Greetings, Warnings, and Final Benediction

Romans 16 emphasizes the power of personal connections and unity in the body of Christ. It is a testament to the many unsung heroes who worked with Paul in the spreading of the gospel. It also serves as a warning to maintain unity and stay alert to divisive influences. The final doxology serves as a reminder that it is God who strengthens us, as we strive to follow the gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

Verses 1-16: Personal Greetings and Commendations

Paul commends Phoebe to the Roman church and sends personal greetings to a long list of individuals including Priscilla and Aquila, his fellow workers, and Andronicus and Junia, his kinsmen and fellow prisoners. He greets beloved friends, hard workers in the Lord, and those who were in Christ before him, underlining his deep affection and appreciation for these individuals.

Verses 17-20: Warning against Divisions and Stumbling Blocks

Paul warns the Romans to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine they have learned. He urges them to avoid such individuals who do not serve Christ but their own appetites. He commends the Romans for their obedience but encourages them to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. He assures them that God will soon crush Satan under their feet.

Verses 21-24: Additional Greetings

Paul's companions send their greetings, including Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, and Tertius, who wrote down the letter. Gaius, who is hosting Paul, and the whole church send their greetings, as do Erastus, the city treasurer, and Quartus, the brother.

Verses 25-27: Benediction and Doxology

Paul concludes with a doxology, praising God who can strengthen them according to the gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ. He speaks of the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but now disclosed and made known through the prophetic writings to all nations. To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ.

Romans 16 is the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans. Here, Paul extends personal greetings to numerous individuals in the Roman church, demonstrating the depth of his connections and his affection for his fellow workers in the gospel. He also issues a stern warning against those who create divisions and stumbling blocks contrary to the doctrine they have learned. The chapter concludes with a majestic doxology, praising God who is able to strengthen believers.

Recognition of Fellow Workers
Personal Greetings and Encouragement
Warning Against Divisive Persons
Doxology (Expression of Praise)Personal Greetings and Commendations
Warning against Divisions and Stumbling Blocks
Benediction and DoxologyPaul
Phoebe
Priscilla and Aquila
Epenetus
Mary
Andronicus and Junia
Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, and others
Tertius (Paul's scribe)
Gaius
Erastus
QuartusRome
Cenchreae

1. Why do you think Paul listed so many people in his greetings?

2. What can we learn from Paul's affirmations and appreciation for his fellow workers?

3. How should we handle those who create divisions and obstacles in the church today?

4. In what ways can we apply the concept of being "wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil" in our daily lives?

5. How can Paul’s warning against divisive people guide your interactions within your Christian community?

6. How does Paul's doxology at the end of the chapter inspire you?

7. What can you learn from the manner in which Paul concludes his letter?

8. How does the disclosure of the once secret mystery affect your understanding of God’s plan?

9. In what ways does Paul's greeting promote the sense of community in the church?

10. How can we acknowledge and appreciate those who work hard in the Lord in our own communities?

11. What steps can you take to protect your Christian community from divisive influences?

12. How does this chapter reflect on the importance of everyone's role in a Christian community?

13. What can we learn from the roles of different individuals mentioned in this chapter?

14. How does Paul's recognition of several women in the church speak to their role in the early church?

15. How does the promise of God crushing Satan under their feet encourage you in your personal spiritual warfare?

16. How can you foster unity within your own church or Christian community?

17. How does Paul’s greeting to the Roman church demonstrate his affection for the universal church?

18. How does the final doxology reflect the overall themes of the book of Romans?

19. How can you apply the principles of the gospel to foster personal relationships within your church?

20. Reflect on the role of women like Phoebe in this chapter. How does this change or reinforce your understanding of women's roles in the early church and today?