Romans 16: Where Are We?

Introduction

Romans 16 is a chapter we often overlook in Paul’s letter to the Romans. At first glance, it seems like a list of names with greetings, but in reality, this chapter offers us profound insight into the power of relationships, the diversity of the church, and the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Today, I want to talk about the three key lessons from this chapter: the importance of relationships in ministry, the diversity of the body of Christ, and the need to guard against division.

1. The Importance of Relationships in Ministry (Romans 16:1-16)

Paul begins this chapter with a commendation of Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae. He encourages the Roman believers to welcome her and help her in whatever she needs. Phoebe, likely the one delivering the letter, was entrusted with a significant task, showing the role that women played in early church ministry. Paul’s personal greeting to her highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting those who serve alongside us.

The rest of the greetings reveal a network of relationships Paul had built over his ministry. He mentions Priscilla and Aquila, fellow workers who risked their lives for him, as well as a variety of others who served in different capacities. These greetings aren’t just formalities—they are deeply personal. Paul mentions some by name, calls others "beloved," and gives thanks for their contributions. What can we learn from this?

Application: Ministry is relational. God didn’t design us to work in isolation, but in community. We see in Paul’s greetings a model for the church today: a family of believers, working together, encouraging one another, and lifting each other up. We need to invest in one another’s lives, knowing that the strength of our relationships affects the strength of our ministry. Take time to encourage someone in your church, thank them for their service, and remind them of the impact they are making for the kingdom of God.

2. The Diversity of the Body of Christ (Romans 16:1-16)

As you read through this chapter, you’ll notice that Paul greets a wide range of individuals—Jews, Gentiles, men, women, rich, poor, and people from different walks of life. He mentions Andronicus and Junia, who were “outstanding among the apostles” (v. 7), and Rufus, whose mother Paul calls his own. These names reflect the diversity in the early church.

What is remarkable about this diversity is that Paul didn’t see it as a hindrance. Rather, he celebrated it. The gospel brought together people who, by the world’s standards, might never have been united. Yet, in Christ, they became a family, united in purpose and mission.

Application: The body of Christ today is diverse, just as it was in Paul’s time. We come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences, but we are all one in Christ. In a world that often seeks to divide us, we must be intentional about embracing the diversity within the church. Let us learn from one another, value each other’s perspectives, and recognize that God works through all of us, regardless of our differences. The diversity of the church is a strength, not a weakness.

3. Guarding Against Division (Romans 16:17-20)

After his greetings, Paul issues a warning to the church. He says, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (v. 17). Paul understood the danger of division in the church. False teachers and divisive people were a constant threat to the unity of the body.

Paul’s instruction is clear: keep away from those who cause divisions. The health of the church depends on its unity. Division weakens the church, distracts it from its mission, and damages its witness to the world. But Paul doesn’t leave us without hope. He reminds the Roman believers that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (v. 20). The battle is real, but the victory is certain.

Application: We must be vigilant in guarding against division in the church. Whether it’s through gossip, disagreements over doctrine, or personal conflicts, division can creep in and cause harm if we’re not careful. We need to hold fast to the truth of the gospel and be discerning about what teachings we allow into our church. Let us strive for unity, remembering that we are all on the same team, working together for the glory of God. And let us trust that God will ultimately bring victory over the forces of division.

Conclusion

Romans 16 may seem like a simple list of greetings, but it is much more than that. It shows us the importance of relationships in ministry, the beauty of diversity in the body of Christ, and the need to guard against division. Paul’s words challenge us to invest in one another, celebrate the diversity within the church, and remain united in our mission to proclaim the gospel.

As we reflect on this chapter, I encourage you to think about the relationships in your own life. Are you building up the body of Christ? Are you celebrating the diversity within the church? And are you doing your part to guard against division? Let’s commit ourselves to being a church that reflects the love, unity, and mission that Paul writes about in Romans 16.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your church. Help us to build strong relationships, to value the diversity within Your body, and to guard against division. Give us the wisdom and love to encourage one another as we work together for Your kingdom. May we be a reflection of Your grace and unity to the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.