Romans 16:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} Asyncritus {G799}, Phlegon {G5393}, Hermas {G2057}, Patrobas {G3969}, Hermes {G2060}, and {G2532} the brethren {G80} which are with {G4862} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers who are with them.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:14 is a specific greeting from the Apostle Paul, part of his extensive personal salutations at the conclusion of his Epistle to the Romans. In this verse, Paul extends warm regards to five named individuals—Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, and Hermes—and collectively to "the brethren which are with them," indicating a particular group or house church within the diverse Christian community in Rome. This seemingly simple list underscores Paul's deep pastoral care, the relational fabric of the early church, and the prevalence of small, intimate gatherings as foundational units of Christian fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 serves as a highly personal and practical epilogue to Paul's magnum opus on theological doctrine. Following profound expositions on justification by faith, sanctification, and God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles in chapters 1-15, chapter 16 shifts dramatically to a series of commendations, warnings against divisive elements, and extensive personal greetings. This chapter is unique in its density of named individuals, highlighting the relational dimension of Paul's ministry and the early church's interconnectedness. Verses 3-15 offer a mosaic of greetings to various individuals and household groups, demonstrating the widespread nature of the Christian faith in Rome and Paul's intimate knowledge of many believers there, even before his anticipated visit. Romans 16:14 fits seamlessly into this pattern, singling out another specific cluster of believers for Paul's affectionate salutation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Rome, as the capital of the Roman Empire, was a bustling metropolis characterized by immense diversity in ethnicity, social status, and religious practices. Christianity had likely arrived in Rome not through Paul, but perhaps through Jewish converts from Pentecost (cf. [Acts 2:10](/acts/2-10 "Acts 2:10 - Residents of Rome at Pentecost") and [Acts 18:2](/acts/18-2 "Acts 18:2 - Aquila and Priscilla in Rome")). By the time Paul wrote Romans, the Christian community was well-established but likely decentralized, meeting in numerous small house churches rather than large public assemblies. This was due to both practical considerations (lack of large dedicated buildings) and the legal status of Christianity, which was often viewed with suspicion. The names listed in Romans 16:14—Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, and Hermes—are common Greek names, suggesting a significant Gentile presence within this particular group, reflecting the broader demographic of the Roman church where Jewish and Gentile believers worshipped together, navigating cultural and theological differences (cf. [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty and Conscience")).
* **Key Themes:** Romans 16:14 contributes to several overarching themes within the epistle and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Christian Community and Fellowship**. Paul's meticulous listing of names underscores the value he placed on individual believers and the importance of their collective gathering, emphasizing the church as a family bound by Christ, not just an abstract theological concept. Secondly, the verse subtly highlights the **Organic Nature of the Early Church**, particularly the prominence of house churches as the primary locus of worship, teaching, and mutual support. These intimate settings facilitated deep relationships and practical discipleship, essential for the church's growth and resilience in a pagan society. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Paul's Pastoral Heart and Apostolic Care**. Despite being the great theologian, Paul was also a deeply relational pastor, demonstrating genuine affection and concern for the well-being of believers he knew, even those he had not yet met face-to-face, embodying the love that should characterize all Christian leadership as described in [1 Thessalonians 2:7-8](/1_thessalonians/2-7-8 "1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 - Paul's Gentle Care for the Thessalonians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb signifies more than a casual greeting; it means "to enfold in the arms," "to embrace," or "to welcome warmly." It conveys a deep sense of affection, recognition, and shared fellowship. Paul's use of this word indicates a genuine, heartfelt desire for the well-being and spiritual flourishing of those named, reflecting a profound personal connection and appreciation for their place within the body of Christ.
* **Hermas (Greek, _Hermâs'_):** Likely derived from the name Hermes, Hermas was a common name in the Roman world. The Strong's data identifies him simply as "a Christian." Notably, a significant early Christian writing, "The Shepherd of Hermas," is attributed to a man of this name, though it is debated whether it refers to this specific individual from Romans 16:14. His inclusion here, alongside other specific names, highlights the personal nature of Paul's greetings to known members of the Roman church.
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós'_):** Derived from a word signifying "from the same womb," this term literally means "brother" but is used broadly in the New Testament to refer to fellow believers in Christ, emphasizing their shared spiritual family identity. It denotes a bond closer than mere acquaintance, signifying spiritual kinship and unity in Christ. The phrase "the brethren which are with them" suggests a collective group, likely a house church or a regular gathering of believers associated with the named individuals, underscoring the communal aspect of early Christian life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes":** This opening clause functions as a direct command from Paul, instructing the recipients of the letter (likely Phoebe, who carried it, or the leaders of the Roman church) to extend his personal greetings to these five specific men. The names, predominantly Greek, suggest the diverse ethnic composition of the Roman Christian community. Paul's meticulous naming of individuals, even those he might not have met personally, underscores his deep pastoral care and the importance of recognizing each member of the body of Christ. It reflects a desire for personal connection and affirmation within the broader fellowship.
* **"and the brethren which are with them":** This concluding phrase expands the greeting beyond the five named individuals to include a wider group associated with them. The term "brethren" (Greek: _adelphoi_) refers to fellow believers, emphasizing their spiritual kinship. The prepositional phrase "which are with them" strongly implies that these five men were either leaders of, or prominent members within, a specific gathering or house church. This highlights the decentralized nature of the early church in Rome, which likely consisted of multiple smaller congregations meeting in homes, fostering intimate fellowship and mutual support among believers.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:14, though seemingly a simple list, employs several subtle literary devices. The primary device is **Prosopography**, the detailed description of individuals, often by listing their names. Paul's extensive use of prosopography throughout Romans 16 serves to personalize his theological treatise, transforming abstract concepts into lived realities within a tangible community. It emphasizes the relational aspect of faith, showing that Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs but a network of people connected by shared faith. Furthermore, the verse employs **Synecdoche** (a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa) by naming specific individuals (Asyncritus, Phlegon, etc.) who then represent the "brethren which are with them." This implies that these named individuals are key figures or representatives of a larger group, likely a house church. The collective greeting to "the brethren which are with them" also functions as a form of **Inclusio**, subtly drawing the reader into the warmth of the early Christian community and demonstrating the expansive reach of Paul's pastoral heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:14, though brief, offers profound theological insights into the nature of the early church and the essence of Christian fellowship. It reveals that the church, even in a vast metropolis like Rome, was fundamentally a network of personal relationships and intimate gatherings, not merely a large, anonymous institution. Paul's meticulous greetings underscore the theological truth that every believer is valued and known within the body of Christ, reflecting God's own personal knowledge and care for His children. This emphasis on individual recognition within a collective body highlights the importance of genuine community, where mutual affection, support, and shared life are paramount. The verse also implicitly affirms the organic, decentralized structure of the early church, where house churches served as vital centers for worship, teaching, and the practical outworking of the gospel, embodying the unity and diversity of God's people.

* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the body of Christ, and individually members of it.")
* [Philemon 1:1-2](/philemon/1-1-2 "Philemon 1:1-2 - Paul's Greeting to Philemon and the Church in His House")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Exhortation to Love and Good Deeds, and Not Neglect Meeting Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:14, far from being a mere historical footnote, serves as a powerful reminder for contemporary believers about the enduring value of personal connection and authentic community within the church. In an increasingly fragmented and digital world, Paul's intentionality in greeting specific individuals and their associated groups challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and cultivate deep, meaningful relationships with our fellow believers. It encourages us to see every person in our faith community as a cherished member of Christ's body, worthy of recognition, love, and support. This verse calls us to actively participate in fostering environments—whether in formal church gatherings, small groups, or informal fellowship—where genuine care, mutual encouragement, and spiritual growth can flourish, mirroring the vibrant, relational fabric of the early church. It reminds us that the church is not just a building or a program, but a living, breathing family united in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How intentionally do I seek to know and connect with individual members of my church community, especially those who might be less visible?**
* **In what ways can my small group or local church better embody the "brethren which are with them" ethos, fostering deeper fellowship and mutual support?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to extend a genuine "salute" (warm greeting and affirmation) to someone in my spiritual family?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul list so many names in Romans 16, and what is the significance of Romans 16:14 specifically?**

Answer: Paul lists numerous names in Romans 16 to underscore the deeply personal and relational nature of early Christianity. After expounding profound theological truths, he dedicates his final chapter to acknowledging specific individuals and groups, demonstrating his pastoral heart and the interconnectedness of the global church. Romans 16:14 is significant because it names five men—Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, and Hermes—and then extends the greeting to "the brethren which are with them." This phrase strongly suggests that these individuals were part of a specific house church or a regular gathering of believers. It highlights the prevalent structure of early Christian communities, which often met in homes due to practical reasons and the nascent legal status of Christianity. This verse, therefore, provides a glimpse into the intimate, decentralized, and relationally rich environment in which the early church flourished, emphasizing the importance of smaller, dedicated fellowships within the broader body of Christ, as also seen in [Colossians 4:15](/colossians/4-15 "Colossians 4:15 - Greetings to the Church in Nympha's House").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Romans 16:14 is a specific historical greeting, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it reflects the very heart of God's redemptive plan and the nature of the community Christ came to establish. Jesus Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, knows His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")), and His ministry was deeply personal, calling individuals into relationship with Himself and with one another. Paul's meticulous greetings in this verse mirror Christ's own personal care for His followers, demonstrating that the church is not an impersonal organization but a family united under Christ, the Head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The "brethren which are with them" foreshadows the New Covenant community, where believers are brought into intimate fellowship with God and with each other through the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints and Members of God's Household")). Ultimately, the unity and personal connection expressed in Romans 16:14 point to the eschatological reality of God gathering His chosen people from every tribe and nation into one glorious assembly, a bride prepared for Christ ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God and the Lamb")), where every individual is known, valued, and embraced in the eternal fellowship of the Lamb.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 Peter 1:23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Hebrews 3:1

¶ Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Colossians 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.