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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
“Loving Greetings”

Theme Verse: 3
Key word: greeting

Romans 16:1-2 – Phoebe Recommended

RO16:1 Now I am recommending our sister Phoebe 916 who is also a deaconess of the congregation in Cenchrae. 917

916

I am recommending our sister Phoebe: Or, KJV: I commend; MOF: let me introduce. It is thought by some that chapter 16 is something of an introductory note with greetings which Phoebe gave to the Roman elders when she carried Paul’s letter to them. Her name means “pure” or “bright.” The trip to Rome was a long one. Perhaps she had business there or was moving there. Paul’s letter of recommendation may be something official.

917

A deaconess of the congregation in Cenchrae: Or, KJV: a servant; CON: ministering servant; WMS: deaconess. There are several views. Some feel Phoebe was a servant in a general sense, others that she held the position or office of a deacon. The Greek is the same as that of 1 Timothy 3:10, 11 where women may be included among deacons. The office of deacon was a service to the material needs of the congregation. See notes elsewhere on Phoebe in Nazarene Community and The Biblical Woman. Compare the Greek DIEKONOUN at Luke 8:3. Cenchrae was a city near Corinth. [Acts 18:18] It is now called Kechriais.

RO16:2 [I do this] so that you will accept her in union with the Master in a manner worthy of the saints. 918 Also that you may stand by her regarding any matter she likely may need. 919 For she became a helper to many 920 as well as to me.

918	Accept her in union with the Master in a manner worthy of the saints: Or, KJV: receive her; BEC: welcome her; TCN: give her a Christian welcome. [Philippians 2:29; 3 John 8]

919	Stand by her regarding any matter she likely may need: Or, KJV: assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; MOF: give her any help she may require. See notes on Romans 12:13 and 1 John 3:17.

920

She became a helper to many: Or, KJV: succourer; RHM: defender; KIT: protectress; TCN: staunch friend. On the Greek word PROSTATIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4368] see commentary in The Biblical Woman. Some wish to give the word an official meaning whereas most treat it as the description of a helper or defender.

Romans 16:3-7 – Greetings

RO16:3 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers 921 united in Christ Jesus.

921	Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers: [Some Greek Texts use “Priscilla” which means “little old lady.”] A Jewish couple who are mentioned elsewhere. [Acts 18:2, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19] They were tent-makers with whom Paul worked for six months.

RO16:4 They risked their own necks for my own soul, 922 and not only I give thanks but also all the congregations of the non-Jews.

922	They risked their own necks for my own soul: Or, TCN: who risked their own lives to save mine. The precise risk is nowhere explained.

RO16:5 Greet all those in their house-church. 923 Greek my beloved Epaenetus, the [Christian] firstfruits of Asia.

923

All those in their house-church: Or, KJV: the church that is in their house; RHM: the assembly; KNX: congregation. Home churches were probably the most common form of Christian assembly. There is no evidence in the Christian Bible of building a church building. It must have been this couples habit to hold a meeting in their house wherever they lived. [1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2]

RO16:6 Greet Mary who labored very much in your behalf. RO16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives 924 and fellow prisoners, who are notable persons among the apostles 925 who also have been united in Christ before me.

924	My relatives: Or, KJV: kinsman; TCN: countrymen. [Colossians 4:10] They have been in prison together at one time.

925

Who are notable persons among the apostles: Or, KJV: of note among the apostles; GDS: noted men among the missionaries; PME: outstanding men among the messengers. It is possible Paul uses the word “apostles” in its more limited and qualified meaning of a representative. Otherwise, he means these relatives of his were well known by the apostles themselves as they had been Christians before Paul. Research the word apostle.

Romans 16:8-16 – Greetings

RO16:8 Greet Ampliatus my beloved in unity with [the] Master. 926

926	Greet Ampliatus my beloved in unity with [the] Master: Or, GDS: my dear Christian friend. His name means “Enlarged.” The phrase “in the Lord” and “in the Christ” is one used often.

RO16:9 Greet Urbanus our co-worker in Christ and Stachys my beloved. 927

927	Greet Urbanus our co-worker in Christ and Stachys my beloved: Or, KJV: helper; ASV: fellow-worker. Urbanus means “Elegant” and the name appears often in inscriptions within Caesar’s household. Stachys means “Head of Grain.” He is among the handful Paul calls “beloved.”

RO16:10 Greet Apelles the one approved in Christ. 928 Greet those who belong to Aristobulus. 929

928	Greet Apelles the one approved in Christ: Or, MON: tested and tried; CON: found trustworthy; MOF: salute that tried Christian; GDS: that veteran Christian. The name means “Call.” On “approved” see 2 Corinthians 10:18 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

929	Greet those who belong to Aristobulus: Or, KJV: household. The name means “Best Counselor.” Possibly his family is here included.

RO16:11 Greet Herodion my relative. 930 Greet those who belong to Narcissus 931 as well as belonging [to the] Lord.

930	Greet Herodion my relative: Or KJV: kinsman; TCN: countryman. Some believe the designation “relative” may refer to another Jew rather than a family member. See notes on Romans 9:3.

931	Narcissus: Or, KJV: household. Likely the father of a Christian household.

RO16:12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa [who] labor 932 in [the] Lord. Greet beloved Persis who labored 933 in [the] Master very much.

932	Tryphaena and Tryphosa [who] labor: Or, MOF: work hard; MON: ever toiling. Likely sisters with the first one’s name meaning “Live in Luxury” and the second from the same root.

933	Beloved Persis who labored: The name means “Persian Woman.”

RO16:13 Greet Rufus, the one chosen 934 in [the] Lord; and also his mother and mine.

934	Rufus, the one chosen: Or, ABU: the elect; RSV: eminent; MOF: that choice Christian. The name means “Red” and Paul includes his mother in the endearing expression.

RO16:14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, 935 and all those brothers with them.

935

Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas: Asyncritus means “Without Compare.” Phlegon means “Burning.” Hermes may be named after the Greek god. Patrobas may be a form of “father.” Hermas, a female form of Hermes. It may be a house church group as other unnamed “brothers” are mentioned. GDS: and the brothers who meet with them.

RO16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, 936 Nereus and his sister; 937 and Olympas and those with him – each one holy. 938

936	Philologus and Julia: Philologus means “Fond of Words” and is a name found on Caesar related inscriptions. Julia is likely the wife of Philologus.

937	Nereus and his sister: His name is known among Caesar inscriptions. It is interesting how Paul does not use the name of several people.

938	Olympas and those with him – each one holy: Or, BEC: all the holy people who are with them; GDS: all God’s people who meet with them; MON: all the saints associated with them. Probably named for the mountain from which the gods came. There is a holy family or group of associates here.

RO16:16 Greet each other with a holy kiss. 939 All the congregations of the Christ greet you. 940

939

Greet each other with a holy kiss: Or, TCN: sacred kiss; WMS: consecrated kiss. Many cultures greet with a kiss, or two, or three, and some even four. Compare 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14. Such warm and godly embraces are still practiced in some Christian communities.

940	All the congregations of the Christ greet you: Or, KJV: churches of Christ; RHM: assemblies of the Christ. Likely each congregation passed along their greetings to others Paul would visit or write.

Romans 16:17-20 – Avoid Sectarians

RO16:17 However, I exhort you, brothers, to watch those who cause divisions and scandals 941 against the teaching which you learned 942 and turn away from them. 943

941

Watch those who cause divisions and scandals: Or, KJV: mark them which cause divisions and offenses; MOF: keep your eye on those who stir up dissensions and put hindrances in your way; RSV: take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties. Right among the various greetings Paul inserts as it were an after thought in parenthetical form. It seems likely Paul alludes to some of the problems and questions he addressed earlier in this letter. He would not have written as he has if there were not some divisive persons among the Roman churches. See note on 2 Peter 2:1 and Jude 19.

942	Against the teaching which you learned: Or, KJV: contrary to the doctrine; GDS: in opposition to the instructions. We can only reconstruct this “teaching” from the Gospels and other inspired epistles. See notes on Romans 6:17.

943

Turn away from them: Or, KJV: avoid them; TCN: disassociate yourselves from them. This seems clearly to point to some form of shunning or excommunication. In Titus 3:10 Paul writes regarding such sectarians: “Regarding the heretical person – shun following two warnings.” [2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; 2 John 9, 10] The early church was not a free-form conglomeration of independent and autonomous groups each with its own divergent opinions and views.

RO16:18 For such persons are not slaving for our Master Christ. 944 Rather they [slave] for their own bellies. 945 By means of smooth speech and compliments 946 they seduce the hearts of the innocent. 947

944	Such persons are not slaving for our Master Christ: KJV: serve not our Lord Jesus Christ. Though they may present themselves as Christians they have another agenda. They may be partly identified by not “slaving” for Christ.

945	They [slave] for their own bellies: Or, TCN: slaves to their own appetites; MOF: base desires. It seems clear they are self-seeking and self-centered. They may share characteristics with those described in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14. [Philippians 3:19; see notes on Jude 12]

946	By means of smooth speech and compliments: Or, KJV: good words and fair speeches; ABU: kind and smooth; MOF: plausible and pious; NEB: specious words; RSV: fair and flattering. They say what others want to hear thus ‘tickling their ears.’ [2 Timothy 4:2] See notes on 2 Peter 2:3 and JUDE 16.

947	They seduce the hearts of the innocent: Or, KJV: deceive the hearts of the simple; ASV: beguile; ABU: guileless; MOF: unsuspecting people; RSV: simple-minded. [2 Corinthians 11:3, 14-17]

RO16:19 For your obedience is [renowned] and has reached every one. 948 Because of this I rejoice, however, I want you really wise regarding whatever is good 949 and completely pure regarding whatever is bad. 950

948	For your obedience is [renowned] and has reached every one: Or, KJV: your obedience is come abroad unto all men; NEB: the fame of your obedience has spread everywhere. See notes on Romans 1:8.

949	I want you really wise regarding whatever is good: Or, TCN: I want you to be well versed in all that is good; NEB: experts in goodness. See notes on Matthew 10:16.

950	Completely pure regarding whatever is bad: Or, KJV: simple concerning evil; RHM: pure as to what is evil; RSV: guileless as to; NEB: simpletons in evil. The Greek is AKERAIOUS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #185], or without mixture. Compare 1 Corinthians 14:20.

RO16:20 Because the God of peace will suddenly crush Satan under your feet. 951 [Genesis 3:15] The unmerited favor of our Master Jesus be with you all.

951

The God of peace will suddenly crush Satan under your feet: Or, KJV: shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly; TCN: before long. The Greek for “suddenly” is TACHEI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5034] a “time” work meaning “quick” or “sudden.” Paul makes a strong allusion to Genesis 3:15. His interpretative paraphrase would prove the Church was incorporate in the Seed, Christ.

Romans 16:21 – Timothy and Others

RO16:21 Greetings to you from my co-worker Timothy, 952 as well as my relatives 953 Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. 954

952	Timothy: The young missionary was a fellow Christian worker with Paul as well as a representative (apostle) sent out to various churches. His name means “Honor” and occurs 27 times between Acts and Hebrews. [Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15] Paul wrote two pastoral epistles to Timothy.

953	My relatives: Or, KJV: kinsmen; TCN: countrymen. Likely fellow Jews.

954	Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater: Lucius means “Light.” Jason may mean “Heal” and possibly the same of Acts 17:5-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. Sosipater means “Saving the Father” and possibly the same at Acts 20:4. Clearly Paul has an encouraging group with him.

Romans 16:22 – Tertius Writes “Romans”

RO16:22 I, Tertius, the one writing this epistle, greet you united in [the] Master. 955

955

I, Tertius, the one writing this epistle, greet you united in [the] Master: Or, NEB: who took this letter down, add my Christian greetings. It is possible Paul dictated parts of his letter which was recorded by this disciple. He may have made a copy or edited parts. His name means “Third.” He may be viewed as Paul’s secretary here.

Romans 16:23-24 – Greetings

RO16:23 My host Gaius sends his greetings 956 as well as the whole congregation. Erastus the city steward 957 sends his greetings. Also, the brother Quartus. 958

956

My host Gaius sends his greetings: Or, TCN: my host, Gaius, who extends hospitality to the whole church; NOR: with whom the congregation meets. His name means “land.” Compare Acts 19:29; 20:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 1:14. If the Gauis of John’s third epistle is the same he was very old, though he may have been very young when associated with Paul. [3 John 1, 3-6]

957	Erastus the city steward: Or, KJV: chamberlain; ASV: treasurer. His name means “Beloved.” Compare Acts 19:22 and 2 Timothy 4:20. There is an interesting inscription found in Corinthian excavations: “Erastus, procurator [and] aedile, laid this pavement at his own expense.”

958	The brother Quartus: Or, KJV: a brother; GDS: our brother. His name means “Fourth.” Some believe he had been a member of the Roman congregation.

RO16:24 [[The unmerited favor of our Master Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.]] 959

959	[[…]]: Only some mss. add this verse.

Romans 16:25-27 – Closing Prayer

RO16:25 Now, to the One who is strong enough to make you firm 960 – according to my Evangel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ 961 – according to a revelation of a mystery which was kept secret for times immemorial 962 –

960

Now, to the One who is strong enough to make you firm: Or, KJV: power to stablish you; TCN: who is able to strengthen you; RHM: hath power to establish you. This pray is so disjointed as to indicate a free flow of prayer which has been recorded by Tertius. They seem hesitations and parenthetical thoughts that it is not something original written down first.

961	My Evangel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ: Or, KJV: according to my gospel; TCN: Good News; CON: Glad-tidings; RHM: proclamation; WMS: the message.

962

According to a revelation of a mystery which was kept secret for times immemorial: Or, RHM: revelation of a sacred secret; TCN: hidden purpose; KJV: which was kept secret since the world began; ASV: through times eternal. The mysterious revelation begins with Genesis 3:15 before the birthing of Adam’s offspring.

RO16:26 but is now manifest through the prophetic Scriptures 963 – just as commanded by the Eternal God 964 – leading to obedient conviction 965 – having been made known to all the non-Jews 966 –

963	But is now manifest through the prophetic Scriptures: Or, KJV: by the scriptures of the prophets. [Hebrews 1:1]

964	Just as commanded by the Eternal God: Or, KJV: commandment of the everlasting God.

965	Leading to obedient conviction: Or, KJV: obedience of faith; TCN: submission to the Faith; WMS: obedience inspired by faith. Compare John 3:35, 36. Faith is not just an abstraction in a believer’s heart, but manifest by obedience to God’s commandment. See notes on 1 John 3:23.

966	Having been made known to all the non-Jews: Or, GDS: made known… to the heathen. Paul directly omits the Jews in this prayer, though their heritage is included in “prophetic scripture.” [See notes on Romans 3:1.]

RO16:27 God wise alone, 967 by means of Jesus Christ, 968 be the glory into all periods of time. Amen!

967	God wise alone: Or, KJV: to God only wise; NEB: who is alone wise. In the absolute sense there is only one wise without qualification. There is only one who does not derive His wisdom from another. See notes on Romans 11:33.

968	By means of Jesus Christ: Throughout the eternal periods of time the wise and eternal God will make know his wisdom through the agency of His Son, Jesus Christ. See notes on John 1:1.

Summary of Chapter Sixteen

Paul sends greetings with warm and genuine expressions to Christians in Rome.

Paul warns about those who would create divisions contrary to the accepted teaching. They are to be shunned. He warns of their methods and encourages the Romans to be wise in good and simple in bad. He assures them Satan will be rushed by God under their feet.

Paul concludes with a prayer in praise of the Eternal God.

Review Questions on Chapter Sixteen