A Final Call to Unity and Service in the Church

As we begin to approach the final stretch of our study in Romans, we now turn our attention to Romans 16:1-16. At first glance, this section might seem like a list of names and greetings, but within these verses lies an important message about community, service, and the unity of the body of Christ. Today, we will explore the deep meaning behind these final greetings from Paul. In doing so, we’ll see that the Church is not just an institution of doctrine, but a living, breathing body of believers who serve one another in love and partnership.

Paul’s letter to the Romans, with its theological richness, comes to a close with the affirmation of those who worked beside him in the gospel. These verses remind us that our walk with Christ is not done in isolation but in community, and that each of us plays a vital role in the kingdom of God. Let’s dive into the text:

Romans 16:1–16 ESV

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

1. Acknowledging Key Ministry Leaders (Romans 16:1-5)

Paul begins his greetings by honoring some of the key individuals who were involved in his ministry. These were the people who served alongside him and helped to spread the gospel in various regions.

Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2):

Paul begins with Phoebe, a deaconess from the church at Cenchreae. She had a pivotal role in delivering Paul’s letter to the Romans. Phoebe is highly commended for her service and dedication. Paul entrusts her with this important task, acknowledging her faithfulness and her sacrificial service.

Phoebe represents the the necessity for the leadership of women in the early church. The role of women in ministry is not just celebrated but essential to the advancement of the gospel. There is debate in the modern church over the level of leadership the woman can assume and when it comes to debate, but must rely heavily on the Bible for the outcome.

Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2):

First Peter 5:1-4 details the qualifications for an elder. Presbuteros is the Greek word used sixty-six times in the New Testament to indicate “seasoned male overseer.” It is the masculine form of the word. The feminine form, presbutera, is never used in reference to elders or shepherds. Based on the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, the role of an elder is interchangeable with the bishop/pastor/overseer (Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3). And since, according to 1 Timothy 2:12, a woman should not “teach or exercise authority over a man,” it seems clear that the position of elders and pastors—who must be equipped to teach, lead the congregation, and oversee their spiritual growth (1 Timothy 3:2)—should be reserved for men only. (GotQuestions.org)

1 Timothy 2:11–14 ESV

11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2):

Phoebe seems to be a female deacon in the church, either by formal recognition or through her general service. Therefore we must recognize here as we recognize Phoebe that women have always played a significant role in the ministry of the church, even being among the few who witnessed the crucifixion of Christ when most of the disciples had run away (Matthew 27:55; John 19:25). The apostle Paul held women in high regard, and in many of his letters to the churches he greeted specific women by name (Romans 16:6, 12; Colossians 4:15; Philippians 4:2-3; Philemon 1:2). Paul addresses these women as "co-workers," and they clearly served the Lord to the benefit of the whole church (Philippians 4:3; Colossians 4:15). (GotQuestions.org).

Philippians 1:1 ESV

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

1 Timothy 3:11 ESV

11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3-5):

Priscilla and Aquila were a married couple who played a critical role in the early church. They worked closely with Paul and were instrumental in mentoring others, including Apollos, who was a prominent early preacher. Their partnership in ministry is a model of teamwork, showing how effective ministry often involves collaboration. Ministry partnerships are crucial. Priscilla and Aquila show us that whether in marriage or in other partnerships, we must work together in the gospel.

1 Corinthians 16:19 ESV

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.

Acts 18:1–3 ESV

1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

2. The Power of Relationships in Ministry (Romans 16:6-16)

As Paul continues, he greets various other believers, each of whom contributed to the spread of the gospel. These names might not be as familiar to us, but they represent the faithful work of individuals in the kingdom of God.

Epaenetus:

This man is of note because he was apparently among the very first converts of Achaia (where Corinth was and where Paul wrote the letter to the Romans). Epaenetus was also apparently dear to Paul; beloved isn’t a term Paul used cheaply.

Andronicus and Junia:

These were apparently Jews (my kinsmen) and were imprisoned for the sake of the gospel (my fellow prisoners). They were well regarded among the apostles, having become Christians even before Paul did (sometime in the first 3 or 4 years after Pentecost).

Amplias:

There is a tomb dating from the late first or early second century in the earliest Christian catacomb of Rome which bears the name AMPLIAS. Some suggest that this is the same person mentioned in Romans 16:8.

The household of Aristobulus:

The fact that the household of Aristobulus is greeted but not Aristobulus himself made Spurgeon think that Aristobulus was not converted but many in his household were. It made Spurgeon think of the unconverted who live with believers in their house. Perhaps he was martyred or perhaps the entire household were supporters of Paul. We don’t know.

Rufus:

This may be the same man mentioned as a son of Simon the Cyrene in Mark 15:21. The phrase “Chosen in the Lord” has the idea that Rufus had some eminence among the Christians of Rome.

Nereus:

In A.D. 95 two distinguished Romans were condemned for being Christians. The husband was executed and the wife was banished. The name of their chief servant was Nereus and he may be the one who brought the gospel to them.

Asyncritus, Phlegon, Patrobas, Hermes:

Of the rest of these names, Paul finds something wonderful to say about almost every one of them – noting their labor, his special regard for them (beloved), and their standing in the Lord.

The Church is made up of many members with diverse gifts, all of which are needed to strengthen the body. As we reflect on these names, we should recognize the value of all members of the church, whether their contributions are public or private. It shows Paul’s way of casting about uplifting words to build up God’s people. He was generous in paying compliments.

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

The Holy Kiss

Romans 16:16 ESV

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

In Romans 16:16, Paul instructs the believers to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” This was a common cultural practice in the ancient world, but for the early church, it carried deeper significance. The “holy kiss” was a physical expression of the affection and unity that marked the relationships between believers. It was not an erotic or worldly gesture, but a sign of mutual respect, love, and the shared bond of Christ. In a time when societal divisions were often sharp—between Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, rich and poor—the holy kiss became a tangible symbol of the breaking down of these barriers in Christ. It demonstrated that, in the body of Christ, all believers are equal and deeply connected in love.

The Holy Kiss

For us today, the principle behind the holy kiss still holds powerful meaning, even though the cultural expression may differ. While we may not greet each other with literal kisses, the sentiment remains: we are called to express love and affection in ways that honor God and strengthen the unity of the church. Our greetings and interactions should reflect the warmth of our relationships in Christ—genuine, unashamed, and full of honor. It’s a reminder that love within the body of Christ should not be superficial or distant, but should be visibly expressed through tangible acts of kindness, respect, and genuine affection. As we engage with one another, let’s remember that these gestures of love are not just for show—they are a demonstration of the deep, spiritual bond that ties us together as brothers and sisters in the family of God.

This is all the importance of being commited to unity. Next week as we conclude our study in Romans. We are going to hear Paul’s warning about division and false teaching in the church and our spiritual warfare against such teachers.