Romans 16:9

Romans 16:9, in plain English

Greet Urbanus, a fellow worker in Christ's mission, and Stachys, another person Paul deeply loves.

Why it's here

These greetings are starting to paint a picture of the Roman church—it's full of workers, people actively involved in spreading the gospel. They're not passive believers; they're doing something.

Who's speaking

Paul, continuing his personal greetings

Where it sits in the story

The church is revealed as a working church, full of people laboring together, and Paul takes time to name them and honor their work.

The scholarly reading

Paul greets Urbanus, identified as a co-worker in Christ, and Stachys, his beloved.

Language and setting

Urbanus receives recognition as a fellow 'worker' (συνεργός) in Christian labor—the term Paul uses for himself and associates like Timothy and Titus. The pairing of Urbanus and Stachys may or may not indicate household relationship, but their consecutive greeting suggests proximity. Stachys, whose name (Στάχυς) means 'ear of grain,' was apparently known to Paul with sufficient familiarity to merit the tender address 'beloved.'

Voice

Paul, continuing his salutations.

Significance

These names preserve traces of the multicultural, multi-class character of early Roman Christianity—Greek names appearing in a Jewish-Christian context, suggesting a cosmopolitan assembly. The repeated designation of individuals as Christ-workers underscores that the gospel's advance depended on countless laborers beyond the apostolic circle.

7Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

8Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.

9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.

10Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.

11Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman.

Read all of Romans 16 — Paul names over two dozen co-workers — men and women, Jews and Gentiles — revealing a movement built on real relationships and shared sacrifice.