Romans 16--Fellowship of Believers

This final chapter of the doctrinal treatise known as the Book of Romans closes with greetings from the Apostle Paul to fellow believers in the church at Rome with whom he was personally acquainted (although he did not found this church, nor had he yet visited with them.)

The chapter also gives a glimpse of life in the early church. For instance, two house churches are mentioned: one in the home of Priscilla and Aquilla in Rome and one in the home of Gaius in Corinth. It appears that the whole church in Corinth met in the no-doubt-expansive home of Gaius. (For mention of other house churches, see Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1-2; and Acts 16: 14-15,40.)

Women as well as men are noted for their Christian service: Phoebe was a deaconess at Cenchrea (near Corinth); she was also entrusted with taking this doctrinal treatise to the Roman church. Priscilla, with her husband Aquilla, hosted the church in their home and taught Scripture together (See Acts 18: 24-26). Sisters Tryphena and Tryphosa were said to "labour in the Lord" (Ro 16:12). (See Acts 16: 14-15, 40, for information about Lydia, who hosted a church in her home and hosted the Apostle Paul and his missionary team.)

Also included in this final chapter is a warning to avoid those who claim to be believers but who teach doctrinal error. They are adept at speaking and they deceive many. Their subtle perversion of Scripture causes strife and division in the church. They do not serve Christ but seek to enhance their own selfish ambitions. Believers are told to "mark them" and to "avoid them" (Ro 16:17-18).

Since these false teachers are able to deceive the "simple" (Ro 16:18), it behooves the believer to educate himself in doctrine so that he will no longer be "simple." (For similar warnings against false teaching, see Colossians 2; 2 Thessalonians 2; 1 Timothy 1:3-11; 2 Timothy 3; Titus 3:9-11; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Jude; Revelation 2: 14-16, 20-25.)