Bible Study Snacks, Romans 16:1-27

Hi, everyone!

To all of my dear and faithful readers, I'd like thank you for joining me the past several months as we journeyed through the Epistle of Romans together. You have made it all so much more meaningful and beautiful for me. I truly hope that I did the same for you.

Now, with a heavy heart, I must tell you that we have almost arrived to the end of our journey. As I always mentioned before our studies, I hope you found these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God.

I will be taking a little time off to refresh myself physically, mentally and spiritually. But, I will definitely return with more Bible studies in the near future. In the meanwhile, please continue to refer back to the Bible Snacks blog entries in our archives as many times as you wish. Remember...don't stop reading and studying the Word, you will never go wrong!

With that being said, let's begin the final leg of our journey through the Epistle of Romans. In this session, we will study Romans 16:1-27.

Here is this week's bible study in summary...

In this last chapter, Paul closes with miscellaneous instructions, greetings, warnings, and a doxology. Of particular note are his comments concerning Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Also, his greetings to Priscilla and Aquila remind us of how instrumental this couple was in the spread of the gospel. The remaining greetings from Paul remind us that there were many others who contributed to the growth of the church in the first century.

A final warning is given against those who would cause divisions and occasions of stumbling contrary to what Paul had taught in this epistle. For above all else, Paul wanted to ensure their continued obedience in the gospel.

Paul's companions at Corinth add their greetings, and Paul closes this wonderful epistle with an expression of praise to God for the revelation of the gospel which was leading to the obedience of faith among all nations.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 16:1-27. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. The word describing Phoebe can be accurately translated either as servant or deaconess. How were they to receive her? How were they supposed to help her (Romans 16:1-2)?
2. Why were they supposed to help Phoebe so much when she came to them (Romans 16:2d)?
3. What did Prisca and Aquila do for Paul the apostle (Romans 16:3-4)?
4. What is going on in the home of Prisca and Aquila (Romans 16:5)?
5. Did you notice each verse from Romans 16:6-16 all start with the same word “Greet”? Write down next to the names below the greeting associated with these brothers and sisters.
Mary
Andronicus and Junias
Ampliatus
Urbanus
Stachys
Apelles
Herodion
Tryphaena and Tryphosa
Persis
Rufus
6. How did Paul greet the church (Romans 16:16)?
7. What warning did Paul give the church in Romans 16:17?
8. What are these men like (Romans 16:18)?
9. What good thing did Paul hear about the church in Rome (Romans 16:19)?
10. Write down the benediction in Romans 16:20.
11. Romans 16:25-27 is also a benediction. (Some ancient manuscripts also include verse 24 with its own benediction). What is it that Paul wants them to be established in (Romans 16:25)?
12. Is the mystery spoken of in verse 25 now known or still unknown (Romans 16:25-26)?
13. What is made known to the nations leading to their obedience (Romans 16:25-26)?
14. What does Paul wish God to gain (Romans 16:27)?
15. Do you see any common theme among the greetings (Romans 16:6-16)? What would you want to be known for? What steps have you taken to get there?
16. Think back over the teachings in this book. Share one way you have been significantly “established” (Romans 16:25)?

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 16:1-27. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

And so we have completed our study together, my friends. Once again, thank you for your diligence and companionship. May God always be with you wherever your life takes you. Until our next journey together...much love and peace!

God bless you!

Sheri