Introduction
B. Personal matters ch. 16
This last chapter is very letter-like in its spontaneous arrangement of material. Paul evidently related matters as they occurred to him. He named 36 persons in this chapter. Eight of these people were with Paul, and the rest were in Rome. He identified 27 men and seven women by name, plus two more by their relationship to someone else. In addition he referred to at least two households (Romans 16:10-11) and three house churches (Romans 16:5; Romans 16:14-15) plus some other unnamed brethren (Romans 16:14) and two other women (Romans 16:13; Romans 16:15). The households may be house churches too. Most of the names are Gentile, reflecting the mainly Gentile population of the church in Rome, and most are those of slaves and freedmen and freedwomen. [Note: See P. Lampe, "The Roman Christians in Romans 16," in The Romans Debate, pp. 227-29.]
Several commentators have believed that chapter 16 was originally a separate letter that Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. The hypothesis behind this view is that since Paul had not visited Rome he could not have known so many people, whom he greeted. He had ministered for three years in Ephesus and undoubtedly knew many people there. This view is highly improbable. [Note: See Bruce, pp. 253-57, for an effective rebuttal.]
"This sixteenth chapter is neglected by many to their own loss. It is by far the most extensive, intimate and particular of all the words of loving greeting in Paul’s marvelous letters. No one can afford to miss this wonderful outpouring of the heart of our apostle toward the saints whom he so loved-which means all the real Church of God!" [Note: Newell, p. 548.]
". . . Paul’s extensive request for greetings in Romans 16 may reflect his desire to mention all the Christians in Rome he knows-a procedure plainly impossible in those letters directed to churches where he has ministered." [Note: Moo, p. 917.]
". . . Paul was a friend maker as well as a soul winner. He did not try to live an isolated life; he had friends in the Lord, and he appreciated them." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:565.]
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