Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 16
Matthew Henry Commentary
Romans 16
Matthew Henry Commentary
Romans 16
"I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreae: that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been a helper of many, and of mine own self. Salute Prisca and Aquila my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles: and [salute] the church that is in their house. Salute Epaenetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Asia unto Christ. Salute Mary, who bestowed much labor on you. Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me. Salute Ampliatus my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbanus our fellow-worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles the approved in Christ. Salute them that are of the [household] of Aristobulus. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Salute them of the [household] of Narcissus, that are in the Lord. Salute Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute Persis the beloved, who labored much in the Lord. Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brethren that are with them. Salute Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints that are with them. Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you." — Romans 16:1-16 (ASV)
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It is fitting for Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we do not know what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks for help for one who had been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Though the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remember many persons, and send salutations to each, with particular descriptions of them, and express concern for them. Lest anyone should feel hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in conclusion, a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of Christ.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." — Romans 16:17-20 (ASV)
How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound doctrine of the Scriptures opens a door to divisions and offenses. If truth is forsaken, unity and peace will not last long. Many call Christ Master and Lord who are far from serving Him. But they serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. They corrupt the mind by deceiving the heart; they pervert judgment by insinuating themselves into people's affections.
We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. It has been the common tactic of seducers to target those who are softened by convictions. A pliable disposition is good when under sound guidance; otherwise, it may be easily led astray. Be wise enough not to be deceived, yet innocent enough not to be deceivers.
The blessing the apostle expects from God is victory over Satan. This includes all of Satan's designs and schemes against souls—to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then the God of peace will intervene on our behalf.
Therefore, persevere in faith and patience for a little while longer. If the grace of Christ is with us, who can prevail against us?
"Timothy my fellow-worker saluteth you; and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I Tertius, who write the epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you, and Quartus the brother. [The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.]" — Romans 16:21-24 (ASV)
The apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons with him, known to the Roman Christians. It is a great comfort to see the holiness and usefulness of our relatives. Not many mighty, not many noble are called, but some are. It is lawful for believers to hold civil offices; and it would be desirable that all offices in Christian states, and in the church, were entrusted to prudent and steady Christians.
"Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith: to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen." — Romans 16:25-27 (ASV)
What establishes souls is the plain preaching of Jesus Christ. Our redemption and salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ are, without controversy, a great mystery of godliness. And yet, blessed be God, as much of this mystery is made plain as will bring us to heaven, if we do not willfully neglect so great salvation. Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, and the Sun of Righteousness is risen on the world.
The Scriptures of the prophets—what they left in writing—is not only made plain in itself, but by it this mystery is made known to all nations. Christ is salvation to all nations. And the gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and disputed about, but to be submitted to. The obedience of faith is that obedience which is rendered to the word of faith and which comes by the grace of faith.
All the glory that passes from fallen man to God, to be accepted by Him, must go through the Lord Jesus, in whom alone our persons and deeds are, or can be, pleasing to God. Of His righteousness we must make mention, even of His alone; for as He is the Mediator of all our prayers, so He is and will be for eternity the Mediator of all our praises. Remembering that we are called to the obedience of faith, and that every degree of wisdom is from the only wise God, we should, by word and deed, render glory to Him through Jesus Christ, so that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be with us forever.
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