Romans – Chapter 16

New Testament27 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 16 of Romans begins: "And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:" The chapter centers on Timothy, Aquila and Mary. Across its 27 verses, two threads run through the text: love and charity and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:

2That you receive her in the Lord as becometh saints and that you assist her in whatsoever business she shall have need of you. For she also hath assisted many, and myself also.

3Salute Prisca and Aquila, my helpers, in Christ Jesus

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

5And the church which is in their house. Salute Epenetus, my beloved: who is the firstfruits of Asia in Christ.

6Salute Mary, who hath laboured much among you.

7Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners: who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8Salute Ampliatus, most beloved to me in the Lord.

9Salute Urbanus, our helper in Christ Jesus and Stachys, my beloved.

10Salute Apellas, approved in Christ.

11Salute them that are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodian, my kinsman. Salute them that are of Narcissus' household, who are in the Lord.

12Salute Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute Persis, the dearly beloved, who hath much laboured in the Lord.

13Salute Rufus, elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

14Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes: and the brethren that are with them.

15Salute Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympias: and all the saints that are with them.

16Salute one another with an holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.

17Now I beseech you, brethren, to mark them who make dissensions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them.

18For they that are such serve not Christ our Lord but their own belly: and by pleasing speeches and good words seduce the hearts of the innocent.

19For your obedience is published in every place. I rejoice therefore in you. But I would have you to be wise in good and simple in evil.

20And the God of peace crush Satan under your feet speedily. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21Timothy, my fellow labourer, saluteth you: and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

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

23Caius, my host, and the whole church saluteth you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, saluteth you: and Quartus, a brother.

24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

25Now to him that is able to establish you, according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret from eternity;

26(Which now is made manifest by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the precept of the eternal God, for the obedience of faith) known among all nations:

27To God, the only wise, through Jesus Christ, to whom be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Important Verses in Romans 16

Salute Ampliatus, most beloved to me in the Lord.

Romans 16:8

Salute Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute Persis, the dearly beloved, who hath much laboured in the Lord.

Romans 16:12

And the God of peace crush Satan under your feet speedily. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Romans 16:20

(Which now is made manifest by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the precept of the eternal God, for the obedience of faith) known among all nations:

Romans 16:26

Historical Context

Romans belongs to the New Testament and was composed for the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers. Chapter 16 of 16 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 27 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Timothy, Aquila and Mary, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:" The chapter ends with: "To God, the only wise, through Jesus Christ, to whom be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. " The wider setting of Romans is this: Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Romans around About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 8: "Salute Ampliatus, most beloved to me in the Lord." The passage repeatedly touches on love and charity.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2559). Here, Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize love and charity as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

People in This Chapter

Timothy1 mentionAquila1 mentionMary1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Romans Chapter 16, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of justification by faith and life in the Spirit.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Romans Chapter 16 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of trust in providence amid uncertainty bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 16 about?

Romans 16 contains 27 verses. It opens with "And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:" and closes with "To God, the only wise, through Jesus Christ, to whom be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 16?

One of the most significant verses is verse 8: "Salute Ampliatus, most beloved to me in the Lord." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Romans Chapter 16?

This chapter mentions Timothy, Aquila, Mary.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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