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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 16:1-16

Such remembrances as these are usual in letters between friends; and yet Paul, by the savouriness of his expressions, sanctifies these common compliments. I. Here is the recommendation of a friend, by whom (as some think) this epistle was sent?one Phebe, Rom. 16:1, 2. It should seem that she was a person of quality and estate, who had business which called her to Rome, where she was a stranger; and therefore Paul recommends her to the acquaintance of the Christians there: an expression of his... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 16:5-11

16:5-11 Give my greetings to my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Give my greetings to Mary who has toiled hard among you. Give my greetings to Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow-prisoners. They are of high mark among the apostles, and they were Christians before I was. Give my greetings to Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Give my greetings to Urbanus, our fellow-worker in Christ, and to my beloved Stachys. Give my greetings to Apelles, a man of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 16:5

Likewise greet the church that is in their house ,.... Which was either their own family, which might be somewhat large, and consisting entirely or chiefly of religious persons; for when they were in other places they had a church in their house as well as Rome; see 1 Corinthians 16:19 ; or the saints at Rome, who used to meet privately at their house, and pray and sing praises together, speak to one another of the things of God, and build up one another in their most faith; and from their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 16:6

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Some copies read, "you"; and so do the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions: and indeed it seems most likely that the persons on whom this good woman bestowed so much labour, and to whom she was so very serviceable, were the saints at Rome, where she lived, rather than the apostle and his companions; not but that she might have been in some parts where she had met with him, and his friends, and had been very indefatigable in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:5

The Church that is in their house - In these primitive times no such places existed as those which we now term churches; the word always signifying the congregation or assembly of believers, and not the place they assembled in. See the term defined at the end of the notes, Matthew 16:28 ; (note). Epenetus - the first fruits of Achaia - In 1 Corinthians 16:15 , the house or family of Stephanas is said to be the first fruits of Achaia: how then can it be said here, that Epenetus was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:6

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us - Who this Mary was, or what the labor was which she bestowed upon the apostles, we know not. Her works, though hidden from man, are with God; and her name is recorded with honor in this book of life. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:5

Verse 5 5.Who is the first-fruit, etc. This is an allusion to the rites of the law; for as men are sanctified to God by faith, they who first offer themselves are fitly called the first-fruit. Whosoever then is called first in time to the faith, Paul allows him the prerogative of honor: yet he retains this eminence only when the end corresponds with the beginning. And doubtless it is no common honor when God chooses some for first-fruits: and there is in addition a greater and an ampler trial... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:6

Verse 6 6.He again testifies his gratitude, in recording the kindness of Mary to him. Nor is there any doubt but that he commemorates these praises, in order to recommend those whom he praised to the Romans. (475) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-19

Words of counsel for a Christian Church. The practical exhortations given in most of these closing chapters of this Epistle have reference mainly to the duties of individual Christians. The exhortations of this last chapter refer specially to the duty of the local Church in its corporate capacity. I. ATTENTION TO STRANGERS . Consideration for strangers was constantly impressed upon the Jewish people in ancient times. "Oppress not the stranger" ( Exodus 22:21 ; Exodus 23:1-33 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-20

K. Commendation of Phoebe, and salutations to Christians at Rome. read more

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