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14. Asyncritus. The five persons mentioned in this verse are not elsewhere identified, nor is the reason for their grouping disclosed.

The brethren. This refers, perhaps, to another Christian congregation meeting somewhere in Rome (cf. vs. 5, 15). Many of the names in this chapter also occur more or less frequently in inscriptions relating to the membership of Caesar’s household. The general coincidence of names is significant in the light of Paul’s mention of the saints “of Caesar’s household” in Phil. 4:22.

14. Asyncritus. The five persons mentioned in this verse are not elsewhere identified, nor is the reason for their grouping disclosed.

For good. That is, to promote good. This is the true reason for the existence of civil government, as the servant and representative of God.

The brethren. This refers, perhaps, to another Christian congregation meeting somewhere in Rome (cf. vs. 5, 15). Many of the names in this chapter also occur more or less frequently in inscriptions relating to the membership of Caesar’s household. The general coincidence of names is significant in the light of Paul’s mention of the saints “of Caesar’s household” in Phil. 4:22.

The sword. The symbol of the ruler’s authority to inflict punishment.

A revenger. Gr. ekdikos, “an avenger.” The only other NT occurrence of this word is in 1 Thess. 4:6. In the Greek papyri this term is generally used for “a legal representative.”