November 24, 2020
The epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the church in the capital city of Rome. The date of the letter was most likely around 56 A.D., near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, while he was in Corinth. Paul had wanted to visit the believers in Rome for some time, however, he had not yet had the chance to do so. The letter afforded Paul the opportunity to introduce himself to the church, and to instruct them in essential truths of the gospel.
The church in Rome was probably founded by those who had come to faith in Christ on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. Unlike many of the other churches that Paul wrote to, his aim was not primarily to correct wrong theology or sinful living on the part of the Roman Christians, but to further instruct the church in doctrinal truths and practical living in light of those truths.
The principal theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans is that God justifies guilty, helpless sinners by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. He dispels any notion that heaven and a relationship with God can be achieved through good works. Generally, the first eleven chapters of Romans are primarily theological while chapters 12-16 are more about practical Christian living and life in the church.
While the letter does contain some challenging passages that believers have debated, Paul addresses issues such as man’s sin and God’s wrath, justification by faith alone, the security of the believer’s salvation, sanctification, God’s sovereignty, God’s plan for Israel, the purpose of governing authorities, Christian living, and the proper use of one’s liberty in Christ.
It was while studying and teaching the book of Romans that a German Catholic priest, in the early 1500’s, came to understand Romans 1:17 in a brand new light. The words, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” led him to understand justification was by faith alone and not by works. God would so impact Martin Luther with these words that he became a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Final Instructions and Greetings
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. 19 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. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
Doxology
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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- As Paul brings his letter to the Romans to a close, he mentions several people who are servants to Christ and commends them to the church. He encourages them to greet and welcome one another so that there would be harmony and unity within the body of Christ. In what ways do you bring unity and harmony to the body of Christ?
- Are you one who reaches out to others and welcomes people, or are you distant and wait for people to reach out to you? Pray for God to give you a heart to welcome others and find ways to encourage other believers in Christ.
- What kind of people are we to avoid (v. 17)? What are their true motives?
- Are you known for your obedience to Christ?
- What are Christians to be wise to and innocent of (v. 19)? What is the difference between being innocent and naïve?
- According to Paul, who has the final victory (v. 20)?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making me a part of the body of Christ! Help me to be an active part of the body, and to never cause division through selfish motives. Fill me with your Holy Spirit to use the spiritual gifts and talents you have given me to serve your church. Use me to minister to others and build them up in their faith in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Father,
In today’s final words found in Romans, Paul gave a ‘shout-out’ to many. Someday, LORD, may we hear these words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
As we approach Thanksgiving, may these words be on our lips:
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
May we join the heavenly hosts in praising the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Strengthen your church, use your church for your glory. While there is yet time, add more souls to your kingdom, Father.
Thank you, LORD, for all your many blessings.
And thank you for your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
I will be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.
Often the greatest opposition is within a church not outside it v 17-18. Be wise about what is good and innocent about evil v 19.
Make me a source of unity in the body of Christ, Lord. Give me wisdom, to be innocent by staying away form evil, so that my personal testimony can be of use to you, that through my obedience of faith, others would come to a saving faith in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thank you for sharing your prayer. I sometimes have a hard time praying. I want my Lord and Savior to teach me how to pray. I really need help with this problem.