Romans 16

Grace and peace to you all,

Well, we have arrived at the end of Romans. I trust that everything from 1:1 to 16:27 has been as challenging to you as it has been to me. My personal walk, my family, and my ministry have been affected deeply by my study in Romans. Thank the Lord for His Word and It's power to change lives.

The memory passage for Romans 16 is:
Romans 16:17-18, 25-27 (ESV)
¹⁷ I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. ¹⁸ 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 naive.
²⁵ 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 ²⁶ 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— ²⁷ to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

The outline theme for Romans 16 is Righteous Obedience of Faith.

This chapter contains the longest list of personal greetings in any of Paul's writings. He addresses 26 people by name and refers to others. After reading these 16 verses, I can't help but see the deep, personal connections Paul had with the church in Rome. He was not just an itinerate evangelist passing through town, but a true pastor at heart. Although Paul's ministry was not, could not be, the long-term shepherding of an individual flock, his heart still beat with prayers for those he loved in all the churches he visited.

Priscila and Aquila are the only ones mentioned in this list that are certainly named elsewhere in the New Testament. This couple clearly had a profound impact on the life andministryy of Paul. The first person mentioned, Pheobe, is described as a sister, servant, and patron. In some future study I would like to explore the ministry of Pheobe and her example for all women.

After the list of personal greetings, Paul couldn't resist just one more teaching point. 17-20 contain a last warning and encouragement. Watch out for trouble-makers who 'cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught'. These people are self-seeking and deceive the weak-hearted. He acknowledges their obedience and encourages them to continue to be wise in good, innocent in evil, and steadfast in the certain victory of God over Satan.

Paul then sends greeting to the believers in Rome from those who are with him in Corinth. I'm struck by the way he describes Timothy as 'my fellow worker'. Not 'my protege' or 'student' or 'employee', but simply 'my fellow worker'. A shining example of 'not thinking more highly of yourself than you ought' (12:3).

The Romans benediction is filled with all the doctrine and mystery of the letter. God is able to strengthen you by the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to the mystery that is now revealed and according to the verycommandd of God 'to bring about the obedience of faith'. If the righteousness of God is the main theme of Romans, the obedience of faith is the sub-theme.

How does this affect my worship?
I can only imagine the worship that took place in these fellowships. The church appears so interlocked and connected. While they were not without controversy or trouble-makers, they seemed united with one voice in worship (15:6). I wonder what the worship in a body of believers who are united by more than just convenience or proximity looks like? A true unified voice in accord with Christ Jesus proclaiming His worthiness, praising His righteous name, and worshiping in the beauty of His holiness. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

How does this affect my discipleship?
How do we attain connectedness and unity? How do we 'let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we are called to peace'? (Col 3:15) I believe that if the church is filled with a network of discipleship-minded people who have eyes for disciple-making, are equipped with tools for disciple-making, and are actively seeking disciple-making we can get closer. But it starts with obedience to His command and adherence to His Gospel. And we can rest in knowing that He will be with us always, 'to the end of the age'.

To the only wise God be glory forevermore in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Ethan