Page 342 - Demo

In the last chapter of the letter, Paul greets by name more than thirty di erent people in the Christian community, friends, acquaintances, relatives, all brothers and sisters in Christ. The names bespeak the diversity of the Christian community, which crossed all boundaries of race and language—these people are women as well as men, young and old, Jews, Greeks, Romans.
16:1 Who was Phoebe? Paul describes her as a “minister” and “benefactor” of the Church of Cenchrae, near Corinth— Paul may have written the letter to the Romans in her house. The Greek word Paul uses is “diakonos,” source of our term “deacon.” We are not sure what functions Phoebe would have carried out, but it is clear from other references (see Philippians 1:1, for example) that she had a signi cant leadership role. Another woman, Junia, is included among the “apostles” in 16:7.
a. [16:1] Acts 18:18.
b. [16:3] Acts 18:2, 18–26; 1 Cor 16:19;
2 Tm 4:19.
c. [16:5] 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15;
Phlm 2 / 1 Cor 16:15.
d. [16:13] Mk 15:21.
e. [16:16] 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12;
1 Thes 5:26; 1 Pt 5:14.
f. [16:17] Mt 7:15; Ti 3:10.
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* [16:1–23] Some authorities regard these verses as a later addition to the letter, but in general the evidence favors the view that they were included in the original. Paul endeavors through the long list of greetings (Rom 16:3–16, 21–23) to establish strong personal contact with congregations that he has not personally encountered before. The combination of Jewish and Gentile names dramatically attests the unity in the gospel that transcends previous barriers of nationality, religious ceremony, or racial status.
* [16:1] Minister: in Greek, diakonos; see note on Phil 1:1.
* [16:3] Prisca and Aquila: presumably the couple mentioned at Acts 18:2; 1 Cor 16:19;
2 Tm 4:19.
* [16:5] The church at their house: i.e., that meets there. Such local assemblies (cf. 1 Cor 16:19;
Col 4:15; Phlm 2) might consist of only one or two dozen Christians each. It is understandable, therefore, that such smaller groups might experience di culty in relating to one another on certain issues. Firstfruits: cf. Rom 8:23; 11:16; 1 Cor 16:15.
* [16:7] The name Junia is a woman’s name. One ancient Greek manuscript and a number of ancient versions read the name “Julia.” Most editors have interpreted it as a man’s name, Junias.
* [16:13] This Rufus cannot be identi ed to any degree of certainty with the Rufus of Mk 15:21.
* [16:17–18] Paul displays genuine concern for the congregations in Rome by warning them against self-seeking teachers. It would be a great loss, he intimates, if their obedience, which
is known to all (cf. Rom 1:8), would be diluted.
ROMANS 
Phoebe Commended.
161* I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is [also] a minister* a2
of the church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the holy ones, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor to many and to me as well.
Paul’s Greetings. 3Greet Prisca and Aquila,* my co-workers in Christ Jesus,b 4who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5greet also the church at their house.* Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the rstfruits in Asia for Christ.c 6Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junia,* my relatives and my fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the apostles and they were in Christ before me. 8Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus,* chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.d 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the holy ones who are with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.e Against Factions. 17* I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles, in opposition to the teaching that you learned; avoid them.f 18For such people do not serve our Lord