The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is considered one of the most significant writings in the New Testament. By the time he reaches the final chapter, Romans 16, Paul concludes with a heartfelt, personal message. At first glance, it might seem like a simple list of greetings, but it offers profound insights into Christian fellowship, service, and the importance of unity.
In this chapter, Paul reflects on the early Christian community’s connections, offering greetings to key individuals who have been instrumental in his ministry. He also emphasizes one critical message: believers must avoid division and work toward unity. This message is just as relevant to the church today as it was two thousand years ago.
The Role of Phoebe: A Servant Leader
Paul opens Romans 16 by commending Phoebe, calling her a “servant of the church in Cenchreae” (Romans 16:1). The word “servant” here is translated from the Greek word “diakonos,” from which we get the term “deacon.” This suggests that Phoebe held a position of leadership in her church, serving others faithfully.
Phoebe was entrusted with delivering Paul’s letter to the Roman church, a crucial task that highlights her importance within the early Christian community. Paul asks the Roman believers to welcome and support her, recognizing that she has been a benefactor not only to him but to many others. This mention of Phoebe sheds light on the significant roles women played in the early church—something that is often overlooked.
Priscilla and Aquila: Partners in Ministry
Following his praise for Phoebe, Paul goes on to greet Priscilla and Aquila, calling them his “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). This couple played a key role in Paul’s ministry, not only providing him with support but even risking their lives for him. Priscilla and Aquila were known for their dedication to the spread of the gospel and their leadership in the early Christian house churches.
Their house became a place of worship for the believers, demonstrating their hospitality and commitment to the early church. Paul’s greeting to them is a reminder that the church is not just built by its leaders but by ordinary believers who open their homes and hearts for the gospel.
Honoring Those Who Serve
Romans 16 is filled with greetings to various individuals—men and women who have worked alongside Paul. Names like Andronicus, Junia, Urbanus, and Stachys appear, each representing someone who played a part in the spread of Christianity during its early days. Paul even acknowledges three of his own relatives—Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater.
What’s particularly striking is how personal Paul’s greetings are. He knows these people intimately, not just as names on a list but as fellow workers who have sacrificed, prayed, and labored with him. This is not the behavior of a distant leader but of someone deeply connected to the community he serves. Paul recognizes the value of each person, from those who labored tirelessly to those who were imprisoned with him for the sake of the gospel.
Paul’s Warning Against Division
While the greetings fill much of Romans 16, Paul shifts his tone toward the end of the chapter with a sober warning. He instructs the Roman church to be on guard against those who cause division and create obstacles that are contrary to Christian teachings.
At the time, the Roman church was likely experiencing tension between Jewish and Gentile believers. After years of being expelled from Rome, Jewish Christians were returning to find Gentile believers firmly established. These two groups, with their different backgrounds and practices, struggled to reconcile their differences.
Paul addresses this division head-on, urging the believers not to let their differences split them apart. He emphasizes that creating division is not serving Christ but rather serving one’s own interests. This is a powerful reminder that unity in the church should be paramount, and that disagreements or differences in background should not lead to separations.
In our modern context, the temptation to create divisions can still arise—whether over theological disagreements, cultural practices, or personal preferences. Paul’s message is clear: believers are called to be united under Christ, focusing on what brings them together, not what separates them.
A Final Benediction: The Call to Obedience and Faith
In the concluding verses of Romans 16, Paul offers a doxology—a final word of praise to God. He reminds the church that the mystery of the gospel, once hidden, has now been revealed to all nations. This message, now made known through the prophetic writings, calls all people to the “obedience of faith.”
Paul’s final words in Romans reflect the broader theme of his entire letter: that the gospel of Christ is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. The gospel unites all people under the lordship of Jesus Christ, and Paul calls believers to live out their faith in obedience to this truth.
Lessons for Today’s Church
Romans 16 is more than a list of names; it’s a reminder of the personal, relational nature of the Christian faith. Paul’s greetings reflect the deep connections and mutual support that characterized the early church. Each individual mattered, and each contribution was valued.
This chapter also challenges us to think about how we view others in the church today. Are we honoring those who serve quietly behind the scenes, like Phoebe and the many others Paul mentions? Are we committed to unity, or do we allow differences to create unnecessary divisions?
Paul’s final instructions to the Roman church still resonate with believers today. He calls us to be grateful for those who serve, to work toward unity, and to be obedient to the gospel. In a world that often promotes division, the church is called to be a place of peace, where all are united in Christ.
As we reflect on Romans 16, let’s take Paul’s words to heart. Let’s celebrate the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, work to maintain unity, and honor those who have labored faithfully for the gospel. Paul’s final words remind us that, in Christ, we are all part of one family—called to serve, love, and support one another.
