In this video, we read and discuss Romans 16:1–16, the first of two sets of personal greetings at the end of the letter.
🔸Phoebe: A diakonos/servant from the church at Cenchreae near Corinth, likely carrying the letter to Rome. I explain Roman patronage to show why she was probably wealthy, influential, and able to travel for business and ministry.
🔸Prisca/Priscilla and Aquila: The unusual ordering of their names, manuscript differences, their resources and house churches, their expulsion under Claudius and return, and how they may have protected Paul.
🔸Epaenetus: Paul's first convert in Asia and a refugee from the Claudian expulsion.
🔸Mary: A Jewish woman and important laborer in Rome.
🔸Andronicus and Junia: Relatives of Paul. Debate over whether they were notable “to” or “among” the apostles and why I think Paul meant “well known to the apostles.”
🔸Ampliatus/Amplias: Probably a slave or freedman.
🔸Urbanus: Probably also a slave or freedman and a well-known missionary.
🔸Stachys: A host or patron of apostles and missionaries.
🔸Apelles: Greek believer who was faithful through persecution.
🔸Aristobulus: Possibly a relative or descendant of Herod the Great.
🔸Herodion: Probably not related to Aristobulus, but related to Paul.
🔸Narcissus: Probably another slave or freedman. Possibly a secretary and advisor to Emperor Claudius.
🔸Tryphaena and Tryphosa: Jewish women who might have been sisters. Ministered somewhere outside of Rome.
🔸Persis: A Jewish woman from Persia who had ministered somewhere Paul had visited.
🔸Rufus: Possibly a Roman or Helenized Jew who knew Paul when he was young.
🔸Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, and Hermas: Men who might have led home fellowships around Rome.
🔸Philogus, Julia, Nereus and sister, and Olympas: Might have been leaders of home fellowships, possibly couples and/or families.
Were Andronicus and Junia Apostles? https://americantorah.com/2025/01/02/were-andronicus-and-junia-apostles/
From Jay Carper at Common Sense Bible Study (https://CommonSenseBibleStudy.com) and American Torah (https://www.AmericanTorah.com).
This content is free, but I accept contributions via Paypal at https://jaycarper.com/paypal.
Follow me on X: https://jaycarper.com/twitter
Follow me on Facebook: https://jaycarper.com/fbat
Follow me on Whole Bible Community: https://jaycarper.com/ttn
