The Joy of Fellowship and the Threat of Division
Romans 16:1-20 · December 18, 2025
In this study of Romans 16:1–20, Pastor Robert Furrow reflects on Paul’s greetings to faithful believers and his warning against division. The message celebrates humble service, sacrifice, and the warmth of Christian fellowship while encouraging discernment toward false teachers and those who disrupt church unity. Ultimately, it points to God’s promise of peace and victory over evil.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:43 What the Bible Says About Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:7; Romans 10:2; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Philippians 2:1-2)
02:24 What the Bible Says About Division (Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Titus 3:10; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:3; Jude 1:19)
05:46 Healthy Fellowship Is Warm, but It Is Not Naive (Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 6:16, 19)
07:09 Phoebe, Our Sister (Romans 16:1; Mark 10:45)
11:26 Paul Is Calling the Church in Rome to Open Their Hands and Homes (Romans 16:2)
12:04 Paul Greets Priscilla and Aquila Like He Greets Soldiers (Romans 16:3)
15:00 A Model of Christian Sacrifice (Romans 16:4; 1 John 3:16; John 15:13)
16:03 Greeting the Home Church (Romans 16:5)
21:01 The Labor of Mary (Romans 16:6)
21:22 Andronicus and Junia, Fellow Prisoners (Romans 16:7; Philippians 1:29)
27:03 A Dear Friend in the Lord (Romans 16:8)
27:18 Greetings to Urbanus and Stachys (Romans 16:9)
28:04 Salute Apelles (Romans 16:10; 2 Timothy 2:15)
28:44 Paul’s Kinsman, Herodion (Romans 16:11)
29:14 A Quote by J.C. Ryle
29:43 The Diligent Women of Rome and Rufus, Chosen in the Lord (Romans 16:12-13)
30:51 Greetings to Asyncritus and Friends (Romans 16:14)
31:11 Final Greetings in Rome (Romans 16:15-16)
33:31 Watch Out for Divisive People (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10-11)
39:25 Beware of False Teachers (Romans 16:18; Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Galatians 1:8-9)
40:44 The Discernment of a Godly Mind (Romans 16:19)
41:16 The God of Peace Will Crush Satan (Romans 16:20; Genesis 3:15; James 4:7)
44:08 Three Things in Closing – #1 God Advances His Work Through Faithful People, Not Famous Ones
44:29 #2 Fellowship Is Precious and Must Be Protected
44:47 #3 God’s Peace Will Ultimately Triumph
45:17 Closing Prayer
