Romans 16:3

King James Version (KJV)

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Greet Priscilla and Aquila - This pious couple had been obliged to leave Rome, on the edict of Claudius, see Acts 18:2, and take refuge in Greece. It is likely that they returned to Rome at the death of Claudius, or whenever the decree was annulled. It seems they had greatly contributed to assist the apostle in his important labors. Instead of Priscilla, the principal MSS. and versions have Prisca, which most critics suppose to be the genuine reading.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Greet Priscilla and Aquila - Salute; implying the apostle‘s kind remembrance of them, and his wishes for their welfare.

Priscilla - Priscilla was the wife of Aquila. They are mentioned in Acts 18:2, Acts 18:26; 1 Corinthians 16:19. Paul at first found them at Corinth. Aquila was a Jew, born in Pontus, who had resided at Rome, and who had left Rome, and come to Corinth, when Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome; see the notes at Acts 18:2. It is probable that they were converted under the preaching of Paul. Paul lived with them, and they had the advantage of his private instruction; Acts 18:3; compare Acts 18:26. At the death of Claudius, or whenever the decree for the expulsion of the Jews was repealed, it is probable that they returned to Rome.

My helpers - My fellow-workers. They had aided him in his work. A particular instance is mentioned in Acts 18:26. They are mentioned as having been with Paul when he wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians; 1 Corinthians 16:19.

In Christ Jesus - In the Christian cause.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know not what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Though the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remember many persons, and send salutations to each, with particular characters of them, and express concern for them. Lest any should feel themselves hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in the close, a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of Christ.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

3. Greet. Gr. aspazomai. The same word is also frequently translated “salute” in this chapter.

Avenge not. The word order in the Greek is “do not avenge yourselves, beloved.”

Priscilla. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “Prisca,” of which form “Priscilla” is the diminutive. Aquila, her husband, was a Jew of Pontus. When the Jews were expelled from Rome by Claudius, Priscilla and Aquila came to Corinth, where Paul found them and where they were converted (Acts 18:1-3). Later they moved to Ephesus (Acts 18:18, 19, 26; 1 Cor. 16:19). At the time of the writing of this epistle they were back in Rome, but later they seem to have returned to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:19).

Give place unto wrath. Literally, “give place unto the wrath.” The definite article before “wrath” indicates that the reference is to the wrath of God (cf. on ch. 5:9). This interpretation is confirmed by the following words, “vengeance is mine; I will repay.” “Give place” means “give room” for the avenging wrath of God to work. Christians are never to attempt to seek revenge upon those who treat them unjustly. They should leave the matter with God. Only a perfect, all-knowing, all-loving God can rightly judge and justly punish evildoers. Both the language and the thought of this injunction are illustrated by Eph. 4:27, where Paul explains that by avenging ourselves we “give place to the devil.” Those who are filled with thoughts of revenge are giving opportunity for Satan to inspire anger, hatred, and bitterness, whereas they should be encouraging the growth of the fruits of the Spiritâ€”love, joy, peace, and long-suffering (Gal. 5:22).

Two other interpretations of this passage have sometimes been held. One is, “Allow time or space for your own anger to cool.” The other is, “give room for, that is, yield to, the anger of your opponent.” However, neither of these interpretations suits the Greek or the context.

Helpers. Gr. sunergoi, “fellow workers.”

It is written. The quotation is from Deut. 32:35. Compare Heb.10:30. In Deuteronomy this statement is a warning to God’s people. In Hebrews it is directed to apostates. But here in Romans it is used as a consolation to God’s unjustly persecuted people. God will avenge them in due time, for “shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him?” (Luke 18:7; cf. Deut. 32:40-43; 2 Thess. 1:6-10; Rev. 6:9-11).

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Romans 16:3