1Paul commendeth Phebe to the Christians at Rome, 3and sendeth salutations to many by name. 17He warneth them to take heed of those who cause divisions and offences. 21After sundry salutations, 25he concludeth with praise to God.
1 I 1COMMEND unto you Phebe our 2sister, which is 3a servant of the church which is at 4Çenchrea:
1 That is, recommend.
2 Namely, in Christ.
3 Namely, not in the ministry of preaching; for this is forbidden to women, 1 Cor. 14:34, and 1 Tim. 2:12; but either a deaconess who took care of the sick, 1 Tim. 5:9, 10; or, which is more probable, who served the congregation in receiving and lodging Christians who were driven out of their country, and also of the apostles and teachers, as appears from the following verse.
4 An harbor of Corinth. See of this place in Acts 18:18.
2That ye 5receive her 6in the Lord, 7as becometh saints, and that ye 8assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been 9a succourer of many, and of myself also.
5 That is, lodge and treat kindly.
6 That is, for the Lord’s sake, or, in the Lord’s Name.
7 That is, as it becomes her who is a holy and godly woman; and you also, who are devout Christians. Gr. worthily of the saints.
8 Namely, with counsel and deed, to help her to execute her business which she has to do at Rome.
9 Or, lodger, patroness. Namely, who has received many Christians, who were driven away, into her house. See 1 Tim. 5:10. It seems therefore that she was a well-to-do woman.
3Greeta10Priscilla and 11Aquila my 12helpers in Christ Jesus:
a Acts 18:2, 26.
10 The wife of Aquila, who was a very wise and godly woman.
11 The husband of Priscilla, a tentmaker from Pontus. See of them both, Acts 18:2, etc.; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19. These were previously driven out of Rome by the command of Claudius Cæsar, and were at Corinth when Paul came there, Acts 18:2. And seeing it appears here that they were now at Rome again, therefore it seems that the apostle was twice at Corinth, for this epistle was written from Corinth.
12 Namely, in spreading abroad the doctrine of the Gospel, wherein according to their opportunity and calling they did their best.
4Who have for my 13life laid down 14their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also 15all the churches of the Gentiles.
13 Gr. soul. See Mat. 2:20.
14 Gr. have put under their own necks, that is, have hazarded their lives. This was done either in the uproar at Corinth against Paul, Acts 18:12, or, in the uproar at Ephesus, Acts 19:23, where they were then with Paul, Acts 18:18.
15 Forasmuch as they have thereby obtained that benefit, that I remain yet alive to teach and confirm the same.
5Likewise greet 16the church that is in their house. Salute my 17wellbeloved Epænetus, who is 18the firstfruits 19of Achaia unto Christ.
16 That is, the faithful, who either belonged to their family, or who gathered together in their house. See Col. 4:15; Philemon verse 2.
17 Namely, for his singular godliness.
18 That is, who is one of the first, whom I have brought to the faith by my preaching, see Rom. 11:16; 1 Cor. 15:20, and 16:15.
19 That is, of all the believers who are in Achaia.
6Greet Mary, who bestowed much 20labour 21on us.
20 Namely, by lodging them, and doing them other services.
21 That is, for the faithful, and especially for the teachers.
7Salute Andronicus and Junia, 22my kinsmen, and 23my fellowprisoners, who are of note among 24the apostles, who also were 25in Christ 26before me.
22 That is, Jews of my kindred.
23 That is, who also, as well as I, have been imprisoned for the Gospel’s sake, Col. 4:10; Philemon verse 23.
24 That is, among those who preach the Gospel here and there. For this word is not only peculiarly ascribed to the twelve apostles, but sometimes also to other teachers. See 2 Cor. 8:23. Or, well known with the apostles.
25 That is, were converted to the christian religion.
26 That is, before I was converted.
8Greet Amplias my beloved 27in the Lord.
27 That is, because he also believes in the Lord.
9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
10Salute Apelles 28approved in Christ. Salute them which are 29of Aristobulus’ household.
28 That is, who, being exercised by many perils and difficulties, is found to be upright.
29 It seems that this Aristobulus was not yet himself a Christian, because the apostle does not cause him to saluted; yet nevertheless it appears that he was a moderate man, who suffered Christians in his family.
11Salute Herodion 30my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are 31in the Lord.
30 See verse 7.
31 That is, who are Christians. For they, who were yet heathens in that household, he does not salute them.
12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, 32who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
32 See verse 6.
13Salute Rufus 33chosen in the Lord, and 34his mother and 35mine.
33 That is, who is a choice and singular man.
34 Namely, by nature.
35 Namely, according to love and affection. See 1 Tim. 5:2.
14Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
15Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
16Saluteb one another 36with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
b 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thes. 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14.
36 That is, with a kiss of peace and brotherhood, with which believers, according to the use of those countries and times, used to salute one another. And it is called holy because it is given, not out of carnal but spiritual love, and without hypocrisy, Gen. 29:11.
17Nowc I beseech you, brethren, mark 37them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; andd avoid them.
c Col. 2:8; Titus 3:10; 1 John verse 10.
37 He understands them heretics as well as those who, having embraced the christian religion, taught that the ceremonies of the law must yet necessarily be observed for salvation. See Gal. 1:7; Philip. 3:2; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1, etc.; Titus 3:10.
d Mat. 18:17; 2 Thes. 3:6; 2 Tim. 3:5.
1838For they that are such 39serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, bute40their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive thef hearts of 41the simple.
38 He describes them that they may be known and the better be avoided.
39 Namely, though they give themselves out for ministers of the Lord.
e Philip. 3:19.
40 That is, teach for filthy lucre’s sake, and to satisfy their belly, 1 Tim. 6:5; Titus 1:11.
f Ezek. 13:18.
41 Gr. of them who are not evil.
19For 42your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: butg yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simpleh concerning evil.
42 Namely, which ye show in embracing the doctrine of the Gospel, which he calls faith, Rom. 1:8. See 1 Thes. 1:8.
g Mat. 10:16; 1 Cor. 14:20.
h ignorant, without guile, innocent*
20And 43the God of peace shall 44bruise 45Satan under your feet 46shortly. 47The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
43 See Rom. 15:33.
44 That is, cause, that through Christ you shall perfectly overcome him. The apostle seems to have respect here to the first promise of the Gospel, Gen. 3:15. See also Rev. 12:11.
45 Namely, who by his instruments seeks to deceive you.
46 Which indeed does begin here, but shall be done perfectly at the end of this world, which is at hand, Rev. 21:12.
47 This wish the apostle uses in all his epistles. See 2 Thes. 3:17.
21Timotheusi my workfellow, and Lucius,j and Jason,k and Sosipater,l my kinsmen, salute you.
i Acts 16:1; Philip. 2:19; Col. 1:1; 1 Thes. 3:2; 1 Tim. 1:2.
j Acts 13:1.
k Acts 17:5.
l Acts 20:4.
22I Tertius, 48who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
48 Namely, from the mouth of Paul.
2349Gaius mine 50host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastusm51the chamberlain 52of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
49 See concerning him, Acts 20:4; 1 Cor. 1:14.
50 That is, who lodged the apostle in his house and other believers not living there. See verse 1.
m Acts 19:22; 2 Tim. 4:20.
51 Or, steward, receiver. See Luke 16:1.
52 That is, of Corinth, from where the apostle wrote this epistle.
2453The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
53 See verse 20. The apostle rehearses this wish again, to show how needful it is, and that this epistle was written by him out of great affection.
25Nown to him that is of power to stablish you according to 54my gospel, 55and the preaching of Jesus Christ, accordingo to the revelation 56of the mystery, which 57was kept secret 58since the world began,
n Eph. 3:20.
54 That is, which is preached by me. See Rom. 2:16.
55 That is, which is the preaching, namely, which either the Lord Christ Himself preached, Heb. 1:1, 2, or the content of which is the Lord Christ, 1 Cor. 2:2.
o Eph. 1:9; 3:9; Col. 1:26; 2 Tim. 1:10; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20.
56 That is, of the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ, being now come in the flesh, which heretofore was not so known, and in which doctrine such a wisdom of God is revealed, which could not be searched out by the understanding of any creature, 1 Peter 1:12.
57 This is not so to be understood, as if in the Old Testament men had known nothing of the doctrine of the Gospel, for, in the following verse is declared that the revelation of this doctrine was also made by the writings of the prophets; but in respect of that clear revelation and proclamation made now in the New Testament, seeing Christ was not yet come then, and the Gentiles were entirely ignorant thereof, Psalm 147:20; Eph. 2:12.
58 Gr. eternal times; or, from the times of the world, that is, after the world has been created.
26But 59now is made manifest, and by 60the scriptures of the prophets, 61according to the commandment of the everlasting God, 62made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
59 Namely, in the times of the New Testament.
60 Namely, in which the Messiah is promised and described with all His circumstances and benefits, Acts 26:22; Rom. 1:2, and 3:21; 1 Peter 1:10, when they are compared with that which is written in the New Testament to be fulfilled in Christ.
61 Or, ordinance of God, Who thought good so to bring about the salvation of men, and Who is not bound to give any man account thereof.
62 Namely, whereas before it was concealed among them, verse 25.
2763To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
63 Or, to the only wise God. Or, to the only wise God through Jesus Christ, to him be glory for ever.