Romans: To the Only Wise God Be Glory

Romans 16:1-27

Paul’s three missionary journeys and over 10,000 miles of travel took him to important cities in the Roman Empire—Jerusalem, Antioch, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus, among others. In these cities, he met many Christians whose business and travels brought them to Rome—the heart of the empire. Although Paul had not visited Rome before writing his letter to the church there, he knew people living in Rome and mentioned many of them as he concluded his letter. Twenty-six individuals are named, along with references to several others. I’ll let you read through the full list on your own. Let me highlight a few people.  

The Church
Phoebe. Phoebe lived in Cenchreae, a seaport a few miles east of Corinth. She was a servant in the church there. The word translated as "servant” is the Greek word diakonos, from which we get the word “deacon.” Whether or not she held an official position, we don’t know, but she was a strong believer. The word translated as "patron” (Grk: protatisi) can also mean “protectress.” No doubt, this dedicated believer helped many people, including Paul. Phoebe was on her way to Rome and delivered Paul’s letter to the Christians there (Rom. 16:1-2). 

Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila. This couple fled from Rome when Claudius expelled all Jews from the city (Acts 18:18). Paul met them in Corinth during his second missionary journey and worked alongside them as a tentmaker. They traveled with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus, where he stayed with them for a while (Acts 18:19). When Paul wrote this letter, they were in Rome and hosted a church meeting in their home (Rom. 16:3-5a). Later, they returned to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:19). Paul states that this couple “risked their necks for my life” (Rom. 16:4). 

Andronicus and Junia. It’s interesting to note that these two were “fellow prisoners” with Paul. They were also “well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ” before Paul (Rom. 16:7). 

Tertius. This is the person who “wrote this letter” (Rom. 16:22). That means he wrote down the words Paul spoke. I wonder about a few things. First, did Tertius ever have to stop and ask Paul to repeat himself? Second, did he ever pause and ask, “What exactly do you mean by that?” Finally, could Tertius truly understand the deep truths of this letter as he wrote it out? What a privilege it must have been for Tertius to be a scribe for the apostle Paul! 

Again, the list is long. As you read it, be sure to observe the way Paul describes these believers: “fellow workers in Christ” (Rom. 16:3, 9, 12), “who has worked hard for you” (Rom. 16:6), “my fellow prisoners” (Rom. 16:7), “my beloved in the Lord” (Rom. 16:8, 9), “approved in Christ” (Rom. 16:10), “chosen in the Lord” (Rom. 16:13). 

Guard the Church
Paul loved the church and the believers who formed the small house churches scattered throughout Rome. He knew each community was vulnerable, as one person with malicious intentions could destroy the Body. 

So, Paul made this appeal: “Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught….” (Rom. 16:17a). Now, how should one respond to a person or people who teach false doctrine, who are determined to cause divisions and create obstacles? Maybe we should embrace them and show compassion. Maybe we should invite them in and reason with them. Absolutely not! Paul says that we should “avoid them” (Rom. 16:17b). He explains, “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve” (Rom. 16:18). People who are trying to destroy the church by creating division, chaos, and teaching false doctrine should be avoided, ignored, and dismissed. 

Paul concludes his personal instructions with this:

Romans 16:19-20
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

So, we conclude our study of Romans. What a life-changing book! Paul begins by emphasizing the power of the gospel to transform our lives (Rom. 1:1-17). He then explains why we need this “news of victory.” We are sinners to our very core—there is no one righteous, not even one (Rom. 1:18-3:20). However, God provided the remedy. When we were dead in our sins, Jesus died for our sins so we could be set free. God poured out the punishment for our sins on Jesus; therefore, our debt has been paid in full (Rom. 3:21-5:21). Now, once we accept this new life in Christ, we can grow and enjoy our relationship with God, knowing that nothing will ever separate us from his love. God foreknew us, chose us, called us, justified us, and will glorify us (Rom. 6-8). We have confidence in him because he is the sovereign God who does all things well (Rom. 9-11). And this great God teaches us how to live in the world and with other believers (Rom. 12-16). 

Let’s review the words of J. I. Packer.

All roads in the Bible lead to Romans, and all the views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans, and when the message of Romans gets into a person’s heart there is no telling what may happen.[1]

I pray the book of Romans reaches into your heart. It’s a theologically rich book that encourages deeper study.  

The Doxology
There is only one way to end this time: by reciting Paul’s hymn of praise. This is how Paul ends his book, and it should also guide how we live our lives. 

Romans 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 16:1-27. Focus on the hymn of praise in the last three verses. Read different versions to help you gain insight.

Talking to God: Who are the “faithful people” God has placed in your story — and how can you thank or encourage them this week?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're glad to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

On November 3, we will start our nine-week study of The Revelation. Invite a friend to join us as we explore the prophecies about the end times and what this book has to say for us today.