Romans 16

1:1 called (f-7) 'A called apostle,' i.e. an apostle by (divine) calling. Cf. ver. 7 'called saints,' and see note there.16:1 minister (e-11) Diakonos; deacon, or deaconess; the word 'minister' here connects with 'to minister' and 'ministry' elsewhere, as ch. 15.31. She did the needed service in the assembly there; she was not properly a servant. 16:2 assist (f-16) helper (f-32) 'Assist' is 'to stand by her and help her.' 'Helper,' prostatis, in this verse is stronger and has a higher sense, and means 'helping as a patron. ' It was used for a Roman patron, and is applied in special honour to Phoebe as one whose help many had been dependent on and had profited by. It was a complimentary touch of heart in which the apostle never fails. they were to 'stand by her for assistance,' but she had been 'a patron' in the matter. 16:4 staked (g-5) Or 'risked,' 'hazarded.' 16:18 serve (a-3) Douleuo. 'to serve as a bondman' as chs. 12.11; 14.18. deceive (b-19) A strong form of the word, as in 1Tim. 2.14. 16:19 reached (c-5) i.e. 'come to the knowledge of.' 16:20 bruise (d-7) As Luke 9.39, 'crushing;' Rev. 2.27; 'broken in pieces.' 16:25 mystery, (e-27) It formed no part of what was unfolded in the ages of time, in which God developed his plans in creation; it was a purpose before, and eternally hidden; it was not in reckoned time. See 1Cor. 2.7-10; Eph. 3.2-11; 5.32; Col. 1.25-27; 2.2,3. 16:27 whom (f-9) The natural construction would be 'to him.' These breaks, through long parentheses, are common with Paul.