Romans 16:3-16

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

What is the context of Romans 16:3-16?

What does Romans 16:3-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

It may seem unusual that Paul knew so many people by name in the church in Rome since he had never visited it. However travel in the Roman Empire was fairly easy during Paul"s lifetime. Probably he had met some of these people elsewhere and knew others of them by reputation.

Most of the names are Latin or Greek, but some of these people were evidently Jews who, like Paul, also had Greek or Latin names (e.g, Romans 16:7; Romans 16:11). In his epistles Paul greeted more individuals by name in the churches he had not visited than in those that he had (cf. Col.). He may have wanted to establish more personal contact with congregations that had not seen his face.