Romans 16:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

See how the Apostle again turns to glorious women. After saying, “Greet the faithful,” he again begins to greet women, saying, “Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.”

Of Mary the Apostle says, “she labored for us.” Of these women he says that they are still laboring.

This is no small praise, always to be at work and not only to assist, but also to labor.

The Apostle calls Persis beloved, showing that she is higher than those mentioned before her.

He says, “Greet the beloved Persis,” and testifies to her many labors with these words: “who labored much in the Lord.”

Thus he knew how to name each according to worth. He encouraged some to greater zeal by depriving no one of what belonged to him.

He proclaimed even the smallest advantage of each. He made others more zealous by kindling in them, through his praises, rivalry toward the works of the first.

“Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.” Concerning Miriam he said above (Rom 16:6), “who labored much,” but concerning these he says that they are still laboring. It is great praise always to be at work and to labor. “Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.” She is above those just mentioned, because she not only labored much, but is also beloved. Thus he names each according to worth, encouraging some to greater zeal and stirring others to emulation.

“Greet the beloved Persis, who has labored much in the Lord.” Persis appears to have been counted worthy of greater honor than the two preceding women, for she labored much in the Lord. Such labor is the encouragement and service of the saints for Christ’s sake, when they abide in persecutions and want. They left their homes and suffered attacks from unbelievers.

“Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.” Here again is a crown woven for labors. By labor this word signifies either hospitality to strangers, fasting, or some other virtue. “Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.” Greater praise belongs to her, because her love of labor is greater.

“Again Saint Paul begins to greet women. Of Tryphaena and Tryphosa he says that they are still laboring,” says Saint Chrysostom.

“By labor he indicates either hospitality, fasting, or some other virtue,” says blessed Theophylact.

“It is no small praise always to be at work, and not only to assist, but also to labor personally.

The Apostle calls Persis beloved, showing by this that she is higher than those mentioned before her.

For he says, ‘Greet the beloved Persis,’ and testifies to her many labors with these words: ‘who labored much in the Lord.’

Thus Saint Paul knew how to name each according to his worth. He encouraged some to greater zeal by depriving no one of what belonged to him.

He proclaimed even the smallest advantage of each. He led others to greater activity, kindling in them by his praises the same zeal shown by the first,” says Saint Chrysostom.

Tradition has preserved nothing more concerning these holy women.