Preface: Romans 16 is an extensive list of greetings to those associated with the local churches at Rome, people that Paul knew in some way. Paul’s secretary, Tertius, also adds a few words at the end.

Bible Summary: I commend to you Phoebe. Greet Prisca, Aquila, Andronicus, Junia and Rufus. Avoid those who cause divisions. Glory to God forever! 

By the 3^rd draft, this should be the most extensive examination of Romans 16 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 16:

Preface

Introduction

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Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Romans 16 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Romans 16 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Romans 16

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Romans 16

         Introduction         The Principals of Romans 16

         Introduction         The Places of Romans 16

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Romans 16

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Romans 16 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Romans 16 from the Summarized Bible

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         Introduction         The Big Picture (Romans –)

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         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Romans 16 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Romans 16

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Romans 16

         Summary            A Brief Review of Romans 16

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Heritage Bible Footnote for Romans 16:1

         Addendum          Footnote for Romans 16:1 (Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum 

         Addendum          The First Three Ecumenical Councils

         Addendum          Catholic Councils and the Canon of Scripture

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         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Romans 16

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Romans 16

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Romans 16

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Romans 16

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An Introduction to Romans 16

I ntroduction: One of the first entire books which I studied under R. B. Thieme, Jr. had an ending similar to this, with so many verses dedicated to greeting several people, sending a quick word to some others, and then signing off. I expected that Bob was going to spend two minutes on greetings and call it a night. He did not. He exegeted the end of the chapter like any other. I was surprised by this (at first), and so was another person that I know who listened to Bob’s teaching. However, the concept is this: God the Holy Spirit placed these words into the New Testament, and that means, He wants us to know and understanding whatever we can by examining them.

Romans 16 appears to be the most extensive chapter in this regard, even though Paul has never been to this church before (he did not found the Roman church). But, interestingly enough, he is calling out the names that he knows in some way or another, if only by reputation. Many of these people will be named one time in Scripture, in this chapter of Romans.

It is fascinating to me that Paul specifically names twenty-five people that he knows in Rome. How large would this church be? 10x this size? 250 people? They met in homes, and having met in people’s home before, around fifteen seems to be close to the upper limit for people meeting and sitting and listening to teaching in a single home. Some many have had larger homes or larger meeting areas at their home. Perhaps there were 5–10 local churches (or homes) where people were meeting in Rome. My estimations here are strictly based upon Paul sending greetings to twenty-five people specifically.

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Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now, I keep on commending to you (all) Phoebe, the sister of us, being even a servant [or, deacon] of the ekklesia, the (church) in Cenchrea, that you (all) might accept her in a Lord worthily of the saints and you (all) might present to her by whomever of you (all) might keep on being in need, for even a deed to her, a woman of many she has become even of me of him. Greet Prisca and Aquila, the fellow workers of me, in Christ Jesus, which ones over the soul of me the neck of theirs they laid down, to whom not alone I keep on being grateful, but even all the churches [= ekklesia] of the gentiles. And according to the house of them, the ekklesia, you (all) greet Epænetus, beloved of me, who keeps on being a first-fruit of the Asia to Christ Jesus.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

so that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and you may stand by her in whatever thing she may need from you; for indeed she has proved to be a helper of many and of myself also.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

And greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:

That you receive her in the Lord as becometh saints and that you assist her in whatsoever business she shall have need of you. For she also hath assisted many, and myself also.

Salute Prisca and Aquila, my helpers, in Christ Jesus

(Who have for my life laid down their own necks: to whom not I only give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles),

And the church which is in their house. Salute Epenetus, my beloved: who is the firstfruits of Asia in Christ.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              I entrust Phoebe our sister to you, who is a Servant of the church of Qenkraus,

That you would accept her in Our Lord, as that is right for Saints, and in any matter that she seeks of you, that you would help her, because she is also a helper to many and also to me.

Invoke the peace of Priscilla and of Aqelaus, laborers who are with me in Yeshua The Messiah;

And they have yielded their necks for my sake, and I do not thank them only, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

And give greetings to the church that is in their house. Invoke the peace of Epentos my beloved, who is the first fruits of Akaia* in The Messiah.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             It is my desire to say a good word for Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae: 

That you will take her in kindly, after the way of the saints, as one who is the Lord's, and give her help in anything in which she may have need of you: because she has been a help to a great number and to myself. 

Give my love to Prisca and Aquila, workers with me in Christ Jesus, 

Who for my life put their necks in danger; to whom not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are in debt: 

And say a kind word to the church which is in their house. Give my love to my dear Epaenetus, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.

Bible in Worldwide English     I want to tell you good things about our sister Phoebe. She helps in the church in Cenchrea.

I want you to take her in because she is a Christian. That is what Gods people should do. Help her in any way she needs help. She has helped many people and has helped me too.

I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, who worked with me for Christ Jesus.

They almost died to save me. I am not the only one who thanks them. All the churches who are not Jews thank them also.

Give my greetings also to the church in their house. Give my greetings also to dear Epaenetus. He was the first person in Asia Minor to believe in Christ.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  I want you to know that you can trust our sister in Christ, Phoebe. She is a special servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to accept her in the Lord. Accept her the way God's people should. Help her with anything she needs from you. She has helped me very much, and she has helped many others too. Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, who have worked together with me for Christ Jesus. They risked their own lives to save mine. I am thankful to them, and all the non-Jewish churches are thankful to them. Also, give greetings to the church that meets in their house. Give greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus. He was the first person to follow Christ in Asia.

God’s Word™                         With this letter I'm introducing Phoebe to you. She is our sister in the Christian faith and a deacon of the church in the city of Cenchrea. Give her a Christian welcome that shows you are God's holy people. Provide her with anything she may need, because she has provided help to many people, including me. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in the service of Christ Jesus. They risked their lives to save me. I'm thankful to them and so are all the churches among the nations. Also greet the church that meets in their house. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus. He was the first person in the province of Asia to become a believer in Christ.

Good News Bible (TEV)         I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who serves the church at Cenchreae. Receive her in the Lord's name, as God's people should, and give her any help she may need from you; for she herself has been a good friend to many people and also to me. I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in the service of Christ Jesus; they risked their lives for me. I am grateful to them---not only I, but all the Gentile churches as well. Greetings also to the church that meets in their house. Greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first in the province of Asia to believe in Christ.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              .

Contemporary English V.       I have good things to say about Phoebe, who is a leader in the church at Cenchreae. Welcome her in a way that is proper for someone who has faith in the Lord and is one of God's own people. Help her in any way you can. After all, she has proved to be a respected leader for many others, including me. Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila. They have not only served Christ Jesus together with me, but they have even risked their lives for me. I am grateful for them and so are all the Gentile churches. Greet the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first person in Asia to have faith in Christ.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Now, let me introduce to you our dear and beloved sister in the faith, Phoebe, a shining minister of the church in Cenchrea.  I am sending her with this letter and ask that you shower her with your hospitality when she arrives. Embrace her with honor, as is fitting for one who belongs to the Lord and is set apart for him. I am entrusting her to you, so provide her whatever she may need, for she’s been a great leader and champion for many—I know, for she’s been that for even me!  Give my love to Prisca and Aquila, my partners in ministry serving the Anointed One, Jesus, for they’ve risked their own lives to save mine. I’m so thankful for them, and not just I, but all the congregations among the non-Jewish people respect them for their ministry.  Also give my loving greetings to all the believers in their house church. And greet Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the Roman province of Asia, for I love him dearly.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  By means of this letter I am introducing and recommending to you our fellow believer Phoebe, who will be taking this letter to you. She is a servant in the assembly in the city of Cenchrea. I request that you receive her because you are all joined to the Lord. You should do that because God's people ought to welcome their fellow believers. I am also requesting that you help her by giving her whatever she needs, because she has helped many people, including me. Tell Priscilla and her husband Aquila that I send greetings to them. They worked with me for the Messiah Jesus, and they were even willing to die for me. I thank them, and the non- Jewish congregations also thank them for saving my life. Also tell the congregation that meets in their house that I send my greetings to them. Tell my dear friend Epaenetus the same thing. He is the first man in the province of Asia to believe in the Messiah.

Williams’ New Testament      Now I introduce to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deaconess in the church at Cenchreae, that you may give her a Christian welcome in a manner becoming God's people, and give her whatever help she needs from you, for she herself has given protection to many, including myself. Remember me to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in the work of Christ Jesus, who once risked their very necks for my life. I am so thankful to them; not only I but also all the churches among the heathen thank them. Remember me to the church too, that meets at their house. Remember me to my dear Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            I endorse Phoebe to you (who is our sister and a servant of the assembly in Cenchrea) so that you might accept her in in the Master in a manner deserving of the sacred people and stand by her in whatever thing she may need of you. You see, she also became a sponsor of many and of myself. Say hello to Prisca (the formal name of Priscilla) and Aquila, my co-workers in the Anointed King Jesus, some who on behalf of my soul have put their own neck out there, whom I not only thank, but also all the assemblies of the non-Jews. And say hello to the assembly throughout their house, to Epenetus, my loved one, who is the first part of Western Turkey given to God for the Anointed King.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, so you may welcome her in the Lord in a worthy manner as saints and assist her in whatever matter she has need of you, for she has been a helper to many including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus, who have risked their lives for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise [greet] the congregation that is in their house. Say, "Hi," to my dear friend Epenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Achaia.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles I recommend to you Phebe, our sister, who is a deaconess of the congregation at Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and assist her, in whatever business she may have need of you: for, indeed, she has been a helper of many, and especially of me. Salute Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow-laborers in Christ Jesus. These persons, for my life, laid down their own neck; to whom not only I give thanks, but even all the congregations of the Gentiles. Likewise, salute the congregation which is in their house. Salute Epenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament I commend to your care our Sister, Phoebe, who helps in the work of the Church at Cenchreae; And I ask you to give her a Christian welcome--one worthy of Christ's People--and to aid her in any matter in which she may need your assistance. She has proved herself a staunch friend to me and to many others. Give my greeting to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in the Cause of Christ Jesus, Who risked their own lives to save mine. It is not I alone who thank them, but all the Churches among the Gentiles thank them also. V. 5 will be placed with the next passage for context.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.  Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.  Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,  who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.  Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my beloved Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton           .

Free Bible Version                 I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deaconess at the Cenchreae church. Please welcome her in the Lord, as believers should, and help her in whatever way she needs, because she has been a great help to many people, myself included. Pass on my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their lives for me. It’s not just me who is very thankful for them, but all the churches of the foreigners too*. Please also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Pass on my best wishes to my good friend Epaenetus, the first person to follow Christ in the province of Asia.

The Heritage Bible                          And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is a minister of the church in Cenchrea, See Notes 1Tim 3:11 and 5:2 on women ministers.

That you receive her in the Lord, worthy of saints, and stand alongside of her in whatever matter she has need of you, because also she has been an assistant of many, and of myself.

Embrace Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus,

Who for my soul laid down their own necks, to whom absolutely not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the races.

Also embrace the church of their house. Embrace my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia into Christ.

Notes referenced are in the Addendum.

International Standard V        Personal Greetings

Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess [Or servant] in the church at Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as is appropriate for saints, and provide her with anything she may need from you, for she has assisted many people, including me.

Greet Prisca [I.e. Priscilla] and Aquila, who work with me for the Messiah [Or Christ] Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life. I am thankful to them, and so are all the churches among the gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first convert [Lit. who was the first fruits] to the Messiah [Or Christ] in Asia.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a minister of the church at Cenchrae. I beg you to give her a Christian welcome, as the saints should; and to assist her in any matter in which she may have need of you. For she herself has been made an overseer to many people, including myself. Salute Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow laborers in the cause of Jesus Christ, who risked their own lives to save mine; who are thanked not only by me, but by all the churches among the Gentiles. Salute likewise the church that meets in their home. Salute Epaenetus, my dearly beloved, the first man in Roman Asia to believe in Christ.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      .

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      AND I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a minister of the church in Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord worthily of the saints, and assist her in any thing in which she may have need of you; for she has been an assistant of many, and of myself also.

Salute Prisca [Priscilla] and Aquila my co-laborers in Christ Jesus, who exposed their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the nations; and [salute] the assembly at their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         I commend to you Phebe our sister that is a servant of the ekklesia that is at Cenchrea: That you receive her in the LORD, as becomes saints, and that you assist her in whatever business she has need of you: for she has been a protectress of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the ekklesias of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the ekklesia that is in their house. Salute my esteemed Epaenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia to Christ.

Weymouth New Testament    Herewith I introduce our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the Church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her as a fellow Christian in a manner worthy of God's people, and may assist her in any matter in which she may need help. For she has indeed been a kind friend to many, including myself. Greetings to Prisca and Aquila my fellow labourers in the work of Christ Jesus--friends who have endangered their own lives for mine. I am grateful to them, and not I alone, but all the Gentile Churches also. Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their house. V. 5b will be placed with the next passage for context.

Wikipedia Bible Project          I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deaconess at the Cenchreae church. Do welcome her in the Lord, as believers should, and help her in whatever way she needs, because she has been a great help to many people, me included. Pass on my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who literally put their necks on the line for me—and it is not just me sending thanks, but also all the churches of the foreigners. Also my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Pass on my best to my good friend Epaenetus, the first Christian convert in Asia.

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Greetings

• I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, deaconess of the church of Cenchreae. Please receive her in the name of the Lord, as it should be among brothers and sisters in the faith, and help her in what - ever is necessary, because she helped many, among them, myself.

Greetings to Prisca and Aqui las, my helpers in Christ Jesus. To save my life, they risked theirs; I am very grateful to them, as are all the churches of the pagan nations. Greetings also to the church that meets in their house. Greetings to my dear Epaenetus, the first in the province of Asia to believe in Christ. Greet Mary, who worked so much for you. V. 6 is included for context.

Acts 18:18 Acts 18:2; 18:26

The footnote for this verse has been placed in the Addendum.

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           I COMMEND unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the called out assembly which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in Yahuah, as does become the qodeshiym, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she has need of you: for she has been a helper of many, and of myself also. 

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the called out assemblies of the other nations.  Likewise greet the called out assembly that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Mashiach.

Hebraic Roots Bible               .

Holy New Covenant Trans.    I recommend our sister Phoebe to you. She is a servant of the called out people in the town of Cenchrea. I want you to accept her, as saints should in the Lord Jesus. Help her with anything she might need from you because she has been very helpful to many people and to me also.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their very lives for me. I am not the only one who is thankful for them; all the non-Jewish called out people are thankful too! Also greet the called out people which meets in their house. Greet Epaenetus, to whom I give myself, for his good, expecting nothing in return. He was the first fruit to Christ in the land of Asia.

The Scriptures 2009              And I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the assembly in Kenrea, that you receive her in יהוה, worthy of the set-apart ones, and assist her in whatever matter she has need of you. For she has been a great help to many, including me. 

Greet Priscilla and Aqulas, my fellow workers in Messiah יהושע, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the nations, and the assembly that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epainetos, who is the first-fruits of Achaia to Messiah.

Tree of Life Version                Now I recommend to you our sister Phoebe—who is a servant-leader of Messiah’s community at Cenchrea— so you may receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of kedoshim, and help her in whatever matter she may need from you. For she herself has become a patroness of many, including me as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Messiah Yeshua, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only I give them thanks, but also all of Messiah’s communities among the Gentiles. Greet also the community that meets in their house. Greet Epaenetus whom I dearly love, who is the first fruit in Asia for Messiah.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...[I] stand (together) but [to] you* phoebe the sister [of] us being and servant [of] the congregation the [one] in cenchreae* that her [You*] may accept in lord worthily [of] the [men] pure and [You*] may present {something} [to] her in what ever [of] you* [She] may need [in] concern and for She Helper [of] many [men] becomes and [of] me me greet! prisca and aquila the [men] working (together) [of] me in christ Jesus Who* for the soul [of] me the [of] themselves neck risk whom* not I Only thank but and {whom*} All The Congregations [of] the aliens {thank} and {greet!} the in house [of] them congregation greet! epaenetus the [man] loved [of] me Who is Fruit (First) [of] the asia to christ...

Alpha & Omega Bible            I COMMEND TO YOU OUR SISTER PHOEBE, WHO IS A DEACONESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF CALLED OUT ONES WHICH IS AT CENCHREA;

THAT YOU RECEIVE HER IN THE LORD IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE SAINTS, AND THAT YOU HELP HER IN WHATEVER MATTER SHE MAY HAVE NEED OF YOU; FOR SHE HERSELF HAS ALSO BEEN A HELPER OF MANY, AND OF MYSELF AS WELL.

GREET PRISCA AND AQUILA, MY FELLOW WORKERS IN CHRIST JESUS,

WHO FOR MY LIFE RISKED THEIR OWN NECKS, TO WHOM NOT ONLY DO I GIVE THANKS, BUT ALSO ALL THE CONGREGATIONS OF CALLED OUT ONES OF THE GENTILES;

ALSO GREET THE CALLED OUT ONES THAT ARE IN THEIR HOUSE. GREET EPAENETUS, MY BELOVED, WHO IS THE FIRST-FRUIT (first convert) TO CHRIST FROM ASIA.

Awful Scroll Bible                   And I place- yous -together-with Phoebe our sister, being a runner of errands to they called-out that is from-within Cenchrea, in order that, yous may receive- her -by from-within the Lord worthy of awful ones, and let her set-before, from-within what transaction she shall have need of yous, for this-same one becomes a female-stander-before of many, even of myself also.

Be greeted Prisca and Aquila, my undertakers-together from-within the Anointed One, Jesus, which-certain, for the sake of my life, place-under their own necks, to whom not only I give-well-favoredness, however, also all they called-out of the nations, and they called-out, down along their houses. Be greeting my beloved Epænetus, who is of the first fruits of Achaia to the Anointed One.

Concordant Literal Version    Now I am commending to you Phoebe, our sister, being a servant also of the ecclesia in Cenchrea, that you should be receiving her in the Lord worthily of the saints, and may stand by her in whatever matter she may be needing you, for she became a patroness of many, as well as of myself."

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus"

(who, for the sake of my soul, jeopardize their own necks, whom not only I am thanking, but all the ecclesias of the nations also)"

and the ecclesia at their house. Greet Epanetus, my beloved, who is the firstfruit of the province of Asia for Christ."

exeGeses companion Bible   PAULOS SALUTES THE HOLY

I commend to you our sister Phebe,

being a minister of the ecclesia in Cenchrea:

that you await her in Adonay, worthily of the holy

and stand by her

in whatever matter she ever has need of you:

for she became a patroness of many, and also of me.

Salute Priscilla and Aquila

co-workers in Messiah Yah Shua:

who laid down their own necks for my soul:

to whom, not only I eucharistize,

but also all the ecclesiae of the goyim:

likewise the ecclesia in their house.

Salute my beloved Epaenetus,

the firstlings of Achaia to Messiah:...

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           I recommend to you achoteinu (our sister) Phoebe, the Messianic Shammash of the kehillah in Cenchreae,

That you be mekarev (welcome and treat well) to her in Adoneinu, in a manner worthy of the Kadoshim and assist her in whatever matter she may have need of you. For she herself has also been patroness of many and of myself.

Drishat Shalom to Prisca and Aquila my fellow po'alim (workers) in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua

Who performed an act of Messianic mesirat nefesh (whole-hearted devotion to the cause of Moshiach, even at risk of life) for my sake, and for whom not only I give thanks, but also kol kehillot of the Nations;

Also Drishat Shalom to the kehillah (congregation) that meets in their house. Drishat Shalom to my beloved Epaenetus, who is the bikkurim (firstfruits) of Asia [T. N. today's Turkey] for Moshiach.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church at Cenchrea. [Note: This was a seaport town about seven miles east of Corinth]. Welcome her [as someone to fellowship] in the Lord, in a way that God’s people should. And you people should help her in whatever way she needs you, for she herself has helped many people, including me.

I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow-workers in [the service of] Christ Jesus. They risked their own lives for me, so not only I, but also all the Gentile churches [i.e., people converted from among the Gentiles] are grateful to them [for this]. I also send greetings to the church that meets in their house. Greetings to my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia [Note: This was a province in the western part of present-day Turkey].

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Now, I introduce to you Phoebe, our sister, who is an agent [courier: she carried this epistle from Corinth to Rome] of the assembly at Kengchrea [eastern harbor of Corinth],

So that you might welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter [business transaction] she might need of you, for she has also been an administrative assistant [patron] for many, even on my behalf.

Salute Prisca and Aquila my fellow-workers [traveling husband & wife tent-makers] in Christ Jesus,

Who on behalf of my life, risked their own necks, concerning whom not only do I give thanks, but also all manner of Gentile assemblies.

Also salute their local assembly [home church]. Salute Epaenetus my beloved, who is the first-fruit [Paul's first convert in that region] from Asia [western Turkey] for Christ .

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Now for (or: with) you folks I continue standing together with Phoebe, our sister (or: Now I am placing Phoebe, our sister, with you people; Now I am recommending Phoebe, our sister, to you [community members]), she being also an attending servant of the called-out community (or: assembled congregation) [which is] in Cenchrea,

to the end that you folks may reach out with your hands and take her in your arms, within [the] Lord [= Yahweh or Christ], worthily (in a manner of equal value) of the set-apart folks (of the saints; of the holy ones), and may stand beside her within whatever matter (practice-effect; event; affair; result of a transaction) she may continue having need of [from] you folks, for she also became one who stands before many (or: a leader or presiding officer over many; = a champion, protector or patron of many) – even of me, myself!

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers within Christ Jesus,

who, over my soul (= person, or, life), placed their own necks under the axe, to whom not I alone am constantly giving thanks, but further, also all the called-out communities (summoned-forth congregations) of the nations (belonging to the ethnic multitudes of the Gentiles), as well as the called-out community down at their house (or: which also follow the pattern of their house-assembly).

Greet Epanetus, my beloved one, who is a firstfruit of the [province of] Asia [entering] into Christ.

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Many Personal Greetings

Now I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is also a servant [Or “a deaconess”; some interpreters understand this term to refer to a specific office (deacon/deaconess) which Phoebe held in the local church at Cenchrea] of the church in Cenchrea, in order that you may welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever task she may have need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, even me myself.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, for which not only I am thankful, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet [The verb is supplied as an understood repetition from v. 3] the church in their house. Greet Epenetus my dear friend , who is the first convert [Literally “the first fruits”] of Asia for Christ.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. And I commend to you Phoebeˎ our sister,—

Being a minister {also} of the assembly which is in Cenchreæ;

In order that ye may give her welcomeˎ in the Lordˎ in a manner worthy of the saints,

And stand by her in any matter wherein she may have need |of you|;

    For ||she also|| hath proved to be |a defender of many|, and |of my own self|.

Salute ye Prisca and Aquilaˎ my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus,—

||Who|| indeedˎ ||for my life|| |their own neck| laid down,—^a

Unto whom—not ||I only|| give thanksˎ but also allʹ the assemblies of the nations;

    [Salute] also the assembly at their house.

Salute ye Epænetusˎ my beloved,

    Who is a first-fruit of Asia unto Christ.

^a Ml: “under.”

The Spoken English NT         Final Greetings
I’d like to introduce our sister Phoebe^a to you. She’s a deacon^b of the community in Cenchreae.^c

I want you to receive her in the Lord in a way that’s worthy of the holy ones. And please give her whatever help she might need from you. After all, she’s been a financial support person to lots of people, including me personally.^d

Say hellos to Prisca and Aquila,^e my co-workers in Christ Jesus.

They’ve risked their own necks to protect me.^f I’m not the only one who is grateful to them-so are all the Gentile communities.

And say hello to the community that meets at their house.

a.Prn. fee-bee.

b.A deacon, or “server,” is a person entrusted with arranging provision for the practical needs of the spiritual community and its members.

c.Prn. Senn-kree-ay.

d.Lit. “she has been a benefactor to many, and to me myself.”

e.Prn. a-kwill-a.

f.Lit. “on behalf of my life.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Closing remarks
Phoebe
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the congregation in Cenchrea, so that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever matter she may need from you; for indeed she herself has been a helper of many, including my own self.

Greetings
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life;¹ to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the congregations of the Gentiles. And greet the congregation that is in their house.²

Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Achaia.³

(1) So far as I know, we don’t have a record of just how, when or where this happened.

(2) In the beginning, congregations met in people’s homes. This avoids the expense of erecting buildings. I believe the days are upon us when all serious followers of Jesus Christ will be increasingly persecuted, including in North America and Europe. An underground Church will have little use for ‘buildings’.

(3) 4% of the Greek manuscripts read “Asia” instead of “Achaia” (these are very different places), to be followed by NIV, NASB, TEV, LB, etc.—an inferior proceeding.

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, Charging you to receive her in the Lord, in a manner worthy of saints, and to assist her in whatever she may need from you because she also has been of great assistance to many, including myself.  Salute Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, (Who have laid down their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles;) And salute the church at their house. Salute Epenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruit of Achaia for Christ.

Analytical-Literal Translation  Now I commend to you_p Phoebe our sister, being a servant [or, deaconess] of the assembly [or, church], the [one] in Cenchrea, so that you_p shall receive [or, welcome] her in the Lord in a manner worthy of holy ones and assist her in whatever matter she shall be having need of you_p, for indeed she became a helper of many, and of me myself. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who for the sake of my life risked their own neck[s], to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles, and the assembly [or, church] at their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is [the] first-fruit of Achaia to Christ.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bill Puryear translation           Now I recommend to you, Phoebe, our sister, who is an agent [official representative] of the church which [is] at Cenchrea, that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you stand by to help her in whatever matter she might have need of you; for she herself has also been of great assistance to many, even of me myself. Greet Prisca and Aquila, fellow-workers with me in Christ Jesus, who are of such a quality that they have risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Also [give my regards to] the church in their home. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved friend, who is the first fruits [first convert] from Asia for Christ.

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             I recommend to you Phebe our sister, who is an almoner of the congregation at Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner becoming the saints, and afford her such assistance as her business may require: for she indeed hath assisted many, particularly myself. Salute Priscilla and Aquilas my fellow labourers in Christ Jesus, who for my life exposed their own; to whom not only I, but all the Gentile congregations also, owe thanks. Salute also the congregation at their house. Salute my beloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia for Christ.

Context Group Version          I commend to you (pl) Phoebe, our sister, and who is a Servant {word diakonos is masculine in the Greek} of the governing assembly that is at Cenchreae: that you (pl) receive her in the Lord, worthily of the special ones, and that you (pl) assist her in whatever matter she may have need of you (pl): for she herself also has been a patroness of many, and of my own self. Greet Prisca and Aquila my co-workers in the Anointed Jesus, who laid down their own necks for my life; to whom not only I recognize [my] indebtedness, but also all the governing assemblies of the ethnic groups: and [greet] the governing assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus my beloved, who is the first fruits of Asia to the Anointed.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a minister of the church which is in Cenchrea, so that you welcome her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you stand by her in whatever matter she needs from you, for indeed she has been a patroness to many, including myself. Greet Prisca and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who have risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I, but also all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks, and greet the church in various homes of theirs. Greet Epainetus my beloved, who is the firstfruit of Achaea in Christ.

Green’s Literal Translation    .

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           BUT I COMMEND TO YOU PHOEBE, SISTER, OUR BEING SERVANT OF THE ASSEMBLY IN CENCHREA; THAT HER YE MAY RECEIVE IN [THE] LORD WORTHILY OF SAINTS, AND YE MAY ASSIST HER IN WHATEVER OF YOU SHE MAY NEED MATTER; ALSO FOR SHE A SUCCOURER OF MANY HAS BEEN, AND MYSELF OF ME.

SALUTE PRISCILLA AND AQUILA MY FELLOW WORKERS IN CHRIST JESUS, (WHO FOR LIFE MY OWN THEIR NECK LAID DOWN WHOM NOT I ONLY THANK, BUT ALSO ALL THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE NATIONS,) AND THE AT HOUSE THEIR ASSEMBLY. SAINTS EPAENETUS MY BELOVED, WHO IS A FIRSTFRUIT OF ACHAIA FOR CHRIST.

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  Now I commend to you° Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of my needs from the congregation* in Cenchreae: in-order-that you° should accept her in the Lord, worthy of the holy-ones, and that* you° should stand beside her in whatever matter she may have need from you°. For* she herself has also become an assistant of many, and of me myself.

Greet° Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own neck on behalf of my life; whom I not only give-thanks, but also all the congregations* of the Gentiles; and the congregation* who is in their house. Greet° Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first-fruit of Achaia to Christ.

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   . Titles

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  Now I recommend to you Phebe our sister, who is a helper, an agent of the church which is at Cenchrea.

That you receive her [Phebe] in the Lord, in a manner worthy of saints [royal family honor code], and that you stand by to help her in any matter [or, business] in which she might have need of you; for she has also been of great assistance to many, including myself.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who have risked their necks for my life; to whom I not only give thanks, but also all of the churches of the Gentiles.

Also pay my respects to the church in their home. Greet Epaenetus my beloved friend, who is the first convert to Christ from [the Roman province] Asia.

R. B. Thieme, Jr. trans2         Now, I introduce and recommend to you for your advantage and blessing, our sister believer Phoibe, who is a minister, deputy, helper and agent (Not a pastor teacher) of the Local Church at Cen'chre-ae, east of Corinth,

In order that as long as she is in Rome you receive and welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of one of the saints the Royal Family of God under the Royal Family Honor Code, and that you stand by and assist helping her in any matter or anything in which she may have need of help from or of you, for she has also always been a fantastic wealthy patroness of great assistance to many and including myself as well.

Greet or pay my respects to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow co-workers in Christ Jesus Who, are of such a special category, have on behalf of or for the sake of my life, actually placed their very own necks under the Axe or risked their very own lives, for protection of my life, unto whom not only I give thanks but also all the Local Church of the Gentiles including Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, etc.

Also (implied) Greet, salute, pay respects to the Local Church in their home. Salute, Greet, Pay my respects to honorable Epai'netus my beloved, who was the first fruit or convert (7 churches in Rev 2-3) to Christ in Asia in western turkey.

Revised Geneva Translation  .

Ron Snider translation           Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is also a servant of the church which is located in Cenchrea; so that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and so that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, even of me myself. Greet Prisca and Aquila, fellow workers with me in Christ Jesus, who on my behalf risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; greet the church that is in their house. V. 5b will be placed with the next passage for context.

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

The gist of this passage: 

1-5

Translation: Now I keep on commending to you (all) our sister, Phoebe,...

Paul commends or recommends Phoebe to the churches in Rome.

What I believe to be the case is, several people will take this letter of Paul’s to the churches at Rome, the main person of which appears to be Phoebe, who is here named first.

As we have seen in our study, Romans is quite an amazing treatise on many spiritual matters, so it was probably taken to Paul by more than one person.

Translation: ...being even a servant of the church in Cenchrea,...

Phoebe has been a servant to the church in Cenchrea. The word used here is the masculine singular noun diakonos (διάκονος) [pronounced dee-AK-on-oss], which means, a servant, attendant, minister; the servant; a deacon. Strong’s #1249. There are several things about this which strike me as odd. Generally speaking, if you have any form of the verb to be, there is generally a nominative case on both sides of the verb (that is, as we structure a subject and predicate nominative in the English). But instead of matching Phoebe with a feminine singular predicate nominative, she is matched with a masculine singular accusative—not the gender or the case that we would expect to see here.

I believe that Paul’s intent here is to grab the attention of the reader, when Phoebe upon deliver of this letter, is right with them in the room.

Also, we have hidden in this verse why most people believe that Paul wrote Romans from Corinth. Cenchrea was the eastern harbor of Corinth.

There is something else which is odd in this phrase. Paul, who has not used the word ekklesia in all of the book of Romans uses it here (and he will use it three times in vv. 1–5). As noted throughout the book of Romans, Paul did not make any theological arguments based upon dispensationalism. In Romans 9–11, for instance, Paul did not say, “Now this is the case, because the previous dispensation was the Age of Israel, and right now, we are in the Church Age.” He did not say or imply this. Paul’s reasoning and arguments were made without referencing dispensations. Maybe he did not have a firm grasp on dispensations at this time and maybe he thought that such a doctrine would confuse too many people in Rome. There are many new things in this new age (referring to the Church Age), one of them being the concept of dispensations.

Romans 16:1 Now I keep on commending to you (all) our sister, Phoebe, being even a servant of the church in Cenchrea,... (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: ...that you (all) might accept her in the Lord, in a manner worthy of the saints...

Phoebe has come to Rome and Paul asks for the church there to accept her in the Lord in a manner suitable or worthy of the saints. In other words, in your dealing with Phoebe, show some class.

Translation: ...and you (all) might provide to her whatever matter she might keep on needing of you (all),...

The word used here at the end of this phrase is pragma (πργμα) [pronounced PRAG-mah], which means, a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material), business, a matter, thing, work; an accomplished fact. Is Phoebe there on business? Does she has some matters that she needs to take care of? Has she decided to relocate in Rome, for whatever reason? Whatever is going on with her, Paul asks the believers in Rome to receive her as royal family and to assist her in whatever she needs.

Translation: ...for even to her, she has become a helper of many and of me myself.

Paul’s interactions with her have been very positive and she has been a great help to many people in Corinth and to Paul in particular.

Romans 16:2 ...that you (all) might accept her in the Lord, in a manner worthy of the saints and you (all) might provide to her whatever matter she might keep on needing of you (all), for even to her, she has become a helper of many and of me myself. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Romans 16:1–2 Now I keep on commending to you (all) our sister, Phoebe, being even a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you (all) might accept her in the Lord, in a manner worthy of the saints and you (all) might provide to her whatever matter she might keep on needing of you (all), for even to her, she has become a helper of many and of me myself. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: Greet Prisca and Aquila,...

Prisca is a form of the name Priscilla. You may recall that Paul made tents with them in order to make enough money to survive. There are circumstances where the pastor-teacher, the evangelistic and the missionary might do secular work on the side to pay the bills. There is nothing wrong with this and this does not mean that you have mistaken your calling.

There are many pastors who went out of Berachah Church, which was a very successful church in human terms (there were times it was hard to even find a seat in their large auditorium) and may have thought that they would enjoy the same success (again, I speak in human terms). But we don’t have a Berachah North, or Berachah West or whatever, with thousands of congregants. I have been to a church with four congregants and a pastor-teacher, and he was well-prepared, he taught the truth, and I enjoyed my time there. The believer with the gift of pastor-teacher carries on, whether he has a large or small or medium church, and he remains faithful to the Word. It is okay that you have to have a job in order to make ends meet. Paul, from time to time, worked in order to pay the bills. This is not demeaning nor does it mean that you are not doing your job. Those are simply the circumstances you are in.

Similarly, it is okay to be congregants of a small local church. If your pastor is teaching the Word of God faithfully and regularly, then you are in the right place at the right time, even if the church is small.

Translation: ...my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,...

Paul worked with Priscilla and Aquila in the secular realm and in the spiritual realm. I would suggest that they did not see a difference, even after spending hours making tents. This was the work that God put before them.

Application: I am 74 years old at this time and I thank God for the work that He has given me. Work is a blessing and I am thankful to have it and thankful to be able to work and to enjoy working.

Translation: ...which ones laid down their necks on behalf of my life,...

I don’t think we know the details here. Priscilla and Aquila risked their own lives to save Paul’s. He recognizes this and celebrates it.

Translation: ...to whom not only I keep on being grateful...

Paul is of course grateful to Priscilla and Aquila for what they have done on his behalf.

Many of us have people like this in our lives and we are thankful to God for doing this on our behalf.

Translation: ...but even all the churches of the gentiles [are grateful as well].

 We carry over the verb into this phrase. All the churches of the gentiles are grateful to Priscilla and Aquila as well.

Translation: Also [greet] the church at their house.

Apparently, there is a local church in Rome which meets in the home of Priscilla and Aquila. This would indicate that there are a number of local churches in Rome.

Romans 16:3–5a Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, which ones laid down their necks on behalf of my life, to whom not only I keep on being grateful but even all the churches of the gentiles [are grateful as well]. Also [greet] the church at their house. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: You (all) greet Epenetus, my beloved,...

Paul calls upon the recipients of this epistle to greet Epenetus as well, whom Paul calls his beloved.

Translation: ...who keeps on being the first portion of Asia to Christ Jesus. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Epenetus is apparently Paul’s first gentile convert in Asia Minor (which is western Turkey today).

In the Greek exegesis, you can see that there is a difference in the manuscripts, Achaia being on the other side of the Aegean Sea from Asia Minor. Given the proximity of Corinth, Achaia is likely the preferred reading.

New Testament Roman Provinces (a map); from Bible Study, accessed November 21, 2024.

Romans 16:5b-c You (all) greet Epenetus, my beloved, who keeps on being the first portion of Asia to Christ Jesus. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Romans 16:1–5 Now I keep on commending to you (all) our sister, Phoebe, being even a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you (all) might accept her in the Lord, in a manner worthy of the saints and you (all) might provide to her whatever matter she might keep on needing of you (all), for even to her, she has become a helper of many and of me myself. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, which ones laid down their necks on behalf of my life, to whom not only I keep on being grateful but even all the churches of the gentiles [are grateful as well]. Also [greet] the church at their house. You (all) greet Epenetus, my beloved, who keeps on being the first portion of Asia to Christ Jesus. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Romans 16:1–5 I recommend to your city Phoebe, my sister in Christ, servant of the local church in Cenchrea, that you might accept her in the Lord in a manner worth of the royal family. Also, please help her get settled there and help her with whatever personal or business matters that she will be dealing with, as she has helped me and of many in Corinth. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, who have worked with me in Christ Jesus, who even risked their lives for me. I keep on being grateful to them and all gentile should be grateful as well. Also, greet those who meet for church in their home. Greet Epenetus, my great friend who was our first gentile convert is Asia Minor. (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Greet Mary, who, [in] many (things) grows tired for you (all). Greet Andronicus and Junia relatives of me and fellow prisoners of me, who are well-know among the Apostles; and before me having become in Christ. Greet Ampliatus the beloved of me in [the] Lord. Greet Urbanus, the fellow worker of us in Christ and Stachys, the beloved of me. Greet Apelles, the accepted (one) in Christ. Greet those from them, Aristobulus.

Complete Apostles Bible        Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow captives, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.

Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those from the household of Aristobulus.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Salute Mary, who hath laboured much among you.

Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners: who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Salute Ampliatus, most beloved to me in the Lord.

Salute Urbanus, our helper in Christ Jesus and Stachys, my beloved.

Salute Apellas, approved in Christ..

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              Invoke the peace of Maria, who has labored much among you.

Invoke the peace of Andronicus and of Junia, my relatives who were captives with me and were known by The Apostles and they were in The Messiah before me.

Invoke the peace of Amphilius, beloved in Our Lord.