Chapter 16 of 16

Romans 16

Every verse twice: in the King James Version, and in the World Bible Guide plain reading — what it says, in words anyone can follow.

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Illustration for the book of Romans

Romans 16, verse by verse

Each verse is given twice: first in the King James Version, then in the World Bible Guide plain reading.

1

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

I introduce to you our dear sister Phebe, a devoted servant of the church in Cenchrea.

2

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Welcome her with open hearts, as saints would do. Help her in any way she needs, for she has been a pillar of support for many, including me.

3

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Send my warm regards to Priscilla and Aquila, my cherished allies in our shared faith in Christ Jesus.

4

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

They risked their lives for me, and I am deeply grateful to them. Not just me, but all the churches of the non-Jews share this gratitude.

5

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Warmly welcome the church that resides in their home. Send my heartfelt greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus, who is Christ's first and cherished follower from Achaia.

6

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

Show appreciation to Mary, who worked tirelessly for us.

7

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me and are respected among the apostles. They were in Christ before I was.

8

Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

Send my warmest regards to Amplias, whom I dearly love in the Lord.

9

Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Show love to Urbane, our supporter in faith, and cherish my dear friend Stachys.

10

Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.

Send warm greetings to Apelles, a faithful follower of Christ. Also, extend your greetings to those in Aristobulus' home.

11

Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

Show love to Herodion, my fellow Jew. Warmly welcome those from Narcissus' home who follow the Lord.

12

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

Show love and respect to Tryphena and Tryphosa, who work tirelessly for the Lord. Also, honor dear Persis, who has devoted so much effort in serving the Lord.

13

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Show love to Rufus, who is special to the Lord, and also to his mother, who is like a mother to me too.

14

Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

Send warm greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and their companions.

15

Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

Send warm greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus, his sister, Olympas, and all the holy ones accompanying them.

16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

Greet each other with a sacred kiss. The congregations of Christ send their warm regards to you.

17

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Dear friends, please take note of those who create conflict and go against our shared beliefs; steer clear of them.

18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Those who act this way aren't truly serving Jesus, but are only satisfying their own desires. They use sweet talk and flattery to trick innocent people.

19

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Your commitment to doing right is known by everyone, and it fills me with joy. However, I urge you to be discerning about what is good, and remain innocent towards evil.

20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Soon, the God of tranquility will crush Satan beneath your feet. May the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ surround you. So be it.

21

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

My dear friend Timothy, along with Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, who are like family to me, send their warm greetings to you.

22

I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.

I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, send you heartfelt greetings in the name of the Lord.

23

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

Gaius, our gracious host and friend to all in the church, sends his warm greetings. Erastus, the city's respected manager, and Quartus, our dear brother, also send their heartfelt regards.

24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

May the loving kindness of our Savior, Jesus Christ, touch each and every one of you. So be it.

25

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

To the one with the power to strengthen you through my teachings and the message of Jesus Christ, revealing the once hidden mystery since the beginning of time.

26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Now, it's clear and revealed through the writings of the prophets, as per God's eternal command. It's shared with all nations to inspire faith and obedience.

27

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

May eternal glory be given to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ. So be it.

Go on with Romans 16

Hear it read aloud in the iPhone and iPad app, or bring a question about it to Simon Peter, Paul, Philip, John the Baptist, Judas Iscariot or Jesus. When an answer rests on a passage, you see which one. Each person is an interpretation drawn from the text, never the person.

The chapters of Romans