Rom. 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
“infirmities” = a scruple of conscience
The wording of the NLT states it more clearly: We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong.
Again, the concern of a believer with strong faith should also reflect a desire to encourage and strengthen the one who that is weaker in fait—even if it requires one to deny oneself personal pleasure or gratification in the process. It’s a matter of having the right priorities and loving your neighbor as yourself.
Rom. 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
I like the CJB translation of this verse: Each of us should please his neighbor and act for his good, thus building him up.
The Greek for the word please referenced making yourself agreeable. This statement is applicable to “every one” who is a believer. Both the weak and the strong in faith should have the mindset of strengthening the body of Christ through their words and actions. To strengthen one believer is to strengthen the body.
Rom. 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Written where?
Psalm 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
Christ didn’t live so as to bring Himself personal glory. His desire was to do the will of the Father and glorify the Father.
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Jesus suffered the reproach of men because He was acting in obedience to His Father. By rejecting His Son, they were rejecting God.
Rom. 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
This is a beautiful explanation of the purpose of the Word of God. It was written for our learning, to give us understanding. In the pages of scripture we are shown the character of God through His dealings with nations and individuals—principally Israel and the Jews. That understanding should strengthen us to have patience and endurance and should comfort us through the trials of life as we confidently look forward to the rest of His word/prophecies/promises being fulfilled. Our life is but a vapor. Nothing touches the child of God that He does not allow for “good” according to His purposes. Our future is secure in the presence of God. He is coming again!!
Rom. 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Rom. 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Again, I like the wording of the CJB.
And may God, the source of encouragement and patience, give you the same attitude among yourselves as the Messiah Yeshua had, so that with one accord and with one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
As a mom, I know I have sometimes felt like I had run out of patience. There have been times in my life when I have given in to self-pity and discouragement. As believers, God is the source from which we are to draw patience, comfort and encouragement. His supply is never-ending. We have no excuse for “running out.” We have no excuse for “giving up.”
Evidently patience and encouragement are keys to establishing “likemindedness” among the brethren, and Christ exhibited a clear example of such a lifestyle. If we would but stop and think, we know this to be true. When we choose to exercise patience and be an encourager, we facilitate harmony and unity in the “church.” When we are focused on self and exhibit lack of patience without regard to what others think or need, we promote division in the “church.”
Unity of spirit is key to a powerful testimony before the world of unbelievers. I know I have used this scripture before, but it is a clear statement of this truth out of the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 17:20-23 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
It is a very sad statement of fact that today many pagan religions are more united and fervent in their commitment to their “gods” than the church is to God Almighty.
Verse 6 is a clear refutation of the Islamic belief that God has no Son. Scripture is full of the truth of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Scripture is either true or it isn’t. It is either God’s word or it isn’t. You can’t just accept the portions you like. Your eternal future will be decided by your acceptance or rejection of its truth.
Before leaving this verse, I think it is important to note that we are not just to glorify God in our minds, but also with our mouths. We are to be vocal about our faith. We are to share that faith with others.
Rom. 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Reminder, this is a word of exhortation to the body of believers. We are to receive each other with unconditional love just as Christ received us. Why? To bring glory to God the Father first and foremost. Any time we act so as to glorify God we are also acting so as to benefit the body of Christ and in benefit of self.
The Greek for the word receive references “admitting to friendship and hospitality.” The Greek for the word glory is a reference to showing “praise and worship.” When we honor the body of Christ through fellowship with one another and meeting each other’s needs, we are actually praising and worshipping God.
Rom. 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
Jesus was very clear that He had come to minister to the house of Israel, the Jews, the circumcision.
Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
This truth was important since it was directly connected to God’s promises made to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). The prophets were full of promises of the coming Messiah, and the Jewish people were eager for Him to come.
Genesis 22:15-18 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
In covenant with David:
2Samuel 7:10-13 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
In revelation to Daniel:
Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
The sad truth is that their expectation of Him was so different from the reality that they rejected Him.
Rom. 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Rom. 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Rom. 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Rom. 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Even though Christ had come the first time in direct fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob, the plan of God always included the salvation of the Gentile nations. Paul quotes from several Old Testament scriptures in support of this truth.
Verse 9 - Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Verse 10 - Deuteronomy 32:43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
1Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Verse 11 - Psalm 117:1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
Verse 12 - Isaiah 11:1-2 & 10-11 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD….And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
The NIV Commentary made note of the fact that there is a natural progression from Israel praising God before the nations to the nations praising God with Israel to the nations praising God independently. When the Gentiles reach the point of praising God, it will be because they recognize His mercy and compassion in providing for them. That recognition will include the truth that that provision came through the nation of Israel according to God’s original promise to Abraham.
Rom. 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Paul now gives expression to a wonderful prayer of blessing for this body of believers. The word hope is not a reference to wishful thinking; it is a reference to confident expectation and anticipated pleasure. The word fill is a reference to being crammed full to the point of overflowing. Note that God is the source of all the blessings referenced in this prayer. His supply to His children is limitless. It’s through our knowledge of who HE IS that we can be confident in His word. Our hope, joy and peace are dependent on our faith in Him. And He doesn’t leave us without help in the area of faith; He has given us the Holy Ghost, His very own Spirit, to empower us and strengthen our faith so that our hope is more than sufficient to repel the attack of the enemy as we live in anticipation of our eternity with Him according to all His promises.
Rom. 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
As Paul begins to close his letter to the Romans, he gives some words of encouragement. Paul expresses confidence in these believers in three specific areas:
They are full of goodness. – I think Paul is saying that he believes their hearts’ desires are for things that are good and beneficial for the body of Christ.
They are filled with all knowledge. – The Greek for the word all is a reference to being complete or whole. The context would reflect a knowledge base concerning what is good. God’s character and His word have to be the source of that knowledge, and in that regard they have been well taught.
They are able to admonish one another. – Based on the previous two observations, Paul is confident that they are qualified to admonish (caution, gently reprove) one another. This would be an action of love on the part of the one giving the admonishment. It shows a concern for the individual as well as for the whole body of Christ. This takes us back to verse 7 where we learned that those types of actions are an expression of praise and worship to God.
Rom. 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
Rom. 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
“Nevertheless” – In spite of these areas of strength, you were in need of words of reminder and correction.
“brethren” – Paul is reminding them that he is one of their brothers in Christ; they are all part of the same spiritual family.
“boldly” = more daringly, with greater confidence than otherwise
Why is Paul so comfortable in asserting himself so strongly to this body of believers? Because of the grace given him by God. The Greek for the word grace is reference to “the divine influence on the heart.” God had personally instructed Paul to serve the Gentiles by teaching them about Jesus Christ, the good news of God’s provision for the salvation of mankind through His Son. God’s gospel would also include teaching about how to live in accordance with God’s will and His Word. The Gentiles become acceptable to God by accepting the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son, and are sanctified (purified, made more holy) through the teaching and direction of the Holy Spirit as they seek to grow in their relationship to God through submission and obedience to His will.
Rom. 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
I like the wording of the CJB for this verse: In union with the Messiah Yeshua, then, I have reason to be proud of my service to God….
Key point: We never have a reason to glory in any action that is done in our own flesh. Any action that we take apart from the leading and empowerment of the Spirit that is ours through Jesus Christ is done with the wrong motive.
I think this is a source of real struggle for today’s Christian. Our culture is so obsessed with self and glorifying the individual. We are also a society that wants instant gratification and has little patience with people or processes. Abraham and Sarah at least waited ten years before attempting to intervene with their own efforts in “helping” God fulfill His promise to them. Just like Abraham and Sarah, we are quick to justify our actions by linking them to God’s Word and what we deem to be His will. I can’t help but wonder how much in our churches today is done according to the will, timing and provision of man vs. the will, timing and provision of God. I believe many of these church leaders love the Lord but have been deceived in their hearts because of their own impatience and/or pride. Churches today operate according to business and marketing principles. Prayer as an effective means of seeking God’s provision has become secondary. We say “Where God guides, He provides,” but we act as if He needs our help in providing.
Rom. 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Rom. 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Paul rejoiced in being a messenger, a vessel through whom Christ could touch the heart of the Gentiles. He was a messenger in word and deed; his actions were in accordance with his message. Paul was a vessel through whom the Holy Spirit worked mighty signs and wonders (miracles) to reach the unbelieving Gentiles. Paul gloried only as he knew that God had been able to minister to the unbelieving world through him as an obedient and submissive servant.
Jesus and the apostles in particular had ministries that were accompanied by signs and wonders to validate the truth of their teaching. God used signs and wonders to affirm His prophets in the Old Testament and continued their use in affirming the message of His apostles in the church.
Exodus 7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.
Ezekiel 24:27 In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Acts 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people….
1Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not….
He will again make use of signs and wonders as the time for the second coming of Jesus nears.
Acts 2:19-20 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come….
Illyricum = area of today’s Croatia, Bosnia, Yugoslavia, Albania
Rom. 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
Rom. 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Verse 21 seems to be another quote from Isaiah.
Isaiah 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider [understand].
Paul is a pioneer man. His desire was to take the gospel message to as many places as he could to reach the lost—places that had never even heard of Christ. He was not saying that it is wrong to build on the ministry started by someone else; he’s just saying that his heart was to lay as many foundations as possible. The quote from Isaiah was precious to Paul’s heart in that it declared the heart of God toward the Gentile nations, and he was eager to be the vessel used in sharing God’s love with those nations.
Rom. 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
Rom. 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Rom. 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
It is Paul’s priority in getting the gospel message out to as many unbelieving Gentile nations as possible that has hindered him from coming to see the body of believers in Rome.
“these parts” – Most commentators agree that the letter to the Romans was written by Paul from Corinth. According to verse 23, Paul had almost completed his ministry in Corinth and was planning to head to Spain after a trip to Jerusalem (according to the verses that follow). On his way to Spain his plan was to stop off in Rome. According to scripture (Acts 24-28), we know that Paul was taken to Rome from Jerusalem as a prisoner. It seems that he never made it to Spain, at least in light of revealed scripture.
Rom. 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
Rom. 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
Rom. 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
Paul was headed to Jerusalem to deliver financial contributions from the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Evidently the church at Jerusalem was poor. They felt a responsibility to the church in Jerusalem, because that knew that they were indebted to that body of believers for being willing to send out the apostles to share the gospel with the rest of the world. They couldn’t send a gift as precious as the gospel they received from the saints at Jerusalem, but they could at least help them financially to ease their material needs.
Macedonia – the area north of the Greek peninsula
Achaia – the area of southern Greece
Rom. 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
Rom. 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Paul is reiterating his priorities and wants to personally be the one to deliver this financial gift to the Jerusalem saints. After that, he will head to Rome. Paul seemed sure that he would see the saints in Rome and that the preaching of the gospel message would result in great blessing and glory to God in Rome. Paul was so right, but little did he know how circumstances would be much different than he envisioned.
That is really a wonderful and important truth to grasp. We are to be submissive and obedient to God’s will for us with the realization that the expectation may differ greatly from the reality of what may be required of us in the process. God’s way will always produce the greatest results—for His glory, for the benefit of the church and for the individual.
Rom. 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
Rom. 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
Rom. 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Paul closes his letter to the Romans with a prayer request. I thought it was interesting that he used the phrase “strive together with me in your prayers.” Paul knew the power of prayer and the reality of the warfare the believer is constantly facing from the enemy and his forces. Although he is asking prayer for himself, he wants those prayers to be in the name of Jesus and according to what will honor Him and according to their love for Paul as a fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. It is also of note that prayer is to be directed to the Father. Paul’s request is specific.
He wants protection from the ones in Judea who have rejected Jesus; this is a prayer for physical safety.
He wants the saints to accept the gift he has for them graciously. I think this stems from the fact that there was a strained relationship with the Jewish body of believers in Jerusalem and the Gentile bodies of believers elsewhere regarding what should be required of the Gentile believers regarding circumcision and other areas associated with Jewish religious practices.
He wants to come to Rome with joy (a result of a mission successfully completed) and according to God’s will.
He wants to receive physical and spiritual refreshment while in Rome.
Rom. 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Paul closes his prayer with a blessing—That the God of peace be with you all. We know that God is with the body of believers at all times in the person of the Holy Spirit. But we all need reminded of that continually. I think peace is one of the most coveted blessings from the Lord. When we have our focus on God and have His peace in our hearts, we can face anything He allows to touch us, whether from the world or the enemy, because we are trusting in Him. Our confidence is in Him. Our security is in Him. Our strength is in Him. And HE NEVER FAILS.
Rom. 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Rom. 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.
Cenchrea = the seaport for the city of Corinth.
As Paul closes his letter, he begins to send greetings to specific people. Phebe is a sister in the faith who is evidently on the way to Rome since Paul asks the believers there to receive her in the Lord. It would be logical to conclude that she is delivering this letter from Paul to the church at Rome. Paul not only describes Phebe as a fellow believer, but as a servant of the church. The Greek for the word servant is a reference to a deacon/deaconess. Although women were not to usurp the authority of men in the church, there were obviously female leaders needed to operate under the authority of the men, especially in ministry to other women. Paul’s recommendation of Phebe indicates that she was one to be trusted and her friendship desired. Evidently Phebe’s business in Rome would require some assistance, and Paul was urging the body of believers there to provide her the help that she needed. Not only had Phebe been of great help to Paul, she was known for helping many in the body of Christ.
I would love to be known as a Phebe.
Rom. 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Rom. 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.
Paul had met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth according to Acts 18. They had moved to Corinth from Rome when Claudius commanded all Jews to leave Rome (Acts 18:2). Like Paul, they were tentmakers. They traveled on to Ephesus with Paul after he left Corinth. Evidently, they had since been able to return to Rome.
This couple seemed to work in great harmony together both in the home and in ministry. They are acknowledged as teachers of Apollos, a man who had established a reputation as an effective speaker, but who needed more complete instruction in “the ways of God” (Acts 18:26). I found a quote from Spurgeon regarding this couple: “When two loving hearts pull together they accomplish wonders.”
While in Ephesus, Paul faced great opposition from many of the merchants of that town whose businesses were dependent upon the worship of Diana. His ministry was evidently producing such results as to make quite a negative impact on their profits. It might have been during Paul’s time in Ephesus that Priscilla and Aquila protected him at their peril. Paul is very grateful for the ministry and commitment of this couple, not only to him, but also to all the churches of the Gentiles. We know of their specific ministry to the churches in Rome, Corinth and Ephesus; but we also know that they had part in the ministry to other churches through their investment in Apollos and probably others who took the gospel and the ways of God to other Gentiles.
Rom. 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Priscilla and Aquila allowed their home to be used as the physical meeting place for a body of believers in Rome. It seems that they gave of their all in their service to God.
Achaia was the region in which Corinth is located in Greece. Epaenetus was evidently one of Paul’s first converts in the area. I think every person to whom one is privileged to lead to faith in Christ is “wellbeloved” by the messenger; but often we have a special soft spot for “firsts” in our life experience.
Rom. 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Rom. 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.
Mary is obviously a very popular name of that time. This Mary, much like Mary Magdalene, was a willing servant of the Lord in ministry to Paul and his companions.
Andronicus and Junia are identified as Paul’s kinsmen (relatives by blood or fellow Jews) and fellowprisoners. Paul notes that they accepted the Savior before he did. (I wonder if they ever felt threatened by Saul the persecutor before he became Paul the apostle.) These believers had evidently been imprisoned with Paul at some point because of their testimony for the Lord, but the scripture does not provide us the circumstances. Their reputation was one of great respect among the apostles.
Rom. 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
Rom. 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Rom. 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.
Rom. 16:11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Rom. 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Rom. 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Rom. 16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
Rom. 16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
As Paul continues to send greetings, it is obvious that he has made many friends throughout his journey that have ended up in the city of Rome. This group of believers does not appear to be referenced elsewhere in scripture. Of note is the fact that Paul treasured the friendship of those who had assisted him in ministry, both men and women. He describes them as beloved, approved in Christ, and laborers in the Lord.
In looking for further information regarding these people, I made note that some believe verse 11 is a reference to Narcissus as an unbeliever, but who had many in his house who were believers.
Paul again references a kinsman, Herodion (v11), and then his mother (v13). I tend to think that those identified as kinsmen are his blood relatives. The commentators will reference Philippians 3:8 to affirm that Paul had no family connections still intact. I’m just not sure I concur with that conclusion.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ….
Rufus is mentioned as the son of Simon the Cyrene, the man who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus, in Mark 15. There is no proof, however, that this is the same man. The mother of Rufus was either a good friend of Paul’s mother, or enjoyed such a relationship with Paul that he considered her his mom as well. (That is a relationship I like to foster with younger women to whom I feel I can contribute to their lives in some way.)
David Guzik gave some information about a man named Nereus that was interesting:
“In 95 A.D. two distinguished Romans were condemned for being Christians. The husband was executed and the wife was banished. The name of their chief servant was Nereus - this may be the same Nereus mentioned here and he may be the one who brought the gospel to them.”
Verses 14 and 15 appear to be referencing different groups of people, which would fit in with the idea of the home churches in that culture. How Paul came to know all these people will be an interesting bit of trivia to learn in eternity.
The NIV Commentary had an interesting side note.
“In summary, two observations concerning the greetings should be made, especially since the church at Rome eventually became the strongest in all Christendom. (1) Several of these names appear in inscriptions at Rome in reference to slaves of the imperial household. If many of Paul’s acquaintances were actually slaves, this may seem a rather inauspicious beginning for an influential church. But slaves in Roman times were often people of education and outstanding ability. Frequently they were able to gain their freedom and play a larger role in society.”
Rom. 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Greeting with a kiss is a custom of Eastern peoples. A “holy” kiss would seem to reference the idea of guarding your testimony and recognizing the wonderful bond among the body of believers in Christ. Paul also wants the churches in Rome to know that they are wished well by the other churches at which he has ministered.
That is something I am working on in my prayer life—a concern for other churches, especially those with whom I have been connected in ministry and those with whom I am familiar with their leaders or some in their congregation. It’s natural to focus your prayers on the ministry of your own church, but we need to be concerned about the body of Christ as a whole. I am trying to stay knowledgeable about persecution in the church through the Voice of the Martyrs weekly newsletter. I keep a prayer map posted in my room to remind me of the areas of the world in which Christians need extra prayer protection and support. Progress in this area is not at all to my satisfaction, but I am asking the Lord to help me in this part of my prayer life.
Rom. 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.
Rom. 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.
Paul has written a whole section greeting people who are dear to him in the church at Rome. Suddenly he is impressed with the thought to warn them regarding those who would try to promote discord and division among these believers. There are many people who seek to use churches as a base to promote themselves and their businesses. Their words may be charming and their actions kind, but their motives are to serve self and not the Lord Jesus Christ. Subtly they will begin to promote ideas that are not scriptural. If the Christian is not alert and tuned in to the leading of the Holy Spirit, they will find themselves being deceived. These men/women will woo one person at a time until suddenly there will be groups of believers at odds with one another in the church. Oh how the enemy rejoices at those times because he knows that unity in the body of faith strengthens the effectiveness of its witness. These thoughts bring to mind Paul’s words to the Corinthians:
2Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Rom. 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.
This thought is directly connected to the preceding verses. The church at Rome had a reputation abroad of obedience to the Lord. Obedience in the body is a sign of unity. The biggest threat to that body would be anything that would break that unity by encouraging disobedience. Paul is very happy to report to them they have a good reputation in the community of believers. He also knows that this makes them a more obvious target of attack in the eyes of the enemy and those who reject the gospel. Paul’s advice: Be wise concerning what is good and simple (innocent) concerning evil.
This is important advice for all believers, but especially for new believers. I understand the benefit of knowing enough about evil/wicked/false teachings to be able to effectively dialogue with people about the truth, but I think it is far more important to be totally immersed in understanding the truth of the Word of God.
Matthew 4:4 It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
I have to remind myself that the effectiveness of the message is not dependent upon the abilities of the messenger. The power is in the Word itself and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the individual.
Rom. 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.
Paul was looking forward to the coming of the Lord and the final defeat of Satan. The mention of those who would attack the church and the reference to evil naturally turns to thoughts of Satan. Satan is the father of sin.
1John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.
He delights in attacking the believer.
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour….
Paul knows that the promise to destroy Satan given way back in Genesis will be fulfilled.
Genesis 3:14-15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The Greek in verse 20 for the word bruise is a reference to “crushing completely,” and the Hebrew for the word bruise in Genesis references “to overwhelm, break.” In the context of both the reference is to defeat and destruction. Note that a head wound would be fatal as opposed to having a wounded heel.
The wording is clear that it is God who will defeat Satan, but He will do so under the feet of the believers. It is the church that will provoke to jealousy the Jews to accept Jesus as their Messiah and call for His return. Though Satan will try everything in his power to disrupt the ministry of the church and to eliminate the Jewish people, his defeat is certain. God’s word will never fail.
Isaiah 14:24 The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure….
Paul was always quick to ask that the body of believers experience the grace of God. Grace in the Greek is defined as “the divine influence upon the heart.” Recognizing Jesus as Lord is the first step to responding to that divine influence. If every believer were living life in submission to “the divine influence on his/her heart,” the church would be a mighty force in this world. This is a prayer we should continually offer up for those we love as well as for ourselves.
Rom. 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
Rom. 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Rom. 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
I believe Paul has some of the longest closings to letters ever. He now begins to send greetings to the believers at Rome from those who are ministering with him at this time—Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, and Tertius. On a personal note, I wonder if this is the Jason referenced in Acts 17. We named our son Jason because of the reference to his being one of those involved in turning the world upside down through service to the Lord.
It would seem that Gaius is the one providing hospitality for Paul and his crew at this time. He is identified in 1Corinthians as one of the few people Paul personally baptized. I wonder if this is the same Gaius to whom John wrote his third epistle.
An interesting sidenote: Archaeologists have discovered an inscription of the name Erastus as one holding this position in the city of Corinth around that time.
The chamberlain of the city would seem to be equivalent to the mayor of our cities, but the Greek makes a specific reference to treasurer. It is always a good when government leaders respond to the gospel.
Rom. 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Again Paul pronounces a blessing of grace on the believers.
Rom. 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,
Rom. 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:
“Now to him” = “God only wise” in verse 27.
“stablish” = set fast, turn resolutely in a certain direction, confirm, strengthen
“my gospel” – Paul summarized his gospel in his letter to the Corinthians in what I have always heard referred to as “the gospel in a nutshell.”
1Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
“and the preaching of Jesus Christ” – Paul’s gospel was no different than that which Jesus proclaimed. Jesus directed his teaching to the Jews, while Paul directed his teaching to the Gentiles.
“according…made manifest” – Paul’s message of salvation to the Gentiles would result in rapid growth of the church, the body of Christ. This was always part of the plan of God, but was not revealed until taught by Paul and the other apostles through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (cf chapters 9-11). He is more specific in his letter to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 3:1-7 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
The key phrase is found in Ephesians 3:6, “of the same body.”
“by the scriptures of the prophets” – Although this mystery had been kept secret, not understood, the prophets had taught this truth. Peter tells us that the prophets didn’t even have complete understanding of their own teachings.
1Peter 1:10-12 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
I think it is important to note that although they did not fully understand the revelations given to them, they did not doubt the truth of those revelations because they received them through the Holy Spirit. They knew that there was truth in their prophecies that applied to the people of their day, but they also recognized that they were giving a message that would be more revealing to those who lived after the Messiah had come.
“according to the commandment of the everlasting God” – Paul’s preaching of the gospel message and of the revelation of the mystery of the church is being done in response to the direct commandment of God the Father, the God of eternity past, present and future.
“made known to all nations….” – From the beginning God’s plan of redemption was to include all nations, just as He first promised Abraham.
Genesis 12:1-3 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Rom. 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
Paul finally concludes his letter with a word of praise to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. He describes God as “only wise.” This doesn’t mean that we can’t obtain wisdom and put it to use. It emphasizes that God embodies wisdom and is the source of wisdom. We know that we can pray for wisdom to use according to God’s will, and He will answer that prayer with liberal provision.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Paul offers the Father glory through Jesus Christ, because it is only through the provision of Jesus the Son that we can approach God for praise and prayer.
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
The key word in the above verses is righteous. We are only righteous as seen through the blood of Jesus. Jesus imputes His righteousness to the believer.
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
2Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
“forever” – Again, that reference to eternity; I’m not even sure I’ll fully comprehend that when I get there.
“Amen” – This is a word of affirmation of the truth being declared.
The footnote stating that this letter was written by Paul to the Romans from Corinth and delivered by Phebe was found only in the King James of the nine versions I checked. These are logical deductions from the content as stated in the journal notes on this book at different points in the narrative.