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I. WHY SHOULD SUCH A CATALOGUE OF OBSCURE NAMES FIND A PLACE IN WHAT WAS INTENDED TO BE A UNIVERSAL AND PERMANENT REVELATION OF THE DIVINE WILL?

1. It is obvious to remark that if by mentioning them by name was fitted to answer a good end in the Church for whose advantage the Epistle was primarily written, that is a sufficient reason. Such kind remembrances were plainly fitted to knit more closely the bonds of Christian love between them and the apostle, and between him and the as yet unknown members of the Church. To the persons noticed it must have been gratifying and stimulating, and while elevating them in the estimation of their brethren, it enlarged their sphere of useful influence. It must have been felt by all as a compliment to the Church, and have called forth kindly feelings from all toward Paul.

2. But the passage is useful for all time and in all places.

(1) It strongly corroborates the evidence of the genuineness of the Epistle. It could not have occurred to a forger to have introduced such a train of salutations, especially as the author had never been at Rome.

(2) It presents a very lovely picture of living Christianity both in the writer and those whom he greets. We see how well the principles of that religion harmonise with and draw forth all that is amiable and tender in the human constitution; how consistent a deep knowledge of Christianity and an ardent zeal for its progress are with the dignified proprieties of an advanced state of civilisation, and the gentle charities and graceful delicacies of the most refined friendship. These things considered, the passage is a striking illustration of — "All Scripture... is profitable."

II. HOW CAME THE APOSTLE TO BE SO INTIMATE WITH THE INHABITANTS OF A CITY HE HAD NEVER SEEN? Some suppose that Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2, 3, 11) had given him much particular information respecting members of the Roman Church. Perhaps so; but the true account seems to have been this. Rome was then the metropolis of the world. There was a constant influx of persons from all quarters of the empire to that city. Paul had now for nearly thirty years been engaged in various parts, and it is not at all wonderful that many of his converts should have taken up their residence in the capital. A man who for thirty years had mixed with society throughout the leading towns of England and Scotland, on visiting London for the first time would be likely to find himself in the midst of friends. Besides the ordinary reasons which make men leave the provinces for the metropolis there was this, that till the imperial persecutions Christians seem to have been safer in Rome than anywhere else.

(J. Brown, D.D.)

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

WEB: I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,