Romans 16:17-27
Q.1. How should those who undermine the orthodox faith be treated? What is the motivation behind such phonies? Why doesn’t God expose such people? How can we protect ourselves against them? – (Rom.16:17-20)
The Nicene Creed (A.D. 325) is the confession of faith endorsed by all orthodox Christians. In the Book of Romans, Paul had given the most comprehensive explanation of the Gospel of salvation. He denounced all who departed from the orthodox faith (Gal.1:6-9). Here, he urged the believers to – keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned and turn away from them (Rom.16:17). Dissensions place the focus on a philosophical debate. God wants us to be focused on our relationship with Him. Such false teachers were to be noted and then avoided, because they made it very difficult for people to find the truth. (Rom.16:18). Paul expressed his confidence in the Roman church but warned them – … to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil (Rom.16:19). There will be a time in the End times, when – the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (Rom.16:20). In the meantime, Paul called the leaders to shepherd the flock and to teach believers to be wise about whose teaching they would believe.
Q.2. Why did Paul include several benedictions? Who wrote down the book of Romans? What do we learn about Paul’s team? – (Rom.16:20-24 c.f. Rom.1:1; 15:33; 16:27)
Though Paul was the inspiration for the Book of Romans, it was written by a scribe named Tertius (Rom.1:1 c.f. Rom.16:22). This was slow work, and it seems that Paul had decided to close the letter, but then remembered other concerns that he wanted to address. This warning and benediction added a huge blessing to the letter. A review of who Paul’s companions were, reveals that the Gospel impacted people from all walks of society. He worked with Gentiles such as Timothy, and also kinsmen from Israel’s ranks (Rom.16:21). Tertius was an educated man, and Erastus the city treasurer (Rom.16:22-23). Paul prayed that the Romans would continue to stand in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom.16:24).
Q.3. What gave Paul confidence that his converts would persevere? What did he mean by his reference to the mystery? Was it previously revealed? Why did he share it with the Romans? – (Rom.16:25-27)
Paul had worked tirelessly for the Gospel and was aware that false teachers abounded (c.f. Rom.16:17-18). However, he had confidence in the sovereign Head of the church, that He – … is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ (Rom.16:25). Paul’s copious quotations from the Old Testament Scriptures showed that the Gospel was not new (c.f. Rom.4:7-8, 17-18; 9:15, 25-29; 10:20; 11:8-10, 26-27; 15:9-12, 21). However, the people of Israel, including Jesus’ own disciples, had been blind to the Truth. It was necessary for Jesus to open their hearts to the Truth (Lk.24:25-27; 44-47). That is what Paul was saying here, when he wrote that it was – 25 according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith (Rom.16:25-26). He was expounding the Gospel, based on the Old Testament revelation from the prophets. As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul declared that it – has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith (Rom.16:26). It is not surprising that he confessed his wonder – to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever (Rom.16:27). The Gospel starts with God, and it ends with God. How glad we should be that He included us in His family forever.