Romans

Paul’s Commendation of Phoebe

16 †I commend to you  our sister Phoebe, who is a servant A of the church in Cenchreae.  2 So you should welcome her in the Lord  in a manner worthy of the •saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many — and of me also.

Greeting to Roman Christians

3 Give my greetings to Prisca B and Aquila,  my coworkers in  Christ Jesus,  4 who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches.
5 Greet also the church that meets in their home. 
Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert C,  to Christ from •Asia. 
6 Greet Mary, D who has worked very hard for you. 
7† Greet Andronicus and Junia, E my fellow countrymen  and fellow prisoners.  They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, F  and they were also in Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.
Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 
11 Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman.
Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus,  chosen in the Lord; also his mother — and mine.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 
All the churches of Christ send you greetings.

TWISTED SCRIPTURE

Romans 16:16

The Churches of Christ (COC) sect takes its name from this verse. Some claim that any true church will also have the correct scriptural name. Christ said, "I will build My church" (Mt 16:18). The COC argues that since it is Christ's church, it should be called the Church of Christ. Different verses, however, point to other descriptors, such as "church of God" (1 Co 10:32; Gl 1:13) and "assembly of the firstborn" (Heb 12:23). Nowhere does God's Word prescribe that a legitimate church should have a specific name."

Warning against Divisive People

17† Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have learned.  Avoid them,  18 for such people do not serve our Lord Christ  but their own appetites. G  They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. 

Paul’s Gracious Conclusion

19 The report of your obedience has reached everyone.  Therefore I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil.  20 The God of peace  will soon crush Satan  under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 

21 Timothy,  my coworker, and Lucius,  Jason,  and Sosipater,  my fellow countrymen, greet you.

22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter,  greet you in the Lord. H

23 Gaius,  who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus,  the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.

[24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.] 

Glory to God

25 Now to Him who has power to strengthen you  according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ,  according to the revelation of the •mystery kept silent  for long ages  26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures,  according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith I,  among all nations — 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ — to Him be the glory forever!  •Amen.