Romans 16

     16:1.  The word servant can be transliterated as deacon.  There are no examples of women elders anywhere in Scripture, but this verse is one support for women deacons (cf. 1 Tim.3:11).  There are many examples of women doing necessary deacon work, e.g., Prisca (3), Mary (6), etc.  If women do the servant work, and carry the title, why withhold the office?

     16:7.  Outstanding is more literally rendered notable (cf. KJV “of note”).  Is Paul intending to recognize these men as apostles, or merely saying that the apostles have found them to be noteworthy men? But the word apostle is used at times in a broad sense for evangelists.

     16:13.  Cf. Mark 15:21.

     16:17-20.  Here is needed balance for those who would sacrifice all for a false unity.  There is no unity with those who do not belong to Christ, and who have no love for the truth (1 Cor. 6:14-15).  Paul urges us to accept the weak, not to become weak in the face of the enemy.

     16:22.  Peter also used the services of a writing secretary i.e., an amanuensis, singular; ses, plural  (1 Peter 5:12).

     16:25-27.  The secret of God’s salvation is now revealed by the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Just as the prophets foretold and the eternal God commanded, salvation by the obedience of faith in Jesus Christ has been revealed to all the nations.   All glory to God, through Jesus Christ, forever.