Romans 16

1 The Apostle recommends Phoebe of Church of Rome, 3 and salutes by name some of the chief’s brethren and sisters in the same Church, commending their godliness. 17 Admonisheth the Romans that they take heed of the causers of discord and offences, and that they be wise in that which is good, 20 promising that God shall tread Satan under their feet. 21 Salutes the Church in the same of certain brethren which were with him. 24. And finally he concludes this Epistle with a wish, and praising of God for the abundant revelation of the Gospel.

1. AND I commend [That is, recommend] unto you Phoebe our sister [namely, in Christ] who is a Minisiress [namely, not in the Ministry of preaching, for this is forbidden in women, 1 Cor. 14.34. and 1 Tim. 2.12. but either a Deaconess who took care of the sick, 1 Tim. 5.9,10. or which is more probable, which served the Church in receiving and habouring our Christians that were driven out of their Country, and also of the Apostles and teachers, as appears from the following verse] of the Church which is of Cenchrea. [A haven of Corinth. See of this place Acts 18:18.]

2. That ye receive her [That is, lodge and use her kindly] in the Lord, [that is, for the Lords sake, or in the Lords name] as it becometh the Saints: [that is, as it becometh her who is holy and godly woman, and you also are good Christians. Gr. Worthily of the Saints] and assist her [namely, with counsel and deed, to help her to dispatch her business which she hath to do in Rome] in whatsoever matter she may have need of you. For she hath been an assistance [Or. Habourer. Namely, who hath received many Christians that were driven away, into her house. See 1 Tim. 5.10. It seems therefore that she was a woman of quality] of many, yea of my self.

3. Salute Priscilla [The wife of Aquila, who was very wise and godly woman] and Aquila [the husband of Priscilla a Tent-maker of Pontus. See of them both Acts 2:10 etc. 1 Cor. 16.19. 2 Tim. 4.19. These were before driven out of Rome, by the command of Claudius Ceasar, and were at Corinth when Paul came thither, Acts 18:2. and seeing it appears here that they were now at Rome again, therefore it seems that the Apostle was twice at Corinth] my co-workers [namely, in spreading abroad the doctrine of the Gospel, wherein according to their opportunity and calling they did their best] in Christ Jesus.

4. Who for my life [Gr. Soul, Matthew 2:20.] have put their own neck, [Gr. Have put under their own neck, i.e. have hazarded their lives. This was done either in the uproar at Corinth against Paul, Acts 18:12 or in the uproar at Ephesus, Acts 18:23. where they were then with Paul, Acts 18:18.] to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the Churches of the Gentiles. [forasmuch as they have thereby obtained that benefit, that I remain yet alive to teach and confirm the same.]

5. (Salute) also the Church, [That is, the faithful, which either belonged to their family: or which gathered together in their house. See Colossians 4:15. Phil. V.2.] Salute Epenetus my beloved, [namely, for his singular godliness] who is the first fruits [that is, who is one of the first, which I have brought to the faith by my preaching, See Romans 11:16. 1 Cor.15.20. and chap.16.v.15.] of Achaia, [that is, all the believers which are in Achaia] in Christ.

6. Salute Mary, who hath laboured much [Namely, in habouring them, and doing them other services] for us. [that is, for the faithful, and especially for the teachers.]

7. Andronious and Junil my kinfolks [That is, Jews of my kindred] and my fellow prisoners, [that is, who also as well as I, have been imprisoned for Gospel sake, Colossians 4:10 Phil. V.23.] who are renowned amongst the Apostles, [that is, amongst them which preach the Gospel here and there: for this word is not only peculiarly ascribed to the Twelve Apostles, but sometimes also to the other teachers. See 2 Cor. 8.v.23. Or well known with the Apostles] who also were in Christ [that is, were converted to Christian Religion] before me. [that is, before I was converted.]

8. Salute Amplias my beloved in the Lord. [That is, because he also believeth in the Lord.]

9. Salute Urbanus our fellow-labourer in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

10. Salute Apelles who is approved [that is, who being exercised by many perils and difficulties, is found to be upright] in Christ. Salute them who 9Are) of Aristobulus (household) [it seemed that this Aristobulus himself was no Christian yet, because the Apostle doth not cause him to be saluted: yet nevertheless it appears that he was a moderate man, who suffered Christians in his family.]

11. Salute Herodian who is of my kindred. [See v.7.] Salute them who (are) of (the household) of Narcissus, those (namely) who are in the Lord. [That is, who are Christians. For they were yet Heathens in that household, those he salutes not.]

12. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa (women) which labour in the lord. [Seev.6.] Salute Persis the beloved (sister) who hath laboured much in the Lord.

13. Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, [That is, who is a choice and singular man] and his mother [namely, by nature] and mine. [namely, according to love and affection. See 1 Tim. 5.2.]

14. Salute Alyncritus, Phegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes and the brethren that are with them.

15. Salute Philogus and Julia, Nereus and his Sister, and Olympus, and all the saints which are with them.

16. Salute one another with holy kiss. [that is, with a kiss of peace and brotherhood, with which believers according to the use of those Countries and times, used to salute one another. And it is called holy because it must be given, not out of carnal but spiritual love, and without hypocrisy, Genesis 29:11.] The Churches of Christ salute you.

17. And I beseech you brethren take notice of them who cause division and offences [He understand by such, as well other Hereticks, as those which having embraced the Christian Religion, taught that ceremonies of the Law must yet necessarily be observed for salvation. See Galatians 1:7. Philippians 3:2. 1 Tim. 4.1. 2 Tim. 3.1. etc. Titus 3:10.] contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned (of us:) and depart from them.

18. For they are such [He describes them, that they may not be known and the better avoided] serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, [namely, howsoever they give themselves out for ministries of the Lord] but their (own) belly: [that is, teach for filthy lucre’s sake, and to satisfy their belly, 1 Tim 6.5. Titus 1:11.] and seduce by fare speaking and commening the heart of the simple. [Gr. Of them that are not evil.]

19. For your obedience [Namely, which ye show in embracing the doctrine of the gospel, which he calls Faith, Romans 1:8. See. 1 Thes. 1.8.] is come to (the knowledge of) all. I rejoiced therefore on your behalf: and I would that ye be wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.

20. And the God of peace [See Romans 15:33.] Shall bruise Satan [namely, who by his instruments seeks to seduce you] under fire, [that is, cause that through Christ you shall perfectly overcome him. The Apostle seems here to have respect to the first promise of the Gospel, Genesis 3:15. See also Rev. 12,11.] shortly, [which indeed begins here, but in the end of this world which is at hand, Revelation 21:12. shall be done perfectly] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. [this wish the Apostle useth in all his Epistles. See 2 Thes.3.17]

21. Therefore salute you Timothy my fellow-labour, and Lucius and Jason, and Sosipater my kinsmen.

22. I Tertius, who wrote the Epistle, [Namely, from the mouth of Paul] salute you in the Lord.

23. Gaius, [Se concerning him, Acts 20:4. 1 Cor. 1.14.] mine and the whole Churches host, [that is, who haboured in the house the Apostle and other believers not inhabiting there. See.v.1.] saluteth you. Erastus the Treasurer, [or Steward, Receiver, See Luke 16:1.] of the City, [that is, of Corinth, from whence the Apostle wrote this Epistle] saluteth you, and the brother Zurtus.

24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [See v.20. The Apostle rehearseth this wish again, to show how needful it is, and that this Epistle was written by him, out of great affection.]

25. Now to him that is able to confirm you according to my Gospel [That is, which is preached by me. See Romans 2:16.] and the preaching of Jesus Christ, [that is, which is the preaching, namely, either which the Lord Christ himself preached, Hebrews 1:1. or the argument of which the Lord Christ, 1 Cor. 2.2.] according to the revelation of the mystery [that is, of the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ, being now come in the flesh, which herefore was not so known, and in which the doctrine of such a wisdom of God is revealed, which could not be searched out by the understanding of any Creature, 1 Pet. 1.12.] which was kept secret [this is not so to be understood, as if in the old Testament, men had known nothing of the Gospel: for the following verse is declared, that the revelation of this doctrine was also made by the writings of the Prophets: but in respect of that clear revelation and publication made now in the New Testament, seeing Christ was yet come then: and the Gentiles were wholly ignorant thereof, Psal. 147.20. Ephes. 2.12.] (from) from the times of ages. [Gr. Eternal times, or from the times of the world, i.e. since that the world was created.]

26. But is now revealed, [Namely, in the times of the new Testament] and by the Scriptures of the prophets [namely, in which the Messiahs is promised and described with all his circumstances and benefits, Acts 26:22. Romans 1:2. and 3.21. 1 Pet.1.10. when they are compared with that which is set down in the New Testament to be fulfilled in Christ] according to the command of eternal God [Or ordinance of God, who thought good so to bring about the salvation of men, and who is not bound to give any man account thereof] is made known [namely, whereas before it was kept secret among them, ver.25.] amongst all the Gentiles, for obedience of Faith.

27. To the (same) alone wise God [Or to the only wise God. Otherwise, to the only wise God through Jesus Christ, to him be the Glory forever] (be) through Jesus Christ, glory for ever. Amen.