Romans 16:14

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.

Study Bible

Greet
The word "greet" in this context is translated from the Greek word "ἀσπάζομαι" (aspazomai), which means to salute or welcome. In the early Christian communities, greeting was more than a mere formality; it was an expression of love, unity, and fellowship. This greeting signifies the bond of Christian brotherhood and the importance of acknowledging each member of the body of Christ. It reflects the warmth and personal connection that Paul maintained with the believers, even those he had not met personally.

Asyncritus
Asyncritus is one of the lesser-known figures in the New Testament, and his name appears only in this verse. The name Asyncritus is of Greek origin, meaning "incomparable" or "incomparable one." This highlights the diversity within the early church, as it included individuals from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The mention of Asyncritus serves as a reminder that every member of the church, regardless of their prominence or obscurity, is valued and recognized in the eyes of God.

Phlegon
Phlegon is another individual mentioned only here in the New Testament. The name Phlegon is derived from the Greek word "φλέγω" (phlego), meaning "to burn" or "to shine." This could metaphorically suggest a person who is fervent or zealous in their faith. The inclusion of Phlegon in Paul's greetings underscores the importance of each believer's contribution to the church's mission, regardless of their role or visibility.

Hermes
Hermes is a name that carries significant cultural connotations, as it was associated with the Greek messenger god. However, in the context of the early church, Hermes represents a Christian believer who has turned from pagan roots to embrace the gospel. This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel to transcend cultural and religious boundaries, bringing people from diverse backgrounds into the family of God.

Patrobas
The name Patrobas is of Greek origin, possibly meaning "father's life" or "life of the father." This name may indicate a person of noble or respected lineage. Patrobas' inclusion in the list of greetings highlights the early church's inclusivity, where social status or heritage did not determine one's value or role within the community. It serves as a reminder that in Christ, all believers are equal and united in purpose.

Hermas
Hermas is another name that appears only in this passage. The name Hermas is of Greek origin, possibly related to Hermes, and it may mean "interpreter" or "messenger." This could suggest a person who played a role in communicating or teaching within the church. Hermas' mention emphasizes the diverse gifts and callings present within the body of Christ, each contributing to the edification and growth of the church.

and the brothers with them
This phrase indicates that Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, and Hermas were part of a larger group of believers, referred to here as "the brothers." The term "brothers" (Greek: "ἀδελφοί," adelphoi) is often used in the New Testament to denote fellow believers, emphasizing the familial relationship among Christians. This collective greeting highlights the communal nature of the early church, where believers supported and encouraged one another in their faith journey. It serves as a call for modern believers to foster a sense of community and unity within the church, recognizing that we are all part of the same spiritual family.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asyncritus
A Christian in Rome greeted by Paul. His name means "incomparable" in Greek, suggesting a unique character or contribution to the early church.

2. Phlegon
Another believer in Rome. His name means "burning" or "zealous," possibly indicating his fervor for the faith.

3. Hermes
A common name in the Roman world, possibly a freedman or slave, reflecting the diverse social makeup of the early church.

4. Patrobas
Likely a member of the Roman church. His name means "fatherly," which may imply a nurturing role within the community.

5. Hermas
Another Roman Christian. His name is also common, and he may have been a leader or host of a house church.

6. The brothers with them
This phrase indicates a group of believers associated with the individuals named, suggesting a house church or fellowship group.

Teaching Points

Unity in Diversity
The early church was composed of individuals from various backgrounds, yet they were united in Christ. This serves as a model for modern churches to embrace diversity while maintaining unity in faith.

The Importance of Community
The mention of "the brothers with them" underscores the significance of Christian fellowship. Believers are encouraged to engage actively in their local church communities.

Personal Greetings Matter
Paul’s personal greetings highlight the value of acknowledging and appreciating each member of the church. This can foster a sense of belonging and encouragement.

Role of House Churches
The early church often met in homes, which facilitated intimate fellowship and discipleship. Modern believers can learn from this model by fostering small group gatherings for deeper connection.

Every Member is Significant
Each person mentioned, though not widely known, played a role in the church. This reminds us that every believer has a part to play in the body of Christ, regardless of their prominence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the diversity of names in Romans 16:14 reflect the nature of the early church, and what can we learn from this for our church communities today?

2. In what ways can we foster a sense of unity and belonging within our own church, similar to the fellowship described in Acts 2:42-47?

3. How can the concept of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 help us appreciate the different roles and gifts within our church community?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that every member of our church feels valued and acknowledged, as Paul did with his personal greetings?

5. How can we incorporate the model of house churches or small groups into our modern church practices to enhance fellowship and discipleship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 2:42-47
This passage describes the early church's communal life, emphasizing fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, which likely characterized the gatherings of the believers mentioned in Romans 16:14.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Paul’s teaching on the body of Christ highlights the diversity and unity within the church, reflecting the varied backgrounds of the individuals in Romans 16:14.

Colossians 3:11
This verse speaks to the breaking down of social and cultural barriers in Christ, relevant to the diverse group of believers in Rome.