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Key Text: Romans 16
“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.” — Romans 16:16 (KJV)
Introduction
At first glance, Romans 16 may appear to be little more than a list of names and personal greetings.
Many readers are tempted to skip over it.
But if we do, we miss one of the most beautiful pictures of the early church found anywhere in Scripture.
After fifteen chapters of profound theology, Paul closes his letter by introducing us to real people whose lives had been transformed by the Gospel. These men and women were ordinary believers who faithfully served Christ in extraordinary ways.
Romans 16 reminds us that Christianity is not merely a set of doctrines to believe.
It is a family to which we belong.
The Gospel not only reconciles us to God—it brings us into fellowship with one another.
Commending Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2)
Paul begins by introducing a remarkable woman.
“I commend unto you Phebe our sister.”
Phoebe was a servant of the church in Cenchrea.
Many Bible scholars believe she may have carried Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome.
A Faithful Servant
Paul describes her as:
- A sister in Christ.
- A servant of the church.
- A helper of many believers.
Her example reminds us that faithful service often happens quietly behind the scenes.
Not everyone preaches sermons.
Not everyone leads large ministries.
But every act of faithful service matters to God.
The kingdom advances because ordinary believers faithfully use their gifts.
Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3–5)
Paul next greets one of the New Testament’s most beloved ministry couples.
Priscilla and Aquila had:
- Worked alongside Paul.
- Risked their lives for him.
- Opened their home for ministry.
Paul calls them:
“My helpers in Christ Jesus.”
Ministry Happens Together
God often uses families, friendships, and partnerships to accomplish His work.
No one builds God’s kingdom alone.
Healthy churches are filled with believers who encourage, support, and strengthen one another.
Honoring Faithful Believers (Romans 16:5–16)
Paul continues by mentioning more than two dozen individuals.
Some were:
- Men.
- Women.
- Jews.
- Gentiles.
- Wealthy.
- Ordinary laborers.
- Former companions.
- New believers.
Although we know little about many of them, Paul knew their faithfulness.
Notice how often he describes them.
- Beloved.
- Fellow worker.
- Approved in Christ.
- Laborer.
- Faithful servant.
Paul valued people.
The Gospel had created a diverse family united by one Savior.
Every Believer Matters
Not everyone becomes well known.
Yet every faithful act of service is remembered by God.
The church is strengthened by countless believers whose names may never appear in history books—but whose faithfulness is written in heaven.
Beware of False Teachers (Romans 16:17–20)
After expressing so much affection, Paul suddenly offers a serious warning.
“Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
Christian love does not ignore false teaching.
Healthy churches protect both:
Truth.
Unity.
Recognize Deception
Paul explains that false teachers often use:
- Smooth words.
- Flattery.
- Persuasive speech.
Their goal is not God’s glory.
It is their own influence.
Believers must remain grounded in Scripture so they can recognize error when it appears.
Wise and Innocent
Paul encourages believers:
“Be wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”
Know God’s truth well.
Do not become fascinated with evil.
The more deeply we know Christ, the easier it becomes to recognize counterfeit teaching.
Satan’s Defeat
Paul concludes this section with a wonderful promise.
“The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.”
Evil will not have the final word.
Christ has already secured the victory.
Satan’s defeat is certain.
Final Greetings (Romans 16:21–24)
Paul sends greetings from several of his ministry companions.
These names remind us again that ministry is always a team effort.
Behind every faithful servant stands a community of believers encouraging one another.
The early church spread the Gospel because ordinary Christians worked together for an extraordinary Savior.
A Glorious Doxology (Romans 16:25–27)
Paul closes Romans with one of the Bible’s most beautiful expressions of praise.
He glorifies God because He is able to:
“Stablish you according to my gospel.”
The Gospel was once described as a mystery hidden through the ages.
Now, through Jesus Christ, God’s plan of salvation has been fully revealed.
Paul ends exactly where he began.
The Gospel exists:
“For the obedience of faith.”
Saving faith always produces transformed living.
Finally, Paul gives all glory where it belongs.
“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever.”
After sixteen chapters, one truth shines above all others:
God deserves all the glory.
What Romans 16 Means for Us Today
Romans 16 offers several practical lessons.
Every Believer Has a Place
You may never preach to thousands, or write books, or become widely known.
But your faithful service matters to God.
The church needs every member.
Treasure Christian Fellowship
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation.
God designed His people to encourage, strengthen, and pray for one another.
Healthy churches are built upon loving relationships.
Guard Sound Doctrine
Love and truth always belong together.
Christians should be gracious, but also discerning.
Every teaching should be measured by God’s Word.
Give God the Glory
Paul finishes Romans exactly where every believer should finish.
Not with pride.
Not with self-congratulation.
But with worship.
Everything God accomplishes through us is ultimately for His glory.
Living Romans 16
Ask yourself these questions this week:
- Am I faithfully serving where God has placed me?
- How can I encourage another believer today?
- Do I value Christian fellowship as God intends?
- Is my life pointing others toward God’s glory rather than my own?
God delights in faithful servants, even when their word goes unnoticed by the world.
Final Thoughts
Romans 16 reminds us that behind every great movement of God stand ordinary people who faithfully love Jesus.
Phoebe.
Priscilla.
Aquila.
And dozens of others.
Most of them are known only because Paul mentioned their names.
Yet each one played an important role in advancing the Gospel.
The same is true today.
God continues building His church through believers who quietly serve, faithfully love others, remain committed to biblical truth, and glorify Christ in everyday life.
Romans began by proclaiming:
“The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.”
It ends by showing us what that Gospel produces:
A family of believers united in Christ.
Faithful servants using their gifts.
Churches standing firmly upon God’s truth.
Lives devoted to His glory.
May we become the kind of believers Paul would have gladly included in such a chapter.
What’s It Mean?
Romans 16 teaches that the Gospel creates a family of faithful servants who work together to advance God’s kingdom. Every believer has a valuable role in the church, regardless of how visible that role may be. The chapter also warns Christians to guard sound doctrine while maintaining loving fellowship. Above all, Romans concludes by reminding us that everything God accomplishes through His people is for His glory alone.
Want to do a deeper dive in the study of Romans? Get my book, Romans: The Glory of the Gospel and the Obedience of Faith, by making your choice of platforms below:
Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.
