Romans 16:14 – “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the other brothers and sisters with them.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul sends greetings to a group of believers in Rome. He lists five individuals—Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, and Hermas—and also extends his greeting to “the other brothers and sisters with them.”

The way Paul words this suggests that these individuals were likely leaders or key members of a house church or small Christian fellowship. Since the early church often met in homes rather than in large buildings, it is likely that this was one of the Christian gatherings in Rome that Paul wanted to acknowledge.

Even though we don’t know much about these five men, their mention in Paul’s letter shows that they were important to the church community. Their faithfulness to Christ was recognized and honored by Paul, and their work for the gospel was significant enough to be included in this long list of greetings.

This verse reminds us that the early church was made up of ordinary believers who played important roles in their communities. Even though these names are not as well-known as Peter, James, or Paul, they were faithful servants of Christ who were valued members of the body of Christ.

Historical Context

The names listed in this verse are Greek names, which suggests that these men were Gentile believers. This aligns with what we know about the Roman church—it was a mix of both Jewish and Gentile Christians who worshiped together despite their different backgrounds.

Many early Christians in Rome were part of house churches. Unlike today’s church buildings, the first-century church met in homes, with small groups of believers gathering regularly for worship, prayer, and teaching. The fact that Paul greets these five individuals along with “the other brothers and sisters” suggests that they were part of one such house church.

It is also possible that some of these men were former slaves or freedmen. Christianity spread rapidly among the lower classes in Rome, and many believers came from humble backgrounds. The gospel had a strong appeal to slaves, workers, and everyday people because it taught that all were equal in Christ, regardless of their social status.

Theological Implications

1. Every believer is important in the body of Christ. These five men were not apostles or famous church leaders, yet Paul made sure to recognize them. This teaches us that faithfulness to Christ is valuable, even if it goes unnoticed by the world.
2. Christianity thrives in community. Paul’s greeting to this group reminds us that Christianity is not a solo journey. Believers are meant to worship, serve, and grow together.
3. God’s kingdom includes people from all backgrounds. The presence of Greek names in this greeting shows that God’s family is diverse. He calls people from different ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds into His kingdom.

Literary Analysis

Romans 16 is full of personal greetings, showing Paul’s deep connection with believers in different churches. This section is different from the rest of the letter, which is highly theological. Here, we see the relational side of Paul’s ministry—he wasn’t just a teacher of doctrine; he was a man who cared deeply for individual believers.

The phrase “the other brothers and sisters with them” suggests that these five men were part of a larger Christian community. Instead of listing every single believer, Paul mentions a few by name while acknowledging the rest. This shows the importance of leadership and community in the church.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – The church is described as one body with many members, each playing a vital role.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encourages believers to gather together and support one another in faith.
• Colossians 3:11 – Reminds us that in Christ, there is no division between Greek and Jew, slave or free—all are one in Him.
• Acts 2:46-47 – Describes the early believers meeting in homes, sharing meals, and growing together in faith.
• Romans 12:4-5 – “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faithfulness matters, even when it’s unseen. Most Christians will not be famous or well-known, but God sees and values those who serve Him faithfully.
2. Community is essential in the Christian life. Paul’s greeting reminds us that we are not meant to walk alone in our faith—we need the church.
3. Diversity in the church is a gift from God. The names in this verse suggest a mix of people from different backgrounds, yet they were united in Christ. The modern church should also reflect this same unity in diversity.
4. Encouragement is powerful. Paul took the time to greet and acknowledge believers by name. This challenges us to be intentional about encouraging and appreciating those who serve Christ alongside us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is personal. Paul’s greeting shows that God does not just see the church as a faceless crowd—He knows and values each individual believer. Even these lesser-known Christians were important enough to be mentioned in Scripture, showing that God cares for every person who follows Him.

God’s love is also relational. He created us for community, not isolation. The fact that believers gathered in house churches and small groups reminds us that God designed faith to be lived out together.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus built His ministry on relationships. He personally called His disciples by name and formed close friendships with those who followed Him (John 15:15). Paul’s greeting reflects this same personal, relational approach to ministry.
2. Jesus welcomes all who follow Him. Whether someone was a fisherman, a tax collector, or a Roman servant, Jesus invited all people to be His disciples (Matthew 11:28). The names in this verse remind us that anyone—regardless of background—can belong to Christ.
3. Jesus taught that the church is a family. In Matthew 12:48-50, He said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” This verse in Romans shows the reality of that spiritual family, where believers care for and encourage one another.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach us about the importance of community in the Christian life?
2. How does Paul’s greeting challenge us to appreciate those who serve Christ, even in unseen ways?
3. Why is it significant that these believers were part of a house church? What does that say about how God works in small groups of faithful people?
4. How can we do a better job of encouraging and supporting fellow believers in our own church communities?
5. What does this verse reveal about how God values every believer, no matter their status or fame?