Romans Chapter 16.

Romans Chapter Sixteen.

All are agreed that Paul is the author of this chapter, but some scholars think that originally it formed no part of Romans, but was part of a lost letter to Ephesus.  It has been suggested that two copies of our epistle were made by Paul.  One copy was sent to Rome without chapter 16, and another copy was sent to Ephesus with chapter 16.  The best guess still is that it belonged to the epistle sent to Rome.

           

Mr H.P.Baker called this chapter "The neglected chapter."

           

The chapter is chiefly occupied with people, for people were important to Paul.

           

Phoebe (Radiant", the name of a moon-goddess) was a deaconess of the Church in Cenchrea, a port in Corinth.  She may have been the bearer to Rome of this great epistle.  It was customary in New Testament times to carry letters of commendation.  This was regarded as especially important for prophets, preachers and teachers.

           

Note the honourable position assigned to women.   About nine women are mentioned in the chapter.  They are held in equal esteem with the men.  Robert Lee's comment on verse one is "Ladies First."  The names of the women are:  Phoebe, Prisca ("venerable or old-fashioned), Mary, possibly Junias, Tryphena, Persis, the un-named mother of Rufas, Julia, the sister of Nereus.  The industry of these sisters impressed Paul, more so, than the men.  They are distinguished as active workers.

           

Paul mentions a kinsman, Herodian.  It means something to Paul that Herodian is his kinsman.  Christianity does not destroy the proper and best sentiments and loyalties.

           

16:17-20.     Schismatics.     Paul warns concerning men who make dissensions.  Unity is a basic concern of the Church.  Dissension is a cancer that must be removed to save the oneness of the Christian community.  The Christians were to avoid those who taught things in opposition to the teaching of the apostles.

           

The Summary.   16:25-27.         The Pauline authorship has been disputed.  But if it is not from Paul, then it surely came from some prophet belonging to New Testament times, and is to be accepted as the Word of God with the rest of the epistle.   We should be slow to deny the Pauline authorship of these verses.

           

16:26.   "The Scriptures of the Prophets."  Or more literally, "prophetic writings," refer to the prophetic writings of the New Testament.  The inspiration and prophetic character of the New Testament is affirmed.

           

"Churches in Rome."  In New Testament times the Church assembled in the house of a Christian who had a house suitable for the purpose.  In the city of Rome there must have been several such Churches in houses.

           

G.G.Findlay would identify three from this chapter:

*   The church in the house of Prisca and Aquila.

*   The brethren with Asyncritus (16:14).

*   The saints with Philogus (16:15).