Bible Commentaries
Romans 16

Verses 1-2

1 Phoebe is a deaconess, servant, minister of the church

2 Accept her as any brother, assist her, meet her needs

She has helped many others, including Paul

Verses 3-15

3 Priscilla and Aquila

Act_18:24-28 Taught Apollos

Kicked out of Rome

Came to Corinth

NOTE: The Roman letter is written from Corinth

4 Church that is in their house

NOTE: Many house churches in Rome

1] Aquila - 5

2] Aristobulus - 10

3] Narcissus - 11

4] Hermes - 14

5] Olympas - 15

NOTE: 28 people are greeted by name. Peter is NOT among this list. He mentions those of note among the apostles (7). He greets 5 house churches.

Verse 16

16 Salute = greet, accept, receive

Holy kiss = custom of greeting - USA, shake hands

Japan, bow Russia - kiss on each cheek

Churches of Christ salute you

A. Is this the name of the church?

B. What are some other titles of the church?

NOTE: This letter is written from Corinth.

From Corinth he sends greetings from the churches of Christ. To Corinth he addresses the church of God ( 1Co_1:2 )

Neither of these terms was meant to be "the title" of the church. They are descriptive terms. Remember, there were not many churches that needed to be distinguished from each other.

Verses 17-18

17 Mark - those who cause division among you

Offenses contrary to the doctrine

Avoid them - See 2Th_3:6-15

18 HERE IS THEIR TRUE NATURE:

1. Serve not the Lord Jesus Christ

2. Serve their own bellies (fleshly desires)

3. Use good words and fair speeches

4. Deceive hearts of simple

Simple <> dumb, stupid, ignorant

Simple = open, accepting, not suspicious

Verses 19-20

19 There is thin line to walk

A. Be wise to what is good.

B. Be simple (not suspicious) concerning evil.

20 God will take care of Satan.

See Gen_3:15

Verse 22

22 Tertius - wrote (was the scribe) for Paul

This does not mean that Tertius wrote (was the author) of this letter.

The source - God

The author - Paul

The scribe - Tertius

Verses 25-27

25 Closing prayer --

God is:

Power

Able to establish you

Reveal the mystery

26 Make manifest

Scriptures

Prophets

Commandments

Make known to all men

Lead to obedience of faith (see Rom_1:5 )

27 God - only wise = All wise, no part is unwise

See 1Ti_6:16 "Only hath immortality"