Romans 16

Commentary

Personal Greetings and Love

1I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

3Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. 11Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. 12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 15Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 16Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

Avoid Divisions

17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Greetings from Paul's Companions

21Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

22I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.

23Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Doxology

(Romans 11:33-36; Jude 1:24-25)

25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. {Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Personal Greetings and Love

1 I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, 2 that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles. 5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

Avoid Divisions
(Titus 3:9–11)

17 Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil. 20 And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers
(Colossians 4:7–14)

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.

22 I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.

Doxology
(Jude 1:24–25)

25 - - - 26 - - - 27 - - -

Personal Greetings and Love

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant a of the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.

3 Greet Prisca b and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Greet my beloved Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. c

6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, d my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.

9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.

Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman.

Greet those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who have worked hard in the Lord.

Greet my beloved Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.

15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the churches of Christ send you greetings.

Avoid Divisions
(Titus 3:9–11)

17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ e be with you.

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers
(Colossians 4:7–14)

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.

22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings.

Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus. f

Doxology
(Jude 1:24–25)

25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past 26 but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith g — 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. h

 

Footnotes:

1 a Or deaconess
3 b Prisca  is a variant of Priscilla ; see Acts 18:2.
5 c Literally in Asia ; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey.
7 d Some translators Junias
20 e NA, NE, and WH Lord Jesus
23 f SBL, BYZ, and TR include 24May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
26 g Literally the obedience of faith
27 h Some manuscripts place the text of verses 25–27 after Romans 14:23 or after Romans 15:33.

Personal Greetings and Love

1And I commend you to Phebe our sister -- being a ministrant of the assembly that is in Cenchrea -- 2that ye may receive her in the Lord, as doth become saints, and may assist her in whatever matter she may have need of you -- for she also became a leader of many, and of myself.

3Salute Priscilla and Aquilas, my fellow-workmen in Christ Jesus -- 4who for my life their own neck did lay down, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the nations -- 5and the assembly at their house; salute Epaenetus, my beloved, who is first-fruit of Achaia to Christ. 6Salute Mary, who did labour much for us; 7salute Andronicus and Junias, my kindred, and my fellow-captives, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me. 8Salute Amplias, my beloved in the Lord; 9salute Arbanus, our fellow-workman in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved; 10salute Apelles, the approved in Christ; salute those of the household of Aristobulus; 11salute Herodion, my kinsman; salute those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord; 12salute Tryphaena, and Tryphosa, who are labouring in the Lord; salute Persis, the beloved, who did labour much in the Lord. 13Salute Rufus, the choice one in the Lord, and his mother and mine, 14salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren with them; 15salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; 16salute one another in a holy kiss; the assemblies of Christ do salute you.

Avoid Divisions

17And I call upon you, brethren, to mark those who the divisions and the stumbling-blocks, contrary to the teaching that ye did learn, are causing, and turn ye away from them; 18for such our Lord Jesus Christ do not serve, but their own belly; and through the good word and fair speech they deceive the hearts of the harmless, 19for your obedience did reach to all; I rejoice, therefore, as regards you, and I wish you to be wise, indeed, as to the good, and harmless as to the evil; 20and the God of the peace shall bruise the Adversary under your feet quickly; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen!

Greetings from Paul's Companions

21Salute you do Timotheus, my fellow-workman, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kindred;

22I Tertius salute you (who wrote the letter) in the Lord;

23salute you doth Gaius, my host, and of the whole assembly; salute you doth Erastus, the steward of the city, and Quartus the brother, 24the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Doxology

(Romans 11:33-36; Jude 1:24-25)

25And to Him who is able to establish you, according to my good news, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the secret, in the times of the ages having been kept silent, 26and now having been made manifest, also, through prophetic writings, according to a command of the age-during God, having been made known to all the nations for obedience of faith -- 27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to him be glory to the ages. Amen.

Romans 16: Greetings and Final Instructions

¹ I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. ² I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of His people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

Personal Greetings

³ Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. ¹⁰ Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. ¹¹ Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

¹² Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. ¹³ Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me too.

Final Greetings and Instructions

¹⁴ Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, and the other brothers and sisters with them. ¹⁵ Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympus, and all the Lord’s people with them.

¹⁶ Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.

Warning Against Divisive People

¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them, ¹⁸ for such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

¹⁹ Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

God’s Victory

²⁰ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Personal Greetings from Paul’s Associates

²¹ Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

²² I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

²³ Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.

Doxology

²⁴ Now to Him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, ²⁵ but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— ²⁶ to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Footnotes

16:1: Phoebe is recognized for her service and support to the church, illustrating the role of women in ministry.

16:3-5: Priscilla and Aquila exemplify partnership in ministry and risk-taking for the sake of the Gospel.

16:17-18: Paul warns against divisive people, emphasizing the need for unity and discernment within the church.

16:20: This promise of God crushing Satan reflects the ultimate victory of Christ over evil.

16:21-23: The greetings from Paul’s associates show the communal nature of early Christian fellowship.

16:25-26: The focus on the mystery of God’s plan emphasizes the inclusion of the Gentiles in salvation.

16:24: This verse is sometimes omitted in manuscripts, indicating the evolving nature of textual transmission.

The F.O.G Commentary:

What is the meaning of Romans 16?

Introduction to Romans 16

Romans 16 serves as a deeply personal epilogue to Paul’s most comprehensive theological treatise. While many might be tempted to skim this chapter as merely a list of greetings, it actually provides an extraordinary window into the early Messianic community and Paul’s pastoral heart. This closing chapter reveals the diverse tapestry of the early believers, including prominent women leaders, house churches, and the beautiful unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.

The chapter showcases Paul’s genuine love for his fellow workers in the Messiah and his deep concern for the unity and protection of the Roman congregation. Through his personal greetings and final warnings, we glimpse the authentic communal life of first-century believers and the challenges they faced.

Context of Romans 16

Within the book of Romans, chapter 16 serves as the conclusion to Paul’s masterful exposition of the gospel. After presenting profound theological truths about justification, sanctification, and God’s plan for Israel in chapters 1-11, and practical applications of these truths in chapters 12-15, Paul now concludes with personal greetings that demonstrate how these theological principles were lived out in real relationships.

The chapter’s position at the end of Romans is significant as it shows how the grand theological concepts discussed earlier in the letter find their expression in genuine community and relationships. This combination of deep theology with personal warmth characterizes Paul’s ministry approach, demonstrating that sound doctrine should always lead to loving relationships and practical ministry.

In the broader biblical narrative, Romans 16 provides crucial insights into the structure and diversity of early Messianic communities. It stands as a testament to how the gospel broke down barriers of gender, ethnicity, and social status, creating a new family in the Messiah. This chapter also serves as a bridge between Paul’s theoretical teachings and the practical reality of church life, showing how the gospel transformed relationships in the first-century world.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • συνίστημι (synistēmi) – “commend” (v. 1): This formal term for commendation was commonly used in ancient letters of recommendation. Its use here elevates Phoebe’s status and authority, as Paul employs official diplomatic language to ensure her acceptance by the Roman community.
  • διάκονον (diakonon) – “servant/deacon” (v. 1): Used to describe Phoebe, this term carried both general and official connotations. Its use here suggests Phoebe held a recognized leadership position in the Cenchreae church, challenging modern assumptions about women’s roles in early church leadership.
  • προστάτις (prostatis) – “benefactor/patron” (v. 2): A term from Roman social culture indicating someone with significant social and financial influence. Its application to Phoebe indicates she was a woman of means who provided substantial support to the early church movement.
  • συνεργός (synergos) – “fellow worker” (v. 3): This term appears frequently in Paul’s letters, expressing the collaborative nature of early church ministry. It emphasizes the equality and partnership Paul saw in ministry relationships, regardless of social status or gender.
  • ἐκκλησία κατ’ οἶκον (ekklēsia kat’ oikon) – “church in their house” (v. 5): This phrase reveals the primary meeting context of early believers, showing how domestic spaces were transformed into centers of worship and community life.
  • ἀσπάσασθε (aspasasthe) – “greet” (used throughout): This imperative verb carries more weight than casual greeting, implying formal recognition and acceptance into the community. Its repeated use emphasizes the importance of intentional relationship-building in the early church.
  • σχίσματα (schismata) – “divisions” (v. 17): The term literally means “tears in a garment,” metaphorically describing ruptures in community unity. Paul’s use here emphasizes the serious nature of divisive teaching and behavior.
  • ἀκέραιοι (akeraioi) – “innocent” (v. 19): Literally meaning “unmixed” or “pure,” this term suggests both moral purity and wisdom in discernment, calling believers to maintain both innocence and spiritual intelligence.
  • συντρίψει (syntripsei) – “crush” (v. 20): This powerful verb recalls Genesis 3:15, connecting the victory over divisive teachers to God’s ultimate victory over Satan, demonstrating how Paul saw contemporary struggles through the lens of cosmic warfare.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1’s introduction of Phoebe uses formal commendation language typically reserved for male leaders. Paul deliberately chose συνίστημι (commend) over simpler terms like “introduce” or “mention,” elevating her status and ensuring her acceptance. This linguistic choice challenged cultural norms while maintaining apostolic authority.
  • In verse 3, Paul names Prisca before Aquila, her husband, which inverts the cultural norm. This ordering appears in four out of six New Testament references to the couple, suggesting a deliberate emphasis on Prisca’s ministry contribution rather than accidental variation.
  • The phrase “firstfruit of Asia” (v. 5) regarding Epaenetus uses ἀπαρχή rather than πρῶτος, connecting his conversion to temple offering language and suggesting his salvation represented the consecration of Asia Minor to God.
  • The warning against false teachers (v. 17) employs military reconnaissance terminology (σκοπεῖν) rather than general observation words, indicating the serious nature of the threat and the need for active vigilance.
  • The promise that God will “crush” Satan (v. 20) uses συντρίψει instead of νικάω (conquer), deliberately echoing the Septuagint’s language in Genesis 3:15, connecting the Roman church’s struggles to the cosmic narrative of redemption.
  • The doxology’s “mystery” language (v. 25) employs μυστήριον rather than κρυπτός, linking to Paul’s broader theology of God’s redemptive plan rather than merely indicating something previously hidden.

Romans 16 Unique Insights

The chapter provides remarkable evidence of women’s leadership in the early church. Phoebe is designated with three significant titles: sister, servant (διάκονος), and benefactor (προστάτις). The term διάκονος, when used with the name of a church, typically indicated an official position, suggesting Phoebe held a leadership role. The description of her as προστάτις implies she possessed significant social and financial influence, challenging simplified views of gender roles in early church history.

Early rabbinic literature helps illuminate the significance of house churches mentioned in this chapter. The concept of the home as a center for religious gathering had precedent in Jewish προσευχή (prayer houses), which served Jewish communities too small for full synagogues. This background helps explain how early believers naturally adapted domestic spaces for Messianic gatherings, creating centers for both worship and social transformation.

The chapter’s security measures reflect the volatile political climate of Rome under Claudius and early Nero. Paul’s careful language and the multiple house churches suggest a strategy of distributed leadership that helped protect the community from systematic persecution. The Rabbinical concept of פיקוח נפש (pikuach nefesh), which prioritizes preserving life over other religious obligations, may have influenced these early church structures.

The closing doxology (vv. 25-27) contains unique vocabulary that connects to both Second Temple Jewish apocalyptic literature and Greek philosophical concepts, demonstrating Paul’s ability to express biblical truth in ways that resonated with both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The phrase “eternal God” (αἰωνίου θεοῦ) echoes both Hebrew ֵאל עוֹלָם and Greek philosophical discussions about divine nature.

Romans 16 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter powerfully demonstrates how the Messiah’s work transforms human relationships and social structures. The inclusive nature of Paul’s greetings, encompassing men and women, Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, illustrates how Yeshua’s redemptive work breaks down traditional barriers and creates a new community united in Him, fulfilling Galatians 3:28.

The promise that “the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet” (v. 20) directly connects to the protoevangelium of Genesis 3:15, showing how the Roman believers’ victory over false teaching participates in the Messiah’s cosmic victory over evil. This victory, secured at the cross, continues to be worked out through the faithful witness of His people.

Romans 16 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter’s emphasis on unity and warning against division echoes Yeshua’s high priestly prayer in John 17, where He prays for the unity of future believers. The diverse list of names demonstrates the fulfillment of prophecies like Isaiah 56:3-7, where God promises to gather outsiders to His people.

The closing doxology connects to Daniel 2:20-23 and Jude 24-25, emphasizing God’s wisdom and power in revealing His redemptive plan. The concept of the “mystery” now revealed links to Colossians 1:26-27 and Ephesians 3:3-6, showing how the inclusion of Gentiles fulfills God’s eternal purpose.

The mention of Rufus’s mother as Paul’s mother (v. 13) may connect to Mark 15:21, where Simon of Cyrene’s son Rufus is mentioned, suggesting how the cross created new family relationships among believers.

Romans 16 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own relationships within the body of Messiah. Paul’s genuine affection and recognition of each person’s contribution reminds us that ministry is not about lone rangers but about collaborative partnerships where every member’s gift matters. His specific mentions of each person’s service encourage us to notice and affirm the unique ways God works through others in our faith communities.

The warnings against division (vv. 17-20) remain remarkably relevant. In an age of social media and instant opinions, we must exercise discernment about teachings that promote division while maintaining the unity of the Spirit. Paul’s emphasis on being “wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil” (v. 19) provides a balanced approach to engaging with controversial issues while preserving community harmony.

The chapter’s revelation of diverse leadership, including prominent women and multicultural partnerships, challenges us to examine our own biases and ensure our ministry structures reflect the gospel’s power to transcend social barriers. The example of hosts like Gaius reminds us that hospitality and opening our homes remain powerful tools for building authentic community and advancing God’s kingdom.

Did You Know

  • The name “Junia” (v. 7) sparked centuries of debate as some scholars attempted to make it masculine (“Junias”), despite no evidence of this male name in antiquity. Modern scholarship overwhelmingly recognizes Junia as a woman apostle, challenging traditional assumptions about gender roles in early church leadership.
  • The term “prostatis” used for Phoebe was a technical term in Roman society indicating legal and social responsibility, suggesting she may have served as the legal patron of the Corinthian church in Roman courts.
  • The kiss mentioned in verse 16 was a formal liturgical act in early worship, with detailed guidelines later developed to prevent misunderstanding or abuse. Some early church documents specified that men should kiss men and women should kiss women.
  • The reference to Rufus and his mother (v. 13) may connect to Mark’s Gospel, as Mark mentions Simon of Cyrene’s sons Alexander and Rufus, suggesting this Rufus was well-known to Mark’s Roman audience.
  • The phrase “church that meets in their house” reflects a pre-Constantine reality where Christianity had no public buildings. Archeological evidence suggests these house churches could accommodate 50-150 people.
  • The warning against false teachers in verses 17-20 may reflect specific challenges in Rome, possibly early forms of Gnosticism that would later threaten the church.
  • The doxology at the end (vv. 25-27) appears in different positions in various manuscripts, leading some scholars to suggest it might have been a floating liturgical piece used in early worship.
  • The mention of Tertius as Paul’s scribe (v. 22) provides rare insight into Paul’s writing process and the collaborative nature of ancient letter writing.
  • The name “Erastus” (v. 23) may refer to the city treasurer mentioned in a first-century Corinthian inscription, suggesting the gospel’s impact among civic officials.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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