Rom 16

Romans 16

vs 1-2 sister Phoebe - Phoebe became known for her faith and leadership in the church of Cenchreae (An eastern seaport of Corinth). While is it questionable weather or not Phoebe had an official title, the word used for “a servant” here is the same word used for deacon in 1 Tim 3:10-11. In fact the word deacon is a word used to describe a domestic servant. The word deacon is used in relation to working for others; as a civil ruler is to serve the people, as Christ served us, as we are to serve Christ, as a preacher serves God. In the early church the women cared for the sick, the poor, and those in prison. Some church’s have adopted both deacon and deaconess boards. When faithful women who had served the church became widowed and destitute they were to be cared for by the church 1 Tim 5:3-16. “she has been a patron of many and myself” Phoebe had become known for her faith and generosity toward the gospel message.

3-4 Prisca and Aquila - This husband and wife became close friends with the apostle Paul in Corinth. They along with other Jews had been expelled from Rome in 49 AD by emperor Claudius. They worked with him both in ministry and in making a living. They were tentmakers by trade as was Paul. Paul stayed with them for a time in Corinth and worked. Acts 18:2-3 They went on mission with Paul to Syria, Acts 18:18. They helped to teach correct doctrine to new believers Acts 18:26. They also were in Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19).

5-15 A greeting to the church and the people Paul had come to know for their faith and hard work for the gospel of Jesus. While all of these people are noteworthy, we do not know why all of them are. However Epaenetus - the first believer in Asia minor and, Rufus - was the son of Simon of Cyrene (the man that carried the cross of Jesus Mark 15:21)

16 A holy kiss A kiss on the forehead was a common practice of greeting much like a handshake or a hug today. It had become a particularly important expression of unity and brotherhood because many people in the church had become excluded from their families because of Christ. 2 Cor 13:12, 1 Thes 5:26, 1 Pet 5:14

17-18 watch out - Staying alert and watchful are commanded by Jesus and the apostles. Luke 21:34-36, Acts 20:29-31, 1 Cor 16:13 , Eph 6:18 Paul reminds us again here to watch out for smooth talking false teachers who do not serve Jesus Christ but their own appetites. Matt 24:24, Gal 1:6-8, Eph 4:14 , 2 Peter 2:1-3, Jude 12-13 , 2 Tim 3:7

19 I want you to be wise The obedience of the believer brings forth the growing knowledge of good and evil. Rom 12:1-2

20 will soon crush Satan under your feet - Jesus will soon return and destroy the wicked and bring to an end the kingdom of Satan. Gen 3:15, Rev 20:1-6, Rev 22:7 Christ will sit on the throne in Jerusalem for 1000 years and then Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire.

21 Timothy - Paul was Timothy’s mentor and Timothy became a key disciple and eventually a pastor. Acts 16:1-3, Acts 19:22, Acts 20:4 , 2 Tim 4:20 Lucius and Jason and Sosipater There are some Scriptures that point to men of the same name, Acts 13:1, Acts 17:5-9, Acts 20:4. These were other believers known by the church in Rome and Jews as they were kinsmen of Paul.

22 Tertius This letter was not penned by Paul. It was penned by Tertius as Paul dictated it.

23 Gaius 1 Cor 1:14