Romans Chapter 16

Romans Chapter 16

Paul commends Phebe to you, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Receive her in the Lord and become as saints. Assist her in whatever business she has need of, she has been a succourer of many, including Paul.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, his helpers in Jesus Christ, who have for his life laid down their own necks. He gives thanks not only to them, but also to all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise, greet the church that is their house. Salute his well beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruit of Achaia.

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor for us.

Salute Andronicus and Junia, his kinsmen and fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles who believed in Christ before Paul did.

Greet Amplias, his beloved in the Lord. (Whoa! Is that his girlfriend/boyfriend or something else?)

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

Salute Apelles who is approved in Christ. Salute anyone who is in the Aristobulus’ household.

Salute his kinsman Herodion. Greet anyone in the household of Narcissus. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor for the Lord. Salute the much beloved Persis who has labored interminably in the lord.

Salute Rufus who is chosen by the Lord, and our mothers.

Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and all their brethren.

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

Salute one another with a holy kiss. (Much like Judas did to Jesus. I’m sorry, did Paul tell us that he was imprisoned and then proceed to list a million and one followers of JC who will most likely be persecuted. Is this a death list? And to betray them with a kiss… that is just plan classic.) The churches of Christ salute you.

Now mark anyone who causes divisions and offenses contrary to what you have learned and avoid them. For they don’t serve the Lord, but rather their own bellies. By good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple.

You obedience has come. Paul is glad on your behalf but he wants you to be wise to those things that are good and be ignorant of those concerning evil. (Smart plan… that’s sarcasm in case it doesn’t come through clearly enough).

The God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet. The grace of JC be with you. Amen.

Done? Nope now we get a little post script from Tertius?

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

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

Gaius, my host, and the whole church salute you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salutes you and Quartus, a brother.

The grace of our Lord JC be with all of you. Amen.

Now to him that has the power to establish you according the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret since the world began, but is now 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:

Know God, glory through JC for ever. Amen.

“Romans” was written to the Roman people from Corinthus and sent by Phebe who was a servant of the church at Cenchrea.

The end!

On to Galatians for me… hope it’s better, see you in a few days while I try glean some kind of positive meaning out of any of this hateful, mean and vindictive book.