Romans 16:9
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 12
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Both names (Urbanus, Stachys) appear in imperial household inscriptions, suggesting possible connection to Caesar's staff. Philippians 4:22 mentions 'saints in Caesar's household'—believers among slaves, freedmen, or officials serving the emperor. Christianity penetrated all social strata: aristocrats (Erastus, city treasurer, v. 23), artisans (Priscilla-Aquila, tentmakers), slaves (Ampliatus, Urbanus). This social diversity was revolutionary, creating communities transcending class, ethnicity, gender—'neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female' (Galatians 3:28).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be '<em>synergos en Christō</em>' (co-worker in Christ)—how does union with Christ shape partnership in ministry?
- How does the diversity of Paul's co-workers (slaves, artisans, aristocrats, Jews, Gentiles, men, women) challenge homogeneous church cultures?
- Who are your 'co-workers in Christ'—and how do you cultivate deep friendships rooted in gospel partnership?
Analysis & Commentary
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved—Aspasasthe Ourbanon ton synergon hēmōn en Christō kai Stachyn ton agapēton mou (ἀσπάσασθε Οὐρβανὸν τὸν συνεργὸν ἡμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ καὶ Στάχυν τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου). Urbanus is synergon (συνεργός, co-worker)—same word used for Priscilla-Aquila (v. 3), Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23), Timothy (Romans 16:21), and even God (1 Corinthians 3:9, 'we are God's fellow-workers'). En Christō (in Christ) roots the partnership in shared identity and mission. Stachys receives the affectionate agapēton mou (my beloved), indicating close personal friendship.