Romans 16 Bible study guide: Greetings to Friends in Rome

Open with

If you were writing a thank you list of people who have shaped your faith, who would be on it?

Read together

Romans 16:1-16, then Romans 16:17-27. If you are leading, read the plain-words note on Romans 16 first (linked below).

Discussion questions

1. Paul names more than twenty people in this chapter. Why do you think he bothers? What does that say about how God sees ordinary people?

2. Phoebe carried this letter and is called "a deacon of the church" (v. 1). Priscilla, Mary, Junia and others are also praised. What does this chapter show about women in the early church? Christians draw different conclusions about leadership roles today.

3. Priscilla and Aquila "risked their lives" for Paul (v. 4). What does that kind of friendship look like now?

4. Verse 17 warns about "those who cause divisions." How can we tell the difference between honest disagreement and causing division?

5. Verse 20 says "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." Where do you need that promise of victory right now?

6. Looking back over all of Romans, what is one thing you will take with you?

For our lives this week

Send a message this week to someone who helped your faith grow, and thank them by name, the way Paul does here.

Close in prayer

Thank God for the people he has put in your life. End with Paul's closing praise: "to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."

Leader tip

This chapter is a great place to celebrate finishing Romans together. Leave time for people to share what changed for them.