Commendation and greetings
Romans 16:1–16FocusA network of fellow workers
Connection to the wholeThe named greetings place the letter within an actual community of service, hospitality, risk, and shared labour.
interpretation Romans 16:22
KJVI Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Read it in context
Final Greetings, Warnings, and Doxology
Start reading at Romans 16:1 (Romans 16:1 to Romans 16:27).
The entire chapter 16 serves as the conclusion to the epistle, comprising greetings, warnings, and a final doxology.
- 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
- 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
- 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
- 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
- 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
- 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
- 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
- 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
- 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
- 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
- 16:11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
- 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
- 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
- 16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
- 16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
- 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
- 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
- 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
- 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
- 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
- 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
- 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
- 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
- 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
- 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
- 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
- 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 16:1–16:27): Paul commends Phoebe, greets believers and households in Rome, and conveys his companions' greetings. Tertius identifies himself as writing down the letter. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event in this verse? Tertius, the scribe, sends his personal greetings to the recipients of the epistle. stated in the text
- What is the broader theme of the surrounding passage? The surrounding passage consists of personal greetings, commendations, warnings against false teachers, and a doxology. stated in the text
- What is God revealing through this verse? God reveals the personal involvement of individuals in the transmission of His inspired Word, demonstrating the fellowship and unity among believers who serve Him. interpretation
- What is the literary style of this book? Epistle (letter). book background
When
- When was the epistle written? Approximately A.D. 57. book background
- When do the events described in the epistle occur? During Paul's third missionary journey. book background
Where
- Where does this specific greeting take place? This greeting is a written statement within the epistle itself. stated in the text
- Where was the author (Paul) located when this epistle was written? Corinth. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Final Greetings, Warnings, and Doxology (Romans 16:1 to Romans 16:27). Start reading at Romans 16:1. The entire chapter 16 serves as the conclusion to the epistle, comprising greetings, warnings, and a final doxology.
How
- How does this verse fit the broader context of the chapter? This verse is part of the extensive closing greetings and personal salutations that conclude Paul's epistle to the Romans, demonstrating the network of believers connected through the apostle. stated in the text
- How does this verse point to Christ? Tertius's salutation 'in the Lord' signifies that all Christian fellowship, service, and even the act of recording inspired Scripture, are rooted in and empowered by Jesus Christ, our Lord. interpretation
- How can believers apply this verse today? Believers today can be reminded that God uses human instruments in His work, even in the writing of Scripture, and that Christian fellowship, expressed through greetings and mutual support, is a vital aspect of life 'in the Lord.' interpretation
Cited: Romans 16:22, Romans 16:1-15, Romans 16:21, Romans 16:23, Romans 16:1-27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 16
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
A warning about division
Romans 16:17–20FocusDiscernment and obedience
Connection to the wholePaul warns against teachers who create divisions contrary to the received doctrine, joining watchfulness with confidence in God's victory.
interpretation FocusThe gospel made known
Connection to the wholeGreetings from Paul's companions lead into praise for God's establishing work through the gospel and the revelation made known for obedience of faith.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.