Romans 16:1-16 Bible Study

Romans 16, My Translation

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 16

Paul may not have known every person he greeted. Perhaps he knew of some by virtue of their reputation. Note that Paul says something specific about virtually every person greeted.

1 Now I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is also a deacon of the church which is in Cenchrea, 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of God’s set apart people, and that you help her in whatever task she needs from you, for she also has been a benefactor of many, even of me myself. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila (my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who laid down their own necks on behalf of my soul, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles) 5 and the church in their house. Greet Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruits of Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who has exerted herself extensively for you.

NOTES:

See note on whether Phoebe was a deacon in notes on Rom 16:1.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are well known by the apostles[1] and were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, a man approved by Christ. Greet those from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion my kinsman. Greet those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, the women who toiled in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who exerted herself extensively in the Lord.

[1] Or, outstanding among the apostles.

apostle may be used in the sense of missionary here, similar to Barnabas in Acts 14.

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 16

The people greeted in these verses (8-10) are not mentioned elsewhere in the NT. The family of Aristobulus probably refers to the slaves in Aristobulus’s household. Some think Aristobulus is the grandson of Herod the Great (c. 73–4 B.C.) and the brother of Herod Agrippa I (10 B.C.–A.D. 44), though this remains uncertain.

13 Greet Rufus, the one chosen by the Lord, and greet his mother who is also mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all God’s set apart people with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

NOTES:

treat your church family like they were physical family

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 16

It is not certain that this is the same Rufus as is mentioned in