The introduction of the ecclesiastical helper, Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) and the more detailed information provided regarding some persons in the church in Rome (Romans 16:3–7) reveal how we should interpret the commands to greet the people mentioned throughout Romans 16:1–16. These are people who had travelled to Rome before Paul and who are, each in their own way, involved in spreading the Christian faith there. The converts in Rome must live with them in unity, greet them, and remain in close contact with them.
In light of this we can now read the other, much shorter, recommendations of a series of other persons who were known to Paul and who also must have been beloved brothers and sisters of the Christians in Rome (Romans 16:6, Romans 8:1–15:33).1
8 Saluez Amplias, mon bien-aimé dans le Seigneur.