Introduction
Today we read Romans 16, the final chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Rome. The bulk of the chapter contains personal greetings to people and households. What an important reminder that what we read about God is rooted in a lived, historical reality. Real people, real witnesses, real servants of Christ and his church.
Towards the end, Paul provides a warning against people who create divisions or give false and inaccurate teaching. The concluding verses are an incredible blessing and prayer over the recipients of the letter.
Questions
From vv. 3-4, what do Priscilla and Aquila risk for Paul and for the Gentile churches?
Select a name or two from the list in vv. 5-16. What can we learn about these people / what does Paul say about them?
Based on the list of names provided and the personal greetings, what can you conclude about the early Christian church? What do you think of these personal greetings and the relationships that they demonstrate?
What sort of people does Paul warn against in vv. 17-18? What do they do and why do they do it?
Paul is the author of Romans (see Rom. 1:1) but he did not write it down physically; rather, he dictated it. Who, from 16:22, actually wrote it down?
What strikes you about Paul's prayer in vv. 25-27? Does this apply to us too?
Reflection
It has been a joy to read and study the book of Romans over 3 weeks or so. Some of the most memorable verses in the entire New Testament are found here.
Paul's letter is full of truth and incredible promises. Because of what he wrote, we can better understand how desperate our circumstances were before we knew Christ, and the new and transformed life that we have received by grace.
Completing the letter creates in me a desire to read it again. Would this be a document that you return to again and again. Would you rejoice it in and would you share it with your neighbour as you care for them, in the pattern of your Saviour. Thanks be to God!