Romans - Chapter 16
16:1-16 Encouraging people.
Paul has some surprises for his readers at times. He concludes the book of his letter to the Romans with a personal series of greetings which show a number of things he intends to do.
There has been much debate over the centuries about this last chapter most of which is centered around the idea that the apostle could not have known so many people in a church he had never visited. There have been more than a few suggestions that this letter was actually a second letter to the church at Ephesus. But overall, wisdom has generally allowed the letter to stand in the Bible as a letter to Rome.
Phoebe, who will deliver the letter, is warmly commended as she makes her journey to Rome expecting to enjoy the normal hospitality given to believers who travel from church to church. Here she is described as “sister”, “servant”, “saint”, and “helper”.
The co-workers of the apostle, Priscilla and Aquila, are said to have braved danger with Paul and in verse 4 Paul says they risked themselves to save his life. The fact that Priscilla is almost always mentioned first when the couple is shown may be a reference to her high social status, or possibly her position as a gifted helper in the ministry.
It seems clear that some of the believers are of Jewish origin and likely knew Christ before Paul came onto their scene. Others mentioned had cared for him and possibly shared prison with him. All were strongly appreciated.
16:17-20 Giving attention to problems.
He takes steps to warn the believers in Rome about the possibility of people moving into the fellowship with false or perverted doctrine delivered expertly and with less than honorable motives. He refers to these people as those who “deceive” and cause “division” and who “serve their own belly”. These are regarded as agents of Satan and should be avoided. Under no circumstance are the believers to be afraid of these people, for they will not ultimately prevail for the God of peace will crush them. Here the lesson is as strong for Rome as it is for us.
That Satan is real is true. But he is on a short leash held by God and is not in control of himself. We are not to ignore him, but Paul has written fully in the letter to Ephesus how we are to overcome his temptations using the whole armor of God.
16:21-27 Giving glory to God.
We have seen great themes of salvation unfold in Romans. The church in Rome is instructed to be members who spread the gospel to all who will listen. This effort will require great strength and willingness but God would not call them to this task unless he was able to “establish” them in order to do His will. They must look up continually to Him and see in the gospel and the preaching of Jesus the revelation of the mystery of grace and faith. The strength of the message to them is that God has intervened into human history and has called people of faith and obedience to Christ. He has assured that He will strengthen them for the task ahead.
He is the one who intervened. His was the wisdom that devised the glorious blending of grace, mercy, and justice. It was His Son who died and it was His power that then raised Him from the dead. It is His hand that commands the Holy Spirit to reach each one saved and to indwell each one. It is only through Him that a redeemed believer lives a life that honors God and crushes Satan.
Therefore to Him does all glory belong.
