Romans 16:1
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
This last chapter of Romans is full of greetings and names of other members of the Body of Christ. I find it fascinating that saints from all over the world have an affinity for each other. Even here, before the aid of the internet, radio, or television, we have saints in various parts of the known world sending their salutations to others they haven't met, but have only heard of. It is always encouraging to hear what our gracious Lord is doing in other members of the church which is His Body.
First, we are introduced to Phebe of the local assembly at Cenchrea. She is the one that was evidently sent with this letter to the church at Rome, and she had to travel quite the distance. Cenchrea was near Corinth in Greece. We find it mentioned in Acts 18:18 where the apostle Paul shaved his head due to a vow. Isn't it amazing how this came to be? It was on Phebe's heart to serve God in this way and she answered the call, travelling quite the distance to do so, and we'll find out more of Paul's desire for her in the next verse. I like thinking of how we have certain of our local assemblies travel to other local assemblies to deliver messages, testimonies, or other things today. These were real people about 2000 years ago doing the same thing.
Something interesting to note here is that the word "commend" comes from the Greek "sunistemi," which is a compound word of sun (together with) and histemi (to stand). In union with this sister of faith, Paul had her go to deliver the letter. Also, the name in Greek is Phoibe and is pronounced foy-bay. Apparently, we have Anglicized or Americanized it to be pronounced fee-bee. I'm going to stick with using the spelling Phebe as the KJV has it so we aren't confused on who I'm referencing in these comments.
Romans 16:2
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.
Paul had commended Phebe to the saints at Rome and requested them to receive her in Christ as they ought to. He further details that request by letting them know they should meet her needs when she is there. Finally he bears witness for her that she has willfully helped many others, including himself, giving of herself to meet their needs in times of difficulty. Perhaps it was on account one of Paul's sufferings that Phebe found herself around the apostle as he was desiring to go to Rome and discussing it. At that time, she may have offered to take the letter there for him. That is my speculation, but it doesn't seem like much of a stretch of reality.
Paul had already written in this letter how saints ought to conduct themselves, which is ultimately summarized in "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" in Romans 13:9. Combining the previous verse with this, he literally was saying he was standing in union with Phebe in order that these saints at Rome might receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of saints. The verb to receive here is subjunctive, as also is the verb assist. He was essentially giving his stamp of approval on Phebe that she does live as a saint, telling emphatically that she sought to take care of his personal needs (Greek says of me, myself).
Romans 16:3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Also on the list of Paul's companions in Christ are Priscilla (formal name Prisca) and Aquila (Latin name, Greek Akulas). They are labeled in the KJV as helpers, but the Greek is stronger than that. The word is sunergos, which means fellow-laborers, or literally working out together with. We'll see some credentials in the next verse.
Romans 16:4
Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Isn't that amazing love for a fellow believer? We are told that Priscilla and Aquila laid their own lives down for Paul. These two were held in such high esteem for their good works that all the churches of the Gentiles not only knew of them, but also praised God for them. And these words are from the Holy Spirit of God (2 Tim 3:16). Our Heavenly Father does dote upon His kids when they are joyfully obedient (Eph 2:10, 1 Sam 15:22).
I often think of two verses lately in regard to my own life, considering verses like this that speak highly of men and women of faith. It is Titus 2:14 and Hebrews 11:37. I'll put them here:
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
The "who" here is obviously referring to Jesus Christ. He went through all that suffering in His passion in order to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Does that define me today? Am I zealous to do whatever it takes to obey and please God? Because I am not ashamed to say, my desire to fit the description of both this verse and Hebrews 11:38a. I'll include the context to help in understanding:
Hebrews 11:32-38
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Did you see that parenthetical in verse 38? Of whom the world was not worthy. These people, and countless others as alluded to by verse 32, lived such a life of faith that they are described as the world not being worthy of them. So I ask myself, am I zealous for good works to the point of desiring to hear God say of me that the world is not worthy of me? It looks to me just from verses three and four that Priscilla and Aquila fit into that category, and I for one would like to be included. My challenge to the reader is: do you? Do we understand the depth of the love of God through Christ Jesus and what He did to save us from sin and death? My prayer is that we would (Eph 3:14-21). The more I learn of it, the more I desire to be zealous for those good works God has made for me. So I ask again, do you want to be zealous of the Lord and considered of God that the world was not worthy of you?
Romans 16:5
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Aquila and Priscilla also had a regular assembly of saints at their house. If those two were leaders of this local assembly, and they showed such exemplary faith, surely those in their house would be worthy of a similar greeting.
Another follower of Christ, and one of the first of the believers in Achaia, is Epaenetus. He is also sending his greeting and most likely praying for these saints in Rome. Unfortunately, this is all we're told of him in the bible.
You may have guessed, but that word for "wellbeloved" is from the root "agape" in the Greek. I would think that Paul would have a strong Christ-like love for this Epaenetus if he was one of the first believers when Paul visited Achaia.
Romans 16:6
Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Another Mary in the bible. I joke, because there are several for us to keep track of. This Mary is described as one who labored much. Now the KJV as "on us," but the Greek says "to you all" (eis hymas). Are you seeing a pattern here? All of these names so far are being commended for their good works, aren't they? Works are by no means required for salvation according to Paul's gospel, but the fact remains that once you understand the depth of what his gospel means, why wouldn't you give yourself as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1)? Why would you not want to walk in those good works that God has for you (Eph 2:10)? Why wouldn't you seek the praise of God Himself (Heb 11:38a)?
Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
This is quite interesting. We are introduced to two potential family members of the apostle Paul, and these were believers in Christ before he was. They also are known among the apostles. Now (at that time) they are his fellow prisoners, most likely because of their faith.
Anytime we come across the title of apostle or prophet, we should ask ourselves, "Which apostles?" or "Which prophets?" Then we should let the context define it. Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom 11:13). He was given a dispensation that was committed unto him and him alone (1 Cor 9:17, Eph 3:2). This was done in Acts 13. The apostles after that period are all "sent ones" of the gospel of the grace of God, where one is saved from sin and death through faith apart from works. That is the same gospel committed to Paul, which we will also see in verse 25 of this chapter. The apostles in Romans 16:7 are not the 12 that were given the so-called Great Commission at the end of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and also in Acts 1.
Something to note, the name Andronicus comes from the Greek aner and nikos, meaning a "man of victory." Junia is pronounced yoo-nia. Both of these names mentioned by Paul, according to the Greek word for "kinsmen," may mean either direct relation to Paul or of the same tribe as Paul (Benjamites).
Romans 16:8
Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
Amplias is another soul loved by Paul in Christ. The Greek word again is of the root "agape." Literally, this verse says, "Greet Amplias the beloved of me in the lord." It is evident that Amplias held a special place in the heart of the apostle to the Gentiles.
Romans 16:9
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Just like Aquila and Priscilla, Urbane is a fellow-worker in Christ. It is the same Greek word sunergos. Stachys is clearly a devout believer as well, noted by Paul's description of beloved, just like Amplias.
Romans 16:10
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
Apelles is given the description of the approved in Christ. His faith must have been quite evident. The term indicates that Apelles went through some trial or trials and remained true to the faith. Also, all of Aristobulus house, or literally "the ones of Aristobulus", are fellow believers.
Romans 16:11
Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Herodion is another that may be of Paul's immediate family. The same word for kinsman is used here as it was in verse 7. Similarly, the same language for Aristobulus is used here of Narcissus. The Greek says "those out of the ones of Narcissus, those being in the Lord." From this, I would gather that not all of Narcissus family were saved at the time of this writing, which is the reason for how the verse ends. However, there were some that were in Christ and worthy of greeting fit for a saint.
Romans 16:12
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Tryphena and Tryphosa are two women that we read as ones who labored in the Lord. The same word for labour was used in verse six with Mary. These women must have played an integral role in their time in the Body of Christ. Persis also labored, but is given even higher acclamation, both with the description of "the beloved" (agape) and that she labored much.
Romans 16:13
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Rufus was another man, described as chosen in the Lord, that we can be sure we'll see in Heaven. Paul affectionately mentions his mother to be greeted as well, and considers her like a mother to him. I would think this language would indicate her salvation is sure, as Jesus talked of the believers being his brothers and mother (Luke 8:21). Of course we know that in His earthly ministry, Jesus was a minister to the Circumcision (Rom 15:8). Yet still, there is a familial relation for believers that passes through dispensational boundaries. Peter refers to Paul as his brother, though the two had different gospels committed unto them (2 Pet 3:15). Gentiles are now partakers in the spiritual things of Israel, as we read in Romans 15:27, though that doesn't mean Gentiles are now spiritual Israel. Israel has their earthly hope and gospel. The Gentiles have their heavenly hope and gospel. Different gospels, different programs, same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I just wanted to be clear on that as the language may be confusing, but that's why God tells us to rightly divide the word of Truth and test the things that are different (2 Tim 2:15, Phil 1:10).
Romans 16:14
Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
We're not told much about these men here, as their names only occur in this one place in the New Testament. No doubt, they had important ministries in the gospel of the grace of God as well. To me, they appear to be men of leadership, as they had "brethren" with them.
Romans 16:15
Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
Here, I believe we have three leadership groups presented. First, there is Philologus and Julia (pronounced yoo-lee-a). This is a male and female couple, potentially husband and wife, though it isn't specified here. Then there is the man Nereus and his sister. His sister could be literal sister or sister in faith. Finally, there is Olympas, and all the saints which are with these five leaders. It isn't clear if these are leaders in different local assemblies or if they just hold some office in one local assembly, but one thing is clear, there are many saints under their leadership.
Romans 16:16
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
After all these names, Paul gives them the command to salute each other with a "holy kiss." Actually, the Greek word there is "en" which would mean to greet one another in a holy kiss. This kiss was a sign of respect and affection and is only mentioned 7 times in the New Testament (Luke 7:45, 22:48, Rom 16:16, 1 Cor 16:20, 2 Cor 13:12, 1 Thess 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14). It is worth noting that the reference in Luke 22:48 is the sign of betrayal by Judas Iscariot. In the context here, though, the kiss is to be holy, it is to be a sign of respect and affection to other believers in the gospel of God's grace. It builds upon the concept that we are to receive each other in the Lord as Christ received us (Rom 15:7, 16:2).
Lastly, we have the small sentence that the churches of Christ salute this church at Rome. It would seem to me that this is a reference to all these names of leaders mentioned in this chapter. Remember, these are real people and these things really happened. Sometimes it's hard for us to wrap our brains around it, but God is giving us insight into the lives of our brothers and sisters in faith in the past. We are very familiar with local ministries and sending certain of us out on missions to other churches or places today. Well, here we see that same sort of thing happening in the first century after Christ's resurrection. These men and women of faith are receiving special recognition by the Holy Spirit of God. Isn't that reassuring for us today when we do those similar good works which God has preordained that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10)?
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
This is something important we should take heed of for today. Among what is called Christianity, many will not stand on what the bible clearly says. Many are causing divisions and offences. Why? Because they are contrary to the doctrine which was learned by these Romans saints. What doctrine was that? The dispensation of the mystery, as we'll see in verse 25 and also several other places in Paul's epistles which were inspired of the Holy Spirit. I typically cite Ephesians 3:1-9 since I think it's quite clear, but that's not the only place it's mentioned. I would encourage the bible student to look in Romans through Philemon and note the times "the mystery" or the dispensation that was committed to Paul.
Take a look around Christianity today and what do we see? Division everywhere. We call them denominations or maybe isms. My friends, this should not be. We are called to unity in the Spirit and to be part of this one Body. God tells us to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3). God goes on to tell us 7 times of one entity to illustrate the unity we should have. Each of which could be an hour length sermon.
There is one body. For all those that believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save them from their sins, we are brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, regardless how we treat each other. We're given the illustration of the body because it demands all members to work together and pay special attention to those members that are hurting or need healing. It also lets us know that every individual is important, yet unique. So it is for each of our individual ministries (Rom 12:4-8, 1 Cor 12:12-27).
We should all have the same faith (Eph 4:4), but there are wolves among the flock(Acts 20:28-30). Those wolves are the ones who do not hold to sound doctrine, that is, to the doctrine of Jesus Christ through the apostle Paul, and we are told here to mark and avoid them. We are given the reason in the next verse, and can rest assured that God will chastise them as He deems appropriate. My brothers and sisters in Christ, stand strong in the grace of God and in the power of His might, and stand on the foundation that God has laid for us in this dispensation, so we may fight the good fight of faith (Eph 6:10-18, 2 Tim 2:19, 4:1-8).
Romans 16:18
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Those that cause division, those that break away due to doctrinal issues, are stated here as ones who don't serve Jesus, but rather themselves. They allow themselves to take center stage, essentially saying that their ideas are better than God's. That sounds an awful lot like Genesis 3:5, doesn't it? When we boil it down, it all comes back to a simple question: Do you believe the Truth, which is God's word, or do you believe the lie, which is Satan's word? Satan says you can be your own god. God says that He is God and you shall have no other gods before Him. God's word is 100% true and leads to life (John 1:1, 8:12, 14:6, 15-21, 17:17, Rom 3:21-26, Titus 1:1-3, etc). Satan's word is 100% false and leads to death (John 8:42-47, 1 Cor 6:9-10, 2 Thess 1:5-10, 2:9-12, Jude 5-12 etc.). God doesn't beat around the bush here. Those that serve themselves are really just serving Satan and giving into the lie that they can be their own god. Some are quite good at this, and will use "good words and fair speeches." Most use the bible to back up what they say and may sound convincing, except they twist the words of God to serve their own needs, which God starkly warns against because it leads to destruction (1 Pet 3:16).
There are plenty of those that fit that description in the Church, the Body of Christ today. God wasn't surprised at this, but I'm sure is still disappointed. He tells us that these things would happen in 1 Tim 4:1-3 and 2 Tim 3:1-9. There is very good reason to avoid people like this.
That isn't to say that if a leader has a mistake in doctrine that we cast them away from us outright. We aren't God, so we don't know where their heart is. First we're told not to take something against them as truth unless it's from two or three witnesses. Then we are to rebuke them before all that others may fear (1 Tim 5:1, 19-20). If they will not change to hold the bible as their source of truth after that, then we withdraw ourselves from them and trust that God will do what He needs to do (1 Tim 6:3-5). We can pray that their consciences aren't sealed with a hot iron, and that they do come to the knowledge of the truth.
Romans 16:19
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
God is commending the faithful at Rome, putting them in contrast to those just talked about in verses 18-19. They didn't take heed to any false doctrine, but are living in the gospel of the grace of God. It is evident because their faith was spoken of throughout the known world (Romans 1:8). Along with that, they were declared as obedient to all as we see in this verse. Paul adds his own praise but also tacks on his desire for them which essentially would result if they avoided the people of verses 17 and 18.
Paul's desire is fleshed out further in the Greek than in the English. The verb for "I would" comes from "thelo", which is a desire for the best or a wish. There are two missing articles here, denoting the good and the evil. The word for "simple" is quite interesting. It is akeraios, which starts with alpha to denote the opposite, and the root word is kerannymi, which means "mingled" [1]. The translation of simple does work, but Paul is literally desiring them not to be mingled to the point of the evil. There are two occurrences of "de" in this verse that don't appear to be translated, and the prepositions by good and evil are both "eis." Going for a literal translation, we have this:
For your obedience to (eis) all has reached. Upon (epi) you, therefore, I rejoice. I wish now (de) you all wise indeed to be to the point of the good, not mingled now (de) to the point of the evil.
I see that Paul's desire, inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, was for these saints at Rome to understand their identity as a saint, and to walk worthy of that calling (Eph 4:1).
Romans 16:20
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen
It's easy to get excited when we read words like this verse. Over and over God talks about the time where His wrath will be poured out (Romans 12:19). We're comforted with the prospect of being snatched away when Jesus calls us home while we're still alive and avoiding that wrath altogether (1 Thess 4:13-18). Even if this body does die, we will be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8) and we will still be resurrected to go be with the Lord before His wrath is poured out. What a glorious gospel we have through Jesus Christ! God's wrath and His judgment is to put Satan in the lake of the fire forever, along with all those who rejected the truth (Rev 20:10-15). Afterward, there will be life with no sin, pain, suffering, or death on a brand new Earth and a brand new Heaven. May the Lord Jesus call us home today!
I wanted to add that I don't think that this verse necessarily has to mean just that one time, although that most certainly is included. We were just warned about those who would twist scripture and pretend to be Christians but had the motive of serving themselves. We were told to avoid all who do such things. The desire of God through Paul was clear: to be strong in truth (the good) and not mingled with lies (the evil). When we live the way we ought to as saints and look to God in all things, difficulties can dissolve in front of us. We are superconquering through Christ in tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword (Rom 8:35, 37). Now, I can't promise all sufferings will disolve because we still live in a world where sin and death are. However, we can trust that whatever sufferings we go through in life won't even compare to the glory of the next (Rom 8:18). So keep looking up (Titus 2:13)!
There are a few things to point out from the Greek. The word "and" at the beginning of the verse is another "de." There are definite articles to denote the peace and the Satan. The word for "shortly" is the word "tachos." It would appear we use this as the prefix in tachometer since that is supposed to measure the short trip in a vehicle. It also would be where our word taxi comes from. It has the idea of without unnecessary delay [1]. It doesn't mean in a short time like a few minutes, but more rather that there won't be a delay. It is only used 8 times in the New Testament and is worth a quick study: Luke 18:8, Acts 12:7, 22:18, 25:4, Rom 16:20, 1 Tim 3:14, Rev 1:1, 22:6. Finally, the "amen" doesn't exist in the Greek.
Romans 16:21
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
Most likely this Timotheus is the same who shares his name on two letters in our bible. He is labeled the same as Priscilla and Aquila in verse 3 and Urbane in verse 9. We are introduced to Timothy in Acts 16:1. Lucius is more than likely not the beloved physician, but rather another. It's quite possible this is the Lucius of Acts 13:1, a fellow prophet and teacher along with Saul of Tarsus in Antioch. Jason here may be the same as from Thessalonica in Acts 17:5-9. Sosipater, a name that means of a safe father, is a proper name. It isn't seen this way again in the New Testament, though I've read several commentaries that link this Sosipater with Sopater of Berea in Acts 20:4. I don't see anything definitive to say whether or not that is the same man, but we are told that Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater are Paul's kinsmen. All the Greek references agree that the word "kinsmen" could mean a blood relation or fellow countryman. It's the same word as in verse 7.
The way the language is used of being brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ makes me wonder if Paul is telling us these men and woman are apostles of the grace of God along with him. If some of these names are those we've seen before, the concept of a fellow countryman doesn't make sense. Jason was in Thessalonica and Lucius in Antioch of Syria. There is the possibility that these were all Jews before and came to believe in the gospel of God's grace through Jesus Christ. Just something to think about, but not to spend too much time on.
Romans 16:22
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
God never spares details. He saw it important to include the writer of this epistle and inspired Tertius to pen his name in this verse. Clearly a believer, Tertius sends his salutations to the saints in Rome. Take a moment and think about this man with me. The name may indicate birth order, as many Romans were given numbers for names, which would make this man the number three. It may indicate that he was born in the third month. Regardless, I wanted to draw attention to the fact that no job is too small in the eyes of God. Tertius wrote this epistle from Paul's dictation, which was inspired of the Holy Spirit. God wanted him recognized for that, forever putting Tertius in the bible. No ministry is too small. We all have different offices in the Body of Christ, but God values them all. Therefore, whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men (Col 3:23).
Romans 16:23
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
Even the host of Paul during this time gets his name mentioned. The name Gaius was very common in Rome. It's possible that this is the same man as in Acts 19:29, but most likely the one in 1 Cor 1:14 if they aren't the same man. This Gaius is noted as having hosted not just Paul, but the whole local assembly. This man must have been a good leader in the faith, or at the very least, willing to provide his home for a place to gather.
Lastly, we have Erastus and Quartus mentioned. By no means should these names be overlooked either. Both of them are believers and must be celebrating new life with Jesus Christ in Heaven as I write this. Erastus had a special job which is translated as chamberlain here. It could also be translated as steward, as the Greek word is oikonomos. This is similar to the word which is translated as dispensation in Paul's epistles, like Ephesians 3:1, but that word is oikonomia. Similar, but different only in the sense that one is in the feminine and one in the masculine. Oikonomos combines oikos (house, household) and nemo (allot, apportion), and is a word that defines a steward, or literally a household manager [1]. Erastus was in charge of the whole city, and to the glory of God, he was a believer. The way the text is written, Quartus may have been Erastus' brother. The Greek has a definite article, so it is Quartus the brother. Either way, this man was another believer and God wanted him recognized.
Think about that again. This is the inspired word of God (2 Tim 3:16). We just read of several names and positions they held in the Body of Christ. God wanted these names of His faithful in scripture for us to learn from (2 Tim 3:17). What can we apply about it today? Like I already alluded to, no job is too large or small for God to recognize. In fact, it seems to Him they are all equally important, from the washing of feet to the steward of a city. I see God as doting upon these individuals for being faithful where they were at. So we should ask ourselves. How are we doing where we are at? If God were to put our name in the bible, how would it be described? Would it be like one of these here that are saluting one another? Or would it be toward the opposite end of the spectrum, like Alexander the coppersmith or Hymanaeus (2 Tim 4:14, 1 Tim 1:19-20)? How about Phygellus and Hermogenes who turned away from Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (2 Tim 1:15)? Wouldn't you rather it be something like we read here, or my favorite, like Hebrews 11:38a? Let us be zealous for those good works God has given us (Eph 2:10, Titus 2:14), and allow Him to dote upon us! What greater reward could we have than to enter into Heaven and hear from God Himself how pleased He was because of our faith?
Romans 16:24
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Even this verse shouldn't be overlooked. Sure, it's short and simple, but think of the depth that is here. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Is this not a reference to the gospel given to Paul? This phrase is also a token of his epistles as we see in 2 Thess 3:17, that Paul himself pens these words, giving his authority as apostle to it. Paul regularly had his epistles dictated and written by another. This epistles was written by Tertius as we read in verse 22. Additionally, this verse is a reminder of the age we live in. We're in God's grace, where He did all the work for us through Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Today, anyone who believes in that finished work will have a guaranteed place in Heaven, regardless of what works are carried out on this earth (1 Cor 15:1-4, Eph 2:8-9). This is different than before, under the gospel of the circumcision, where works were required for salvation (Acts 2:38, 10:35).
This is something interesting that I've been pondering. We can learn something from the priesthood of Israel and the fact that Jesus is the high priest (Heb 2:17, 3:1, 4:14-16, etc.). Remember, after Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, He sat down at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33-34). He had to stand again at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:55). Right now He is seated once more (Eph 1:20, 2:6). Why do I point this out? Because when the priest was standing, there was work to be done. He only sat down when the work was finished. Jesus finished His work on the cross, proclaiming "it is finished" (John 19:30). After His resurrection, He told the 12 apostles to take the gospel of the circumcision to the nations and ascended to Heaven to sit (Matt 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:46-52, Acts 1:6-9). Israel was concluded in unbelief when they rejected the Holy Spirit, and we see Jesus standing when they stoned Stephen, who was full of the Holy Ghost (Acts 6:3, 5, 7:51,55). By God's grace, He initiated the gospel of His grace in Acts 13:2, and at some later point, must have been seated again. Friends, I believe the next time He stands will be to come call us home to be with Him in Heaven (1 Thess 4:13-18, 2 Thess 2:1-3). I think this because there is nothing else to be penned in God's word on this earth (Col 1:25). Grace is the last age before the culmination of the things to come, and that day will come without necessary delay. Each time I see a verse like this, it reminds me that this age we're living in could end at any moment. So, again I say, keep looking up!
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Here is one of several times where Paul makes the claim of "his" gospel. I've gone over many times why it is referred to this way. Paul was the one commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself with this message of reconciliation (Gal 1:11-12). He was made the apostle to the Gentiles by Jesus Christ (Rom 11:13, Gal 1:1). It was doctrine committed only to him, and is most definitely separate from that of the 12 (Gal 2:7). Further, we have clarification here that neither the 12 nor the Old Testament prophets had any idea of this doctrine coming. It was "kept secret since the world began." It was "hid in God" from the beginning of the world (Eph 3:9). God makes it very clear that Paul's message is different, and that's why God tells us to prove the things that differ and rightly divide the word of truth (Phil 1:10, 2 Tim 2:15). There is the gospel of the uncircumcision, committed to Paul, also called the revelation of the mystery, and there is the gospel of the circumcision, committed to Peter, also called the gospel of the kingdom as it refers to Israel's earthly kingdom.
Israel was concluded in unbelief so that God could have mercy upon all as we saw in chapter 11 of this epistle. Israel had not been obeying the so-called Great Commission, as they were preaching to none but the Jews only (Acts 11:19). I have started to question why we make such a big deal of this commission and not the commission of Matthew 10 (also Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6) and Luke 10:1-12. Those were also great commissions, though they were for none but the Jews only. After Jesus finished His work on the cross, then he sent out His apostles to the nations and included the Gentiles to be recipients of the gospel of the kingdom. But again, we read they went to none but the Jews only, and the result is the concluding of Israel in unbelief so that God can have mercy upon all. That's what triggered in this age of grace, this gospel given to the apostle Paul, to preach salvation by faith apart from works. This is the gospel we are to obey until that blessed day when He calls us home to Heaven to be with Him forever.
The Greek of this verse includes a definite article for the gospel. It reads funny in the English, but the emphasis is there. A bit more modern literal translation is, "Now to Him that is able to strengthen you according to my the gospel..." The only other thing to point out in the Greek is the phrase "since the world began." It literally says "according to the revealing of mystery having been kept secret in eternal ages." The word "world" doesn't actually appear here, but the concept is still clear. This verse is just half of the full thought to be expressed. It will be finished in the next two verses.
Romans 16:26
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
The gospel of grace committed to Paul was kept secret in eternal ages, but now is made manifest. We know it now because God allowed Paul to bring the message to the world. God commanded it to be brought to the world, and we can see that in Acts 13:2. We read here that it was made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. God told His people how they ought to live as saints, but again, will not force anything upon us. We have the choice to make every day.
Note that phrase "by the scriptures of the prophets." This gospel was made manifest through the scriptures of the prophets. I ask again, was this through Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel? No, of course not. These great men of God had passed on many years before the gospel of the grace of God was given to the apostle Paul. No, these prophets are the prophets of grace, prophets that are contemporary with Paul. Paul was one himself, but he encouraged other saints to seek to be prophets as it was an important spiritual gift (1 Cor 12:28-30, 14:1). Even though prophecy was a spiritual gift to be desire as it was edifying to all (1 Cor 14:3-6, 22-24), it was something that has now faded away because we have the full word of God (Col 1:25, 1 Cor 13:8).
The Greek starts of with "de nyn," something I've explored several times before, but will point out again how emphatic this is. The gospel of grace is now and presently made manifest to the world. The same word that was translated "everlasting" was used in verse 25 in the phrase "since the world began." I had put down the more literal translation of "having been kept secret in eternal ages" and here we have the "eternal God." The KJV has "for the obedience of faith," but the preposition is "eis" so it has the meaning of "to the point of obedience of faith." The entire gospel was made manifest so that all men could come to that knowledge of the truth and please God in all things.
Romans 16:27
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen
Glory and praise be the everlasting God! What a wonderful and amazing gift He has given us in Christ! Yes, praise the Lord and glory to Him through Jesus Christ for ever! The Greek is literally translated, "To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, the glory to the ages of the ages." Amen to that!
References
HELPS Word-studies [1]
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