A People, Unified, For a Purpose

INTRODUCTION

Romans does not end with a command—it ends with a community.

The same people exposed in Romans 1–3

Justified in Romans 4–11

Transformed in Romans 12–15

Are now gathered, named, and established in Romans 16

Anchor sentence:

Romans 16 shows us what happens when the gospel creates not just believers, but a people unified for God’s purposes.

I. A Gospel That Unites Real People (Romans 16:1–16)

Paul begins with names because unity is personal.

Real men and women

Real backgrounds and social differences

Real obedience and gospel labor

Thread the theme:

Unity in Christ does not erase our differences; it gathers them into one mission.

Close the movement:

The gospel always forms a people, not a platform.

Phoebe – Trusted servant of the church at Cenchreae; likely the letter-bearer of Romans; Gentile background; commended for faithful service.

Prisca (Priscilla) & Aquila – Married ministry partners of Paul; tentmakers; hosted churches in their home; instructed Apollos; risked their lives for Paul.

Epaenetus – First convert (“firstfruits”) from the Roman province of Asia.

Mary – Recognized by Paul for hard labor in service to the church.

Andronicus & Junia – Jewish believers in Christ before Paul; imprisoned with him; well known to the apostles (as envoys), not holders of apostolic office.

Ampliatus – Likely a slave; possibly connected to the imperial household.

Urbanus & Stachys – Common slave names; faithful coworkers in Christ.

Apelles – “Approved in Christ,” likely proven through suffering or trial.

Aristobulus – Possibly connected to the Herodian household.

Herodion – Likely a freedman associated with Herod’s household.

Narcissus (household of) – Possibly tied to an imperial official under Claudius.

Tryphaena & Tryphosa – Women, possibly sisters; commended for labor in the Lord.

Persis – Woman noted for especially diligent work for the Lord.

Rufus – “Chosen in the Lord”; possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene; his mother cared for Paul like a son.

II. A People Unified in Obedient Purpose

Every name Paul lists is connected to service.

Helping

Laboring

Hosting

Supporting

Standing firm

None of these people earned their place in Christ—but all of them lived with purpose because of Him.

Thread the theme:

Gospel unity is not agreement alone; it is shared obedience to a shared Lord.

Close the movement:

When the gospel saves us, it immediately sends us.

III. Unity Requires Discernment and Protection (Romans 16:17–20)

Paul’s tone shifts—but his concern remains the same.

The unity created by the gospel is precious

And therefore must be protected

Division does not come loudly—it comes subtly

Paul warns the church because unity can be destroyed from within.

Thread the theme:

A people unified for a purpose must guard the truth that created that unity.

Close the movement:

Love without truth fractures; truth without love hardens—but the gospel holds both together.

IV. United Voices, One Mission (Romans 16:21–23)

Paul is not alone even as he writes.

Others are present

Others are greeting

Others are invested in the same mission

This is not Paul’s ministry—it is Christ’s work through many people.

Thread the theme:

The gospel advances through a shared mission carried by many hands.

Close the movement:

Unity in Christ produces partnership in ministry.

V. The God Who Creates Unity Also Establishes It (Romans 16:25–27)

Paul ends where all true unity must end—with God.

God reveals the mystery

God strengthens His people

God receives the glory

The church does not hold itself together—God does.

Thread the theme:

The same God who unites His people also sustains them for His purposes.

Close the movement:

Our unity is not fragile because it rests on God’s power, not ours.

CONCLUSION — Living as a People Unified for a Purpose

Romans 16 is not a sentimental ending—it is a theological one.

Unity flows from the gospel

Purpose flows from unity

Glory flows to God alone

Final pastoral question:

If Paul was writing to the Church in Davidson, how much differently would we read this chapter? This list of names? We would be looking for ourselves first, right

Final line (land it clearly):

The gospel that saves sinners is still forming a people—unified for a purpose and established by God.