Romans 16:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} Philologus {G5378}, and {G2532} Julia {G2456}, Nereus {G3517}, and {G2532} his {G846} sister {G79}, and {G2532} Olympas {G3652}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the saints {G40} which are with {G4862} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all of God’s people who are with them.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:15 concludes a series of personal greetings from the Apostle Paul, specifically saluting Philologus, Julia, Nereus, his sister, and Olympas, along with "all the saints which are with them." This brief but significant verse offers a precious glimpse into the intimate, household-based structure of the early Christian community in Rome, underscoring Paul's deep pastoral care and the vital importance of personal relationships within the nascent church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 stands as a unique and deeply personal chapter within Paul's most theologically dense epistle. Following his comprehensive exposition of the gospel and its implications for both Jew and Gentile, Paul dedicates this final chapter to an extensive list of personal salutations, commendations, and warnings before concluding with a doxology. Romans 16:15 is part of this long list of greetings (verses 3-16), which serves to connect Paul, who had not yet visited Rome, with the believers there. The verse immediately follows greetings to other specific individuals and precedes a general salutation to "all the churches of Christ." The phrase "all the saints which are with them" in verse 15, much like the "church that is in their house" mentioned concerning [Priscilla and Aquila in Romans 16:5](/romans/16-5 "Romans 16:5 - The Church in Priscilla and Aquila's House"), strongly suggests that the church in Rome was not a single, monolithic congregation but rather a collection of smaller house churches or gatherings. This structure facilitated closer fellowship and mutual support among believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian movement, especially in large urban centers like Rome, frequently organized itself around house churches due to a lack of dedicated public buildings and the practicalities of meeting in a society that was often suspicious or hostile. These house churches were typically led by prominent members of the household, providing a space for worship, teaching, fellowship, and communal meals. The names mentioned in Romans 16:15—Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and Olympas—are common Roman or Greek names, reflecting the diverse ethnic and social composition of the Roman church, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers. This diversity was a hallmark of the early church, transcending the rigid social hierarchies of the Roman Empire. The act of sending greetings from a distance also highlights the extensive network of communication and personal connections that characterized the early Christian mission, demonstrating how news and relationships were maintained across vast geographical distances.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 16:15 contributes significantly to several key themes evident throughout Paul's letters and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes the profound importance of **Christian Community and Fellowship**. Paul's meticulous personal greetings underscore that the church is not merely an abstract theological concept but a living, relational body built on intimate connections and mutual encouragement. Secondly, the verse sheds light on the **Nature of the Early Church**, confirming the prevalence of house churches as the primary mode of gathering for believers in the first century. These small, intimate settings fostered deep discipleship, shared spiritual life, and communal worship, as seen in other New Testament examples like the church in [Nymphas's house in Colossians 4:15](/colossians/4-15 "Colossians 4:15 - The Church in Nymphas's House"). Thirdly, Paul's act of remembering and greeting specific individuals, even those he might not have met, demonstrates his profound **Pastoral Care** and personal investment in the spiritual well-being of believers. Finally, the diverse names listed point to the theme of **Inclusivity** within the early Christian movement, where distinctions of ethnicity, social status, or gender were overcome by a shared faith in Christ, a truth powerfully articulated by Paul in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb means "to greet," "to welcome," or "to embrace." It conveys a warm, personal expression of affection, respect, and solidarity, rather than a mere formal acknowledgment. Paul's use of this word here signifies a genuine desire for connection and fellowship with these individuals and their respective house churches, even from a distance. It implies a mutual recognition of their shared faith and standing in Christ.
* **Saints (Greek, _hágios'_):** Derived from a root meaning "sacred" or "set apart," this term refers to those who are consecrated by God for His purposes. In the New Testament, "saints" is the common designation for all believers, not just a select few who have achieved moral perfection. It denotes their spiritual status as God's chosen people, set apart from the world and dedicated to Him through their faith in Christ. Here, it highlights the collective identity of believers gathered in a specific household.
* **With (Greek, _sýn'_):** This preposition denotes a close union, association, or companionship, indicating that the "saints" are not merely present in the same location but are actively together, sharing life and purpose. It implies a deeper connection than simple proximity, suggesting a communal gathering for worship, fellowship, or mutual support, reinforcing the idea of a house church or a specific group of believers who regularly convene.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute Philologus, and Julia":** Paul begins this specific greeting by naming two individuals, Philologus and Julia. The command "Salute" (from _aspázomai_) indicates Paul's desire for these individuals to receive a warm, personal greeting from the Roman Christians who would read his letter. The pairing of a male and female name here might suggest a married couple or simply two prominent members of the same household or gathering.
* **"Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas":** Paul continues the list, adding Nereus, his unnamed sister, and Olympas. The inclusion of "his sister" without a specific name is notable, suggesting she was known to the Roman church and perhaps held a significant role, or it simply reflects the familial nature of these early Christian gatherings. This further emphasizes the personal and familial connections within the early church communities.
* **"and all the saints which are with them":** This concluding phrase is crucial for understanding the structure of the Roman church. It indicates that the individuals named (Philologus, Julia, Nereus, his sister, and Olympas) were likely hosts or key members of a particular house church or gathering. Paul extends his greetings not only to these named individuals but to the entire congregation that met with them, reinforcing the concept of distinct, household-based Christian assemblies operating within the larger Roman Christian community.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:15 primarily employs **Prosopography**, the listing of names, which is a common feature in the concluding sections of Paul's epistles. This device serves to personalize the letter, demonstrating Paul's extensive network of relationships and his pastoral concern for individual believers. The phrase "all the saints which are with them" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the named individuals) stands for the whole (the house church or community gathered around them). This highlights the intimate, communal nature of early Christian worship. Furthermore, the sheer volume of greetings in Romans 16, including this verse, functions as a form of **Emphasis** on the importance of Christian fellowship, unity, and mutual recognition within the body of Christ, reinforcing the idea that the church is a relational organism, not just an institutional one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:15, though seemingly a simple list of names, carries profound theological weight by affirming the divine value of every individual within the Christian community. It underscores that the church is fundamentally a relational body, a family united by faith in Christ, where personal connections and mutual affirmation are paramount. Paul's intentionality in greeting specific people, even those who might appear "minor" figures, reflects God's own meticulous care for each of His children. This verse reminds us that Christian love is not abstract but expressed through tangible acts of recognition, fellowship, and support, transforming disparate individuals into a cohesive spiritual family. The existence of multiple house churches, as implied here, further highlights the organic, decentralized growth of the early church, where believers gathered intimately to share life, worship, and grow in their faith, embodying the practical outworking of the gospel in daily community.

* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity and Humility in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:15 serves as a powerful reminder for contemporary believers about the enduring value of intentional community and personal connection within the church. In an age often marked by anonymity and superficial interactions, Paul's example calls us to cultivate genuine relationships, to know and be known by our fellow believers. It challenges us to actively participate in and contribute to the fellowship of our local congregations, recognizing that every member, regardless of their perceived prominence, is a vital part of Christ's body. This verse also implicitly encourages the practice of hospitality, inviting us to open our homes and lives for ministry, fellowship, and discipleship, thereby continuing the tradition of the early church meeting in intimate, household settings. By valuing and connecting with every individual, we embody the inclusive love of Christ and strengthen the bonds of unity that are essential for spiritual growth and mutual support.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively participate in and contribute to the fellowship of my local church, beyond simply attending services?**
* **Am I intentional about greeting and valuing every member of my spiritual community, especially those who might seem less prominent or those I don't know well?**
* **In what ways can I extend hospitality and create spaces for Christian fellowship, mirroring the intimate, relational gatherings of the early house churches?**

### FAQ
**Who were Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and Olympas?**

Answer: Beyond their names appearing in this list of greetings, the New Testament provides no further specific information about Philologus, Julia, Nereus, or Olympas. They were likely ordinary believers in Rome, possibly prominent members or hosts of one of the house churches that constituted the larger Christian community there. Their inclusion in Paul's personal greetings signifies their importance to him and to the early church. While we don't know their specific roles or stories, their mention reminds us that the early church was built on the faithfulness and commitment of countless unnamed or briefly mentioned individuals, each contributing to the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the body of Christ. They represent the many unsung heroes of faith whose lives made a significant impact on the nascent Christian movement.

**What does "all the saints which are with them" imply about the early church?**

Answer: This phrase is highly significant as it strongly implies the prevalence of the "house church" model in early Christianity. Rather than meeting in large, dedicated church buildings, early Christians typically gathered in private homes. The individuals named (Philologus, Julia, Nereus, his sister, and Olympas) were likely key figures or hosts of such gatherings. "All the saints which are with them" refers to the entire group of believers who regularly met in that particular household or under their leadership. This model fostered intimate fellowship, close discipleship, and communal worship, as seen in other New Testament references to house churches, such as the church that met in [Philemon's house in Philemon 1:2](/philemon/1-2 "Philemon 1:2 - The Church in Philemon's House") or [Nymphas's house in Colossians 4:15](/colossians/4-15 "Colossians 4:15 - The Church in Nymphas's House"). It suggests that the church in Rome was a network of these smaller, decentralized communities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:15, with its emphasis on personal greetings and the communal gathering of "saints," beautifully illustrates the Christ-centered nature of the church. The very existence of such a diverse and interconnected community, transcending social and ethnic boundaries, is a direct result of Christ's reconciling work. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers, that they "may be one, just as you and I are one" ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")), and this verse shows that prayer being answered in the practical fellowship of believers. Paul's deep pastoral care, expressed through these greetings, mirrors the ultimate care of Christ, who knows each of His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). The "saints" are those set apart by Christ's holiness and sacrifice, called into His body, of which He is the head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The love and fellowship exchanged among these believers are a direct outworking of Christ's command to "love one another, just as I have loved you" ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")). Ultimately, the community described in Romans 16:15 points to the new humanity created in Christ, where "there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and in All")), fostering a fellowship that anticipates the eternal communion with God in His presence ([1 John 1:3](/1_john/1-3 "1 John 1:3 - Fellowship with God and One Another")).

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

Romans 16:2

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.

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Romans 16:14

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

Isaiah 60:21

Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.