What does Romans 16:6 mean?

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Romans 16:6

Explanation

In the verse Romans 16:6, the apostle Paul is extending his greetings to a woman named Mary, whom he acknowledges as having worked hard among the early Christian community. The phrase “bestowed much labour on us” suggests Mary’s significant personal efforts and toil in assisting Paul and his companions or perhaps the church at Rome more generally. The work likely entailed practical support, hospitality, teaching, or other forms of aid crucial to the growth and welfare of the early Christian church.

Historical Context

Romans 16:6 is part of the final chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, a letter Paul wrote to the Christian community in Rome around AD 57. This chapter stands out as a personal address in which Paul sends greetings to various individuals in Rome, a church he had not yet visited personally at the time of this letter’s composition. The mention of Mary in this context reflects the pivotal role women played in the early church, often as supporters and in some cases as leaders within the community. This verse also serves as a testament to the communal and supportive nature of the first-century church members, highlighting individual contribution and community acknowledgment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse could be understood as an affirmation of the dignity and importance of women in the ministry of the church. By recognizing Mary’s efforts publicly, Paul counters cultural norms of the time that often relegated women to the background. In addition, the verse illustrates the early Christians’ recognition of service and labor as expressions of faith and discipleship, ideas which are central to Pauline theology and Christian doctrine more broadly.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Romans 16:6 can inspire individuals to appreciate and honor the work of those who contribute to their communities. In religious communities, this might mean acknowledging those who do much of the behind-the-scenes work. It also encourages us to consider the nature of our own service and to work diligently in support of our communities and causes we believe in. Furthermore, the verse is a reminder that every contribution, big or small, is valuable and worthy of appreciation.

Cross-References

• Acts 9:36: “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”
• Romans 16:1-2: “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.”
• 1 Corinthians 16:15-16: “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse is “bestowed much labour on us.” The original Greek word used for “bestowed much labour” is “κοπιάω” (kopiao), which means to work hard, toil, or become weary due to labor. This term gives a sense of strenuous work and is often associated with physical toil and exertion. By using this term, Paul emphasizes the extent and significance of Mary’s efforts on behalf of the early Christian community.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient Greco-Roman society, women were typically not given public acknowledgment for their work, especially not in writings that would be circulated and read by many. The recognition of Mary’s labor in the Epistle to the Romans is somewhat countercultural. In comparison with other ancient religious texts, women’s roles were often more circumscribed; however, Judaism did have instances of strong female figures such as Deborah (Judges 4-5) and Ruth, and in the early Christian movement, women like Mary Magdalene were pivotal.

Scientific Perspectives

There isn’t a direct intersection with modern scientific understandings in this verse as it doesn’t discuss natural phenomena or scientific knowledge. It is, however, relevant to the social sciences, such as sociology and anthropology, which study how recognition and acknowledgment of individuals within a community can strengthen community bonds and contribute to the well-being of its members.

Commentaries

Commentators have approached Romans 16:6 from various angles. Some focus on the exemplary nature of Mary’s work and what it says about the role of women in the early church. Others look at the broader significance of individual acknowledgment in Paul’s letters, suggesting that community-building was a strategic and pastoral aim for Paul. There is also discussion about whether this Mary could be identified with any other Mary in the New Testament, though most scholars see her as a distinct individual known personally to the Roman Christians. Contemporary scholars often use this verse to highlight the often-overlooked work of women in the early Christian movement.