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I. THEY ARE VALUABLE as —

1. A source of gratification to the persons named.

2. A stimulus to themselves and others.

3. A tribute to the Christian community at Rome.

4. A corroboration of the genuineness of the Epistle.

5. A means of promoting union between the Jews and Gentiles, and both and himself.

II. TRUE CHRISTIANITY IS CHARACTERISED BY —

1. Whatever is tender and amiable in human nature.

2. The graceful proprieties of an advanced civilisation.

3. The gentle charities and delicacy of refined friendship.Grace sanctifies the courtesies of life and refines the manners. It is quite friendly to the graces and amenities of social intercourse. Forms of politeness are most beautiful when animated by spiritual life.

III. THERE ARE FIVE CLASSES MENTIONED IN THESE GREETINGS.

1. Helpers and fellow-labourers, as Aquila, Mary, etc.

2. Relatives and countrymen, as Andronicus, etc.

3. Paul's own Converts and well-known friends, as Epenetus, etc.

4. Societies, as the church in Aquila's house.

5. Households, or parts of such, as that of Aristobulus, etc.

IV. IN THESE GREETINGS MAY BE NOTICED —

1. The kindness of Paul in naming so many.

2. Special regard to individuals, combined with love to all.

3. Grateful remembrance of past kindnesses.

4. Those specially distinguished who laboured most. The care of the Churches did not efface remembrance of persons. Believers least likely to forget their friends.Their mutual remembrance lively because —

1. Pounded in a spiritual, therefore deep affection.

2. Kept always fresh at the throne of grace. Those are well remembered who are remembered before God.

V. IN THOSE GREETED WE HAVE —

1. A group of star pictures of apostolic times.

2. A lovely representation of living Christians.

3. A splendid testimony to the riches of Divine grace. Roman, Greek, and Hebrew names promiscuously introduced.

(T. Robinson, 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,