The Letter to the Romans

Romans 16

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ROMANS 16:1

TWMC

I want to introduce and recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who ministers to the church in Cenchreae [the eastern port of Corinth, near modern Kechries, Greece].¹

KJV

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Greek

Συνίστημι δὲ ὑμῖν Φοίβην τὴν ἀδελφὴν ἡμῶν, οὖσαν διάκονον τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ἐν Κεγχρεαῖς·

Romanized Greek

Synistēmi de hymin Phoibēn tēn adelphēn hēmōn, ousan diakonon tēs ekklēsias tēs en Kenchreais;

ROMANS 16:2

TWMC

Welcome her in the Lord as you should welcome any fellow believer, and give her whatever assistance she may need. She has been a benefactor and protector of many people, including me.²

KJV

That 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.

Greek

ἵνα αὐτὴν προσδέξησθε ἐν κυρίῳ ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων, καὶ παραστῆτε αὐτῇ ἐν ᾧ ἂν ὑμῶν χρῄζῃ πράγματι· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὴ προστάτις πολλῶν ἐγενήθη, καὶ αὐτοῦ ἐμοῦ.

Romanized Greek

hina autēn prosdexēsthe en kyriō axiōs tōn hagiōn, kai parastēte autē en hō an hymōn chrēzē pragmati; kai gar autē prostatis pollōn egenēthē, kai autou emou.

ROMANS 16:3

TWMC

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.³

KJV

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν τοὺς συνεργούς μου ἐν χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ,

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Priskan kai Akylan tous synergous mou en christō Iēsou,

ROMANS 16:4

TWMC

They risked their own lives to save mine. I am deeply grateful to them, and so are all the churches among the Gentiles.

KJV

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Greek

οἵτινες ὑπὲρ τῆς ψυχῆς μου τὸν ἑαυτῶν τράχηλον ὑπέθηκαν, οἷς οὐκ ἐγὼ μόνος εὐχαριστῶ, ἀλλὰ καὶ πᾶσαι αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τῶν ἐθνῶν·

Romanized Greek

hoitines hyper tēs psychēs mou ton heautōn trachēlon hypethēkan, hois ouk egō monos eucharistō, alla kai pasai hai ekklēsiai tōn ethnōn;

ROMANS 16:5

TWMC

Also greet the church that meets in their home. Give my greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus, who was among the first people in Achaia [southern Greece] to believe in Christ.⁴

KJV

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Greek

καὶ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαν. Ἀσπάσασθε Ἐπαίνετον τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου, ὅς ἐστιν ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀχαΐας εἰς χριστόν.

Romanized Greek

kai tēn kat’ oikon autōn ekklēsian. Aspasasthe Epaineton ton agapēton mou, hos estin aparchē tēs Achaias eis christon.

ROMANS 16:6

TWMC

Greet Mary, who has worked so hard on our behalf.⁵

KJV

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Μαριάμ, ἥτις πολλὰ ἐκοπίασεν εἰς ἡμᾶς.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Mariam, hētis polla ekopiasen eis hēmas.

ROMANS 16:7

TWMC

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who were also imprisoned for their faith, as I was. They are highly regarded among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.⁶

KJV

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Ἀνδρόνικον καὶ Ἰουνίαν τοὺς συγγενεῖς μου καὶ συναιχμαλώτους μου, οἵτινές εἰσιν ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις, οἳ καὶ πρὸ ἐμοῦ γεγόνασιν ἐν χριστῷ.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Andronikon kai Iounian tous syngeneis mou kai synaichmalōtous mou, hoitines eisin episēmoi en tois apostolois, hoi kai pro emou gegonasin en christō.

ROMANS 16:8

TWMC

Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.⁷

KJV

Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Ἀμπλίαν τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου ἐν κυρίῳ.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Amplian ton agapēton mou en kyriō.

ROMANS 16:9

TWMC

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

KJV

Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Οὐρβανὸν τὸν συνεργὸν ἡμῶν ἐν χριστῷ, καὶ Στάχυν τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Ourbanon ton synergon hēmōn en christō, kai Stachyn ton agapēton mou.

ROMANS 16:10

TWMC

Greet Apelles, whose faithfulness to Christ has been tested and proven. Also greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.⁸

KJV

Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Ἀπελλῆν τὸν δόκιμον ἐν χριστῷ. Ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Apellēn ton dokimon en christō. Aspasasthe tous ek tōn Aristoboulou.

ROMANS 16:11

TWMC

Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. And greet those in the household of Narcissus who belong to the Lord.

KJV

Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Ἡρῳδίωνα τὸν συγγενῆ μου. Ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ναρκίσσου, τοὺς ὄντας ἐν κυρίῳ.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Hērōdiōna ton syngenē mou. Aspasasthe tous ek tōn Narkissou, tous ontas en kyriō.

ROMANS 16:12

TWMC

Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who work faithfully in the Lord's service. Also greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in serving the Lord.⁹

KJV

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Τρύφαιναν καὶ Τρυφῶσαν τὰς κοπιώσας ἐν κυρίῳ. Ἀσπάσασθε Περσίδα τὴν ἀγαπητήν, ἥτις πολλὰ ἐκοπίασεν ἐν κυρίῳ.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Tryphainan kai Tryphōsan tas kopiōsas en kyriō. Aspasasthe Persida tēn agapētēn, hētis polla ekopiasen en kyriō.

ROMANS 16:13

TWMC

Greet Rufus, a man chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has treated me like a son as well.¹⁰

KJV

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Ῥοῦφον τὸν ἐκλεκτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ, καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμοῦ.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Rhouphon ton eklekton en kyriō, kai tēn mētera autou kai emou.

ROMANS 16:14

TWMC

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and all the brothers and sisters in Christ who are with them.¹¹

KJV

Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Ἀσύγκριτον, Φλέγοντα, Ἑρμᾶν, Πατρόβαν, Ἑρμῆν, καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς ἀδελφούς.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Asynkriton, Phlegonta, Herman, Patroban, Hermēn, kai tous syn autois adelphous.

ROMANS 16:15

TWMC

Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas, and all the believers who are with them.

KJV

Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε Φιλόλογον καὶ Ἰουλίαν, Νηρέα καὶ τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτοῦ, καὶ Ὀλυμπᾶν, καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς πάντας ἁγίους.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe Philologon kai Ioulian, Nērea kai tēn adelphēn autou, kai Olympan, kai tous syn autois pantas hagious.

ROMANS 16:16

TWMC

Greet one another with a holy kiss [a customary expression of love and fellowship among believers]. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.¹²

KJV

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

Greek

Ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ. Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τοῦ χριστοῦ.

Romanized Greek

Aspasasthe allēlous en philēmati hagiō. Aspazontai hymas hai ekklēsiai tou christou.

ROMANS 16:17

TWMC

Now I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to watch out for people who create divisions and cause others to stumble by teaching things that contradict what you have learned. Stay away from them.¹³

KJV

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Greek

Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, σκοπεῖν τοὺς τὰς διχοστασίας καὶ τὰ σκάνδαλα, παρὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ἣν ὑμεῖς ἐμάθετε, ποιοῦντας· καὶ ἐκκλίνατε ἀπ’ αὐτῶν.

Romanized Greek

Parakalō de hymas, adelphoi, skopein tous tas dichostasias kai ta skandala, para tēn didachēn hēn hymeis emathete, poiountas; kai ekklinate ap’ autōn.

ROMANS 16:18

TWMC

For people like this are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ. They are serving their own selfish desires. Through smooth words and flattering speeches, they deceive people who do not recognize what they are doing.¹⁴

KJV

For 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.

Greek

Οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ χριστῷ οὐ δουλεύουσιν, ἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ· καὶ διὰ τῆς χρηστολογίας καὶ εὐλογίας ἐξαπατῶσιν τὰς καρδίας τῶν ἀκάκων.

Romanized Greek

Hoi gar toioutoi tō kyriō hēmōn Iēsou christō ou douleuousin, alla tē heautōn koilia; kai dia tēs chrēstologias kai eulogias exapatōsin tas kardias tōn akakōn.

ROMANS 16:19

TWMC

Your obedience to the Good News is known everywhere, and that gives me great joy. But I want you to be wise about what is good and remain innocent of what is evil.¹⁵

KJV

For 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.

Greek

Ἡ γὰρ ὑμῶν ὑπακοὴ εἰς πάντας ἀφίκετο. Χαίρω οὖν τὸ ἐφ’ ὑμῖν· θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς σοφοὺς μὲν εἶναι εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, ἀκεραίους δὲ εἰς τὸ κακόν.

Romanized Greek

Hē gar hymōn hypakoē eis pantas aphiketo. Chairō oun to eph’ hymin; thelō de hymas sophous men einai eis to agathon, akeraious de eis to kakon.

ROMANS 16:20

TWMC

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.¹⁶

KJV

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Greek

Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης συντρίψει τὸν Σατανᾶν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν ἐν τάχει. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ μεθ’ ὑμῶν.

Romanized Greek

Ho de theos tēs eirēnēs syntripsei ton Satanan hypo tous podas hymōn en tachei. Hē charis tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou christou meth’ hymōn.

ROMANS 16:21

TWMC

Timothy, my fellow worker in Christ, sends you his greetings. Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews, also send their greetings.¹⁷

KJV

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

Greek

Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς Τιμόθεος ὁ συνεργός μου, καὶ Λούκιος καὶ Ἰάσων καὶ Σωσίπατρος οἱ συγγενεῖς μου.

Romanized Greek

Aspazontai hymas Timotheos ho synergos mou, kai Loukios kai Iasōn kai Sōsipatros hoi syngeneis mou.

ROMANS 16:22

TWMC

I, Tertius, who have been writing down this letter for Paul, also greet you in the Lord.¹⁸

KJV

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

Greek

Ἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς ἐγὼ Τέρτιος, ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολήν, ἐν κυρίῳ.

Romanized Greek

Aspazomai hymas egō Tertios, ho grapsas tēn epistolēn, en kyriō.

ROMANS 16:23

TWMC

Gaius, who has welcomed me into his home and extends his hospitality to the entire church, sends you his greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus also send their greetings.¹⁹

KJV

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

Greek

Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Γάϊος ὁ ξένος μου καὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ὅλης. Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Ἔραστος ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως, καὶ Κούαρτος ὁ ἀδελφός.

Romanized Greek

Aspazetai hymas Gaios ho xenos mou kai tēs ekklēsias holēs. Aspazetai hymas Erastos ho oikonomos tēs poleōs, kai Kouartos ho adelphos.

ROMANS 16:24

TWMC

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.²⁰

KJV

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Greek

Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν. Ἀμήν.

Romanized Greek

Hē charis tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou christou meta pantōn hymōn. Amēn.

ROMANS 16:25

TWMC

Now to God, who has the power to strengthen you through the Good News I proclaim about Jesus Christ. This is the revelation of God's great mystery, which was kept hidden throughout the ages,²¹

KJV

Now 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,

Greek

Τῷ δὲ δυναμένῳ ὑμᾶς στηρίξαι κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου καὶ τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ, κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου,

Romanized Greek

Tō de dynamenō hymas stērixai kata to euangelion mou kai to kērygma Iēsou christou, kata apokalypsin mystēriou chronois aiōniois sesigēmenou,

ROMANS 16:26

TWMC

but has now been revealed. Through the writings of the prophets, and by the command of the eternal God, this mystery has been made known to all nations so that people everywhere may come to the obedience that comes through faith.

KJV

But 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:

Greek

φανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν, διά τε γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου θεοῦ, εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος,

Romanized Greek

phanerōthentos de nyn, dia te graphōn prophētikōn, kat’ epitagēn tou aiōniou theou, eis hypakoēn pisteōs eis panta ta ethnē gnōristhentos,

ROMANS 16:27

TWMC

To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever! Amen.

KJV

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Greek

μόνῳ σοφῷ θεῷ, διὰ Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Ἀμήν.

Romanized Greek

monō sophō theō, dia Iēsou christou, hō hē doxa eis tous aiōnas. Amēn.

Notes

Romans 16:1 Phoebe Ministers to the Church. The Greek word diakonos describes Phoebe in relation to the church at Cenchreae. It can mean a servant, minister, or deacon, depending on context and usage. “Ministers to the church” preserves her active ministry without deciding in the paraphrase whether she held a formally defined church office. ↩
Romans 16:2 Benefactor and Protector. Paul calls Phoebe a prostatis of many, including himself. This term can describe a patron, benefactor, protector, or person who provides practical support. “Benefactor and protector” communicates the social and practical significance of her assistance. The word does not by itself prove Roman citizenship or identify a particular legal office. ↩
Romans 16:3 Priscilla and Aquila. Paul calls Priscilla and Aquila synergous, fellow workers or coworkers in Christ. The expression concerns shared labor; it is not identical to the different expression used for Andronicus and Junia in verse 7. The order “Priscilla and Aquila” reflects the order in this verse. The verb describing their risk emphasizes that they exposed their own necks to danger for Paul's life. ↩
Romans 16:5 The House Church and Epaenetus. The reference to tēn kat' oikon autōn ekklēsian describes the church meeting in their house. An ekklēsia is an assembly or congregation, not necessarily a dedicated building. Paul calls Epaenetus the aparchē, the “firstfruits,” of Achaia: one of the first people there to believe. The Robinson–Pierpont Byzantine text, which TWMC follows, reads Achaia; several early manuscripts read Asia instead. ↩
Romans 16:6 Mary's Hard Work. The verb related to kopiaō expresses laboring or working hard, often with the sense of sustained effort. Paul explicitly honors Mary's work, though he does not identify its exact form. Her name alone does not establish which, if any, other Mary in Scripture she might be. ↩
Romans 16:7 Andronicus and Junia. Paul describes Andronicus and Junia as fellow kinspeople and fellow prisoners. The phrase episēmoi en tois apostolois can be understood as “notable among the apostles” or “well known to the apostles”; both readings have been defended. The name Iounian has also been discussed in historical interpretation, though Junia is recognized as a female name in important ancient evidence. TWMC's “highly regarded among the apostles” stays close to the Greek and leaves that question open, as the text itself does. ↩
Romans 16:8 Loved Friends and Fellow Workers. Paul uses affectionate language for Ampliatus and Stachys and calls Urbanus a fellow worker. These expressions identify genuine bonds within the Christian community, but do not establish further biographies for the people named. ↩
Romans 16:10 Faithfulness and Households. Apelles is described as approved or tested in Christ, an expression suggesting proven character. Paul's greetings extend to members of the households of Aristobulus and Narcissus who belong to the Lord. These words do not establish that Aristobulus or Narcissus personally professed faith in Christ. ↩
Romans 16:12 The Labor of Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis. The language of labor used for Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis honors their service. Paul uses a stronger or more extensive expression for Persis's hard work. The text does not specify particular offices for these women, but clearly recognizes their labor in the Lord. ↩
Romans 16:13 Rufus and His Mother. Rufus is called chosen or distinguished in the Lord. Paul's description of Rufus's mother as his own mother is a relational expression of her care for him, not a statement of biological maternity. Whether Rufus is the person named in Mark 15:21 is possible but unproven. ↩
Romans 16:14 Groups of Believers. Paul lists two groups of named individuals together with brothers, sisters, or saints associated with them. The wording suggests networks of Christian fellowship; it does not specify the precise structure, leadership, or meeting location of each group. ↩
Romans 16:16 A Holy Kiss. The Greek expression philēmati hagiō is literally “with a holy kiss.” It refers to a greeting conveying affection and fellowship. The bracketed explanation in TWMC describes its customary role without treating the particular gesture as the only culturally appropriate form of Christian greeting. ↩
Romans 16:17 Watch Out for Those Who Cause Division. Paul uses skopein, meaning to watch, observe carefully, or keep one's attention upon something. The instruction involves recognizing people whose conduct and teaching present a danger. The words dichostasias and skandala describe divisions and stumbling blocks or obstacles. Paul connects these with teaching that stands contrary to what the believers have learned. The expression para tēn didachēn hēn hymeis emathete means “contrary to the teaching which you learned.” This identifies the standard against which the divisive teaching must be evaluated. The verb ekklinate means to turn away from or avoid. The instruction is stronger than simply disagreeing with someone. It concerns withdrawing from the influence of those responsible for the divisions Paul describes. ↩
Romans 16:18 Smooth Words and Deception. Paul contrasts service to Christ with service to tē heautōn koilia, literally “their own belly.” The word koilia refers to the belly or stomach but can be used figuratively for bodily appetites or selfish desires. “Their own selfish desires” communicates the figurative sense. The expression chrēstologias kai eulogias describes pleasant, smooth, or flattering speech. The words suggest language that sounds attractive or favorable to its listeners. The verb exapatōsin means to deceive or mislead thoroughly. Paul identifies the people being deceived as tōn akakōn, those who are innocent, unsuspecting, or without harmful intent. The wording does not necessarily describe people lacking intelligence; it concerns their vulnerability to deception. ↩
Romans 16:19 Wise About Good and Innocent of Evil. Paul uses hypakoē, meaning obedience. He says that the obedience of the Roman Christians has become widely known. The expression sophous einai eis to agathon describes being wise concerning what is good. The contrasting phrase akeraious eis to kakon describes being innocent, pure, or uncorrupted concerning evil. The word akeraios can convey the idea of something unmixed or uncontaminated. The contrast emphasizes a distinction between developing wisdom concerning good and remaining free from participation in evil. ↩
Romans 16:20 The God of Peace Will Crush Satan. Paul calls God ho theos tēs eirēnēs, meaning “the God of peace.” This expression also appears in Romans 15:33. The verb syntripsei means to crush, break, or shatter. Paul states that God will crush ton Satanan, Satan, beneath the feet of the believers. The phrase en tachei means quickly, speedily, or soon. It conveys the nearness or swiftness of the promised action without specifying an exact date. The image of Satan being crushed underfoot has a thematic connection with Genesis 3:15, where the offspring of the woman is described as striking the serpent's head. Paul does not quote Genesis directly in this verse. The Robinson–Pierpont Byzantine text includes the closing blessing invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ here without “Amen.” The blessing is repeated at 16:24, where it ends with “Amen.” The placement and wording of closing blessings in Romans vary among manuscript traditions, particularly near the end of chapter 16. ↩
Romans 16:21 Timothy and Paul's Fellow Jews. Timothy is described as ho synergos mou, “my fellow worker.” The word synergos denotes someone working alongside another in a shared mission. The phrase hoi syngeneis mou for Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater may mean relatives or people of shared ancestry; in Romans the contextual sense may be fellow Jews. Identical names do not establish identical historical persons. ↩
Romans 16:22 Tertius, Who Wrote the Letter. Tertius identifies himself as ho grapsas tēn epistolēn, “the one who wrote the letter.” He records the letter physically while Paul remains its author. Ancient correspondence could employ an amanuensis, or secretary. The verse itself does not specify whether every word was dictated or whether Tertius also provided practical compositional assistance. ↩
Romans 16:23 Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus. The phrase ho xenos mou kai tēs ekklēsias holēs describes Gaius as a host of Paul and the entire church. Erastus is ho oikonomos tēs poleōs, someone with a role in civic financial or administrative management. “City treasurer” conveys a traditional possible sense but does not prove his precise Roman municipal title. Quartus is ho adelphos, “the brother,” identifying fellowship in Christ. ↩
Romans 16:24 Grace for All. The blessing hē charis tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou meta pantōn hymōn asks that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all. The word charis denotes grace or favor. This verse repeats a blessing close to that in Romans 16:20. Some important ancient witnesses omit verse 24, while the Byzantine tradition preserves it; this is a distinct question from the position of the doxology. ↩
Romans 16:25 The Closing Doxology and Its Location. A doxology is an expression of praise and glory directed to God. The Greek language of the passage speaks of God's ability to strengthen believers, the revelation of a mystērion formerly kept silent but now disclosed, the prophetic Scriptures, and the obedience of faith among all nations. The doxology returns to themes introduced in Romans 1:1–5. The position of these words varies in ancient manuscript witnesses. Papyrus 46 places the doxology after Romans 15:33. Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus place it at the end of Romans 16. The Byzantine majority tradition places it after Romans 14:23; Codex Alexandrinus and some others preserve it in two locations. A minority of witnesses omit it. Hypotheses about different-length forms of Romans, circulating copies, or editorial movements remain debated and cannot be treated as proven. The Word, Made Clear uses the Byzantine Greek as its principal textual foundation but, by the author's editorial decision, presents the doxology as Romans 16:25–27. This preserves the familiar closing location while explaining the Byzantine placement transparently. The textual question regarding Romans 16:24 is separate. ↩