serving Christ with what they had.

20. Paul’s Plea for the Unity Romans 16:16Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. This is a favorite verse with many. I had a friend in college who claimed this as his life verse while dating… The verse is much deeper than that. It is a plea for unity. The kiss was one we see practiced today as a greeting upon the cheek. It was a show of honor, respect and showed a bond of family or close friendship. It is holy (without deceit) showing that we are unified together in service for Christ.

21. So What … We should not be intimidated by this list of names. They were ordinary believers who used their talents and resources in loving Christ. You do not have to become someone different. Jesus has designed you. You need to follow the example of these believers in surrendering yourself to the cause of Christ, and serving him faithfully with your talents, gifts, and resources.