Romans 16: Honor and Commend Fellow Workers

Romans 16: Honor and Commend Fellow Workers

Collin Leong. Dec 8, 2025

(v1-16) Personal Greetings

Paul mentioned a several names that he knows, to thank them and asked the Roman church to greet them. 

(v1-2) Sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that they may welcome her in the Lord, worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need, for she has been a patron of many and of Paul himself. 

Exp: Scholars widely believe Phoebe was entrusted to deliver Paul’s letter to the Romans. In the ancient world, the letter carrier often read the letter aloud and explained its meaning, which implies Phoebe may have been one of the earliest interpreters of Romans

(v3-5a) Greet Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles as well. Greet their church in the their house. 

Exp: Aquila was a Jew from Pontus; both were expelled from Rome under Emperor Claudius’ decree (Acts 18:2). They shared the same trade as Paul, which helped forge their partnership, and traveled with Paul to Ephesus (Acts 18:3-19). They famously instructed Apollos, an eloquent preacher, “more accurately” about the way of God (Acts 18:24–26).

(v5b) Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 

Exp: Not mentioned in other scriptures. Paul’s wording (aparchē, “firstfruit”) suggests Epaenetus was the very first believer in the Roman province of Asia (western Turkey, with Ephesus as its capital). His conversion marked the beginning of Christianity’s spread in that region.

(v6) Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 

Exp: Not mentioned in other scriptures. By naming her among his greetings, Paul affirms the crucial role of women in sustaining the Christian community. Romans 16 includes several women (Phoebe, Prisca, Junia, etc.), showing the egalitarian nature of gospel work.

(v7) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.

Exp:  Andronicus was a man, and Junia was a woman. Their imprisonment for the gospel shows courage.

(v8) Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 

Exp: Ampliatus (Latin origin) was a common name among slaves and freedmen in Rome. His name suggests he may have been from a lower social class, yet Paul honors him with affection.

(v9) Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ and my beloved Stachys. 

Exp: Not mentioned in other scriptures. They were likely members of the Roman church, possibly freedmen, but Scripture does not say they were related.

(v10) Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ, and greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 

Exp: Apelles who are "approved in Christ" (dokimos) means tested, proven, or trustworthy. This suggests Apelles had endured trials or persecution and remained faithful. Aristobulus was likely a prominent figure in Rome. Some scholars connect him to Aristobulus IV, grandson of Herod the Great, whose household may have included slaves and freedmen who became Christians. The phrasing implies that members of his household were believers, even if Aristobulus himself may not have been.

(v11) Greet my kinsman Herodion, and Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 

Exp: The name Herodion suggests possible connection to the Herodian dynasty or someone associated with that household, though this is speculative. Narcissus was a common name in Rome, but one notable figure was Tiberius Claudius Narcissus, a powerful freedman in Emperor Claudius’s court. If this is the same Narcissus, his household would have included many slaves and freedmen, some of whom became Christians. Paul’s wording suggests Narcissus himself may not have been a believer, but members of his household were.

(v12a) Greet those workers in the Lord, Trypaena and Tryphosa.  

Exp: Both names are Greek and very similar, which has led some to speculate they may have been sisters or close relatives. Their pairing suggests they were known as a team, serving together in the Roman church.  

(v12b) Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 

Exp: The name Persis means “Persian woman,” suggesting she may have been of Persian origin.

(v13) Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 

Exp: He is also likely the same Rufus mentioned in Mark 15:21 as the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled to carry Jesus’ cross. These are the only two biblical references to Rufus. Paul also honors Rufus’s mother, saying she has been like a mother to him. This suggests deep personal care and hospitality, showing how Paul valued the nurturing support of Christian families.

(v14) Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 

Exp: Paul greets them as a group, which may indicate they formed a house church or fellowship circle in Rome. “The brothers who are with them” implies they were leaders or hosts of a wider Christian gathering.

(v15) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 

Exp: “All the saints who are with them” strongly suggests they were leaders or hosts of a house church in Rome.

(v16) Paul said to them to greet one another with holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. 

Exp: The "holy kiss" was also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, and 1 Peter 5:14. In the Greco-Roman world, kisses on the cheek were common greetings among family and close friends. Paul and Peter adapted this practice for the Christian community. The holy kiss functioned like today’s handshake or hug, but with deeper theological meaning: it embodied reconciliation, mutual care, and shared identity in Christ. By calling it holy, the apostles emphasized that this greeting was sanctified—set apart as an expression of Christian love, not worldly affection. It reinforced the idea that believers, regardless of social class or background, were brothers and sisters in Christ. (Often men kissed men and women kissed women, to avoid misunderstanding, though practices varied.)

Paul has mentioned 10 women (including an un-named mother and a sister), and 19 men (including Aristobulus and Narcissus). This balance highlights the significant role of women in the early church alongside men, and Paul’s greetings deliberately showcase the diversity and unity of the Roman Christian community.

(v17-23) Final Instructions and Greetings

(v17-20) I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such person do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 

Exp: During the early churches, there are people who preach variations in the churches of Christ. Examples include Judaizers who insisted Gentile converts must follow Jewish laws, like circumcision. There are also the Gnostics / proto-Gnostics  promoted secret knowledge and denied Christ’s full humanity, dividing communities by elitism. In 3 John 9-10, Diotrephes rejected apostolic authority, spread malicious talk, and refused to welcome fellow believers. Romans 16:18 spoke about  people who use persuasive rhetoric, not to build up the church, but to gain followers for themselves. Paul said to identify them (skopeō (“watch closely, mark out”)), and avoid them. They are not to debate endlessly or accommodate them, but to distance the community from their influence.

(v21-23) Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. 

Exp: Timothy was the one mentioned in Acts 16:1-3 and Paul wrote to him in 1 & 2 Timothy. Lucius is probably Lucius of Cyrene, mentioned in Acts 13:1, one of the prophets/teachers in Antioch. Jason of Acts 17:5–9, who hosted Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and suffered persecution for it. Sosipater is probably the same as Sopater of Berea (Acts 20:4), who accompanied Paul on his journey.

Tertius was the scribe (amanuensis) who physically wrote the letter to the Romans. This was a common practice in the ancient world—authors often used an amanuensis (scribe/secretary). His name means “third.” Gaius is Paul's host while he dictated his letter to Tertius. Erastus is possibly the city treasurer of Corinth (Romans 16:23). A pavement inscription in Corinth mentions an “Erastus” who held office, possibly the same man. Mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:20. Quartus means “fourth.” No other biblical references.

(v25-27) Doxology

(v25-27) Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith - to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen, 

Exp: A doxology is a short hymn or statement of praise to God. From Greek doxa (glory) + logia (saying). The purpose is to direct attention away from human effort and toward God’s glory, wisdom, and eternal power. Paul emphasizes that believers are upheld not by their own strength but by God’s power revealed in the gospel of Christ. The "mystery" of God's salvation plan is disclosed through the prophetic writings and made known to all nations, in order “to bring about the obedience of faith”.  God’s wisdom is highlighted—His plan of salvation, once hidden, now revealed, demonstrates divine wisdom beyond human comprehension.

Key Messages

Romans 16 highlights the importance of Christian fellowship, recognition of faithful service, and vigilance against division. Paul commends many individuals for their ministry, showing the value of every believer’s contribution. He warns against false teachers who cause strife and closes with a doxology, emphasizing God’s wisdom and the gospel’s power to strengthen believers. The chapter teaches that Christian community thrives on mutual honor, discernment, and steadfastness in the truth.

1. Honor and Commend Fellow Workers (vv.1–16)

Paul commends Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila, and many others, recognizing their service and sacrifice for the gospel. He emphasizes greeting one another warmly, showing that every believer’s role matters in God’s mission.

Application: Acknowledge and encourage those who serve faithfully in the church. Express gratitude and build a culture of honor where contributions—big or small—are valued. Practice hospitality and genuine fellowship that strengthens unity.

2. Guard Against Division and False Teaching (vv.17–20)

Paul warns believers to watch out for those who cause divisions or teach contrary to sound doctrine. He urges avoidance of such people, reminding the church that God will soon crush Satan under their feet.

Application: Stay rooted in biblical truth and discern teachings carefully. Protect the unity of the church by refusing to entertain divisive influences. Trust in God’s ultimate victory over evil, living with confidence and hope.

3. Value Partnership in the Gospel (vv.21–24)

Paul mentions his co-laborers—Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and others—showing that the mission of the gospel is a shared effort. Ministry is not a solo endeavor but a collective calling.

Application: Collaborate with others in advancing God’s kingdom. Recognize that teamwork multiplies impact and strengthens perseverance. Support and encourage fellow believers in their callings.

4. Glorify God’s Wisdom and Strength (vv.25–27)

Paul closes with a doxology, praising God who strengthens believers through the gospel and reveals His mystery now made known to all nations. The ultimate goal is obedience of faith and glory to God.

Application: Center your life on God’s glory, remembering that His wisdom surpasses human understanding. Let the gospel be your source of strength and guide for obedience. Worship God with gratitude for His eternal plan revealed in Christ.

Romans 16 reminds us that the Christian life is deeply communal, rooted in truth, and directed toward God’s glory.