The women of Romans 16 – Who were they?
By Elizabeth Prata
Paul was generous in his greetings and benedictions. He closed his letters warmly, with reminders to remember or to greet certain named (and unnamed people). Romans 16 is full of these names, and as Warren Wiersbe said,
How we wish we had the details of the stories behind each of these names!”
Too right. I am positively panting to know these people, but then I console myself with the knowledge that once I’m in heaven, I will have an eternity to heart heir praises and deeds for the cause of Christ. In the list in Romans 16, except for Priscilla and Aquila who are mentioned elsewhere, we only have the one mention of these fine brethren. But we can glean some information, a tiny bit.
First, we learn that “Chapter 16 closes typically with greetings and commendations from various individuals. Greetings are offered to twenty-seven people, including a significant number of women,” says Holman concise Bible commentary. Of the long list of those who were mentioned, I’ll focus on the women, our sisters in Christ:
Phoebe, helper of many, servant of the church which is at Cenchrea.
Prisca, to whom Paul gives thanks but who were his fellow workers in Christ Jesus, and who risked their own necks for Paul’s life
Mary has worked hard for you.
Junia, (“Junias,” a contracted form of “Junianus”; in this case, it is a man’s name. But if, as is more probable, the word be, as in our version, “Junia,” the person meant was no doubt either the wife or the sister of Andronicus – source Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary) was outstanding in the view of the apostles.
Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Their names mean ‘delicate one’ and they were likely twins. Paul said they were workers in the Lord and should be greeted as such.
Persis, is the beloved one and Paul notes that she has worked hard in the Lord. Herbert F. Stevenson points out “a delicacy indicative of profound Christian courtesy” in that use of the word ‘beloved’. Wow. Wiersbe said “Four persons are called “beloved” by Paul: Epenetus (Rom. 16:5), Amplias (Rom. 16:8), Stachys (Rom. 16:9), and Persis (Rom. 16:12).
Julia, Lockyer says, “By birth a member of one of the great old homes in Rome, Julia was doubtless a member of the imperial court and therefore among the saints to be found in Caesar’s household. Perhaps she was the wife or sister of Philologus with whose name she is coupled.”
If that is true it would be the third pairing or husband-wife team, which included Priscilla and Aquila, and perhaps Andronicus and Junia ii Junia was a woman, were also a married couple.
“It is significant that nine of these co-laborers are women (ten, if Junia[s], v. 7, is a woman, as many believe), making one-third of the total list a tribute to women in ministry and mission of one kind or another. This invites the careful interpreter to compare other Pauline passages in which women are enjoined to silence or to primarily domestic roles that are subordinate.” Gruenler, R. G. (1995). Romans. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible.
Far from Christianity subjugating women, women were and are valued for our many contributions and labors. Fie to those unsettled and unstable women who cry out for the necessity of lady preachers and teachers! Wiersbe says,
This [Romans 16] list shows the parts that people played in Paul’s ministry and the ministry of the churches. Phebe was a “succourer” of many. Priscilla and Aquila were “helpers” and “laid down their own necks” for Paul. The conversion of Epenetus led to the salvation of others in Asia. Mary “bestowed much labor.” Andronicus and Junias went to prison with Paul. One can only give thanks for these devoted saints who fulfilled their ministries to the glory of God. May we follow in their train!
Source- Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 566). Victor Books.
May we labor for the praise from our Lord, for His pleasure is our joy.
