January 7, 2024
Evening Service

Romans 15 Review:

·      Paul finished up his point that began in chapter 14 concerning those who are “strong in the faith” to be aware of those “weaker in the faith” and show them grace and kindness thinking of them.

·      Paul calls for unity, knowing we are all on the same journey and need to have one mind and one voice in praising God.

·      He asks them to come together in the unity of faith, but also celebrate the diversity that is within the church with a mix of Jews and Gentiles.

·      Paul again verifies his calling to be the apostle to the Gentiles, bringing the Gospel Message to those who have never heard.  A huge privilege and a huge challenge.

·      Paul shared his plans to go to Jerusalem then to Spain before visiting Rome which did not happen with Paul’s arrest and imprisonment in Jerusalem.

As we begin the final chapter of this wonderfully deep letter, Paul uses this space to greet and commend those who have walked with him through this wonderful ministry.

Rom 16:1-2 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, (2) that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

            It appears Phoebe is a servant from the church in Cenchrea, who has a ministry in which she is now traveling.  In the early church traveling ministers would bring with them a letter of introduction from someone the new church would be familiar with much like a letter of recommendation in the hiring process today.  It gave the new church confidence to get behind the traveling minister and help them along their way.  Phoebe apparently had been very helpful to many including Paul himself and he asks the church at Rome to help her in whatever she is doing.

 

Rom 16:3-5 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, (4) who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.  (5)  Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.

            In Acts 18, Paul was ministering in Corinth and stayed with Aquila and his wife Priscilla and worked with them as they were tentmakers. Paul often worked in the towns he ministered in not to hinder the Gospel Message by asking for money to support himself, even though by scripture he was allowed to do that.  Paul created a bond with them as they worked and ministered together.  Since they were originally from Italy, they apparently had returned to Rome and were now hosting a church inside of their home.  The next several verses are many names that are difficult to pronounce and that we know very little about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rom 16:6-16 Greet Mary, who labored much for us.  (7)  Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.  (8)  Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.  (9)  Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.  (10)  Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.  (11)  Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.  (12)  Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.  (13)  Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.  (14)  Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them.  (15)  Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.  (16)  Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

            When we meet these brothers and sisters in heaven we will be able to ask them how to properly pronounce their names and ask them what contribution they made to Paul’s ministry.  Paul switches gears slightly now as he warns of those among us who cause division.

 

Romans 16:17-20 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  (18)  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.  (19)  For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.  (20)  And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

            After pushing the need for unity in chapter 15, Paul warns us of those who “cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you learned.”   These were false teacher inside of the church teaching outside of the lines of what Paul had been divinely given from the Lord.  Remember what Paul told the Galatian church:

 

Gal 1:6-9 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, (7) which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  (8)  But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  (9)  As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

          Those are very strong words, “let him be accursed” no matter who he is that teaches things contrary to what Paul taught.  Notice Paul in verse 16 of Romans instructs us to avoid those who teach these things.  He then explains why.  They don’t do it to serve the Lord, but to please and benefit themselves.  They use “smooth words and flattering speech to deceive the hearts of the simple.”  We must be tuned in a discern when we listen to other ministers and allow the Holy Spirit to aid us to know what who speaks in accordance of the gospel or against it. He finishes that teaching with a great thought that “the peace of God will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”  He now gives a shout out to those who are with him and part of his team.

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 16:21-24 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.  (22)  I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.  (23)  Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother.  (24)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

            Notice Tertius, mentions that he penned this letter for Paul.  Many commentaries point to this being from Paul’s failing sight.  Paul finishes with a doxology of many wonderful truths.

 

Romans 16:25-27   Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began (26) but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— (27) to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

            Paul praises God for how He is able to establish those who believe and obey the gospel message.  This message was a “mystery” and kept secret for most of all the OT times, but is now revealed to us through Jesus and His teachings.  The prophet’s words are now brought into the light where they were once difficult if not impossible to understand.  Paul was very aware of this fact as being so knowledgeable of the OT, the gospel had to be such an eye opening revelation for him. 

            This entire letter points us to fact that salvation is received through faith, not works.  Salvation is a free gift given to whosoever will accept it.  The chance to start over with our sins forgiven and our broken relationship with God restored is almost unbelievable, but it is a reality.  The key is salvation is a gift and once we receive it and understand how wonderful it is, then we begin to allow God to transform us into the “new creation.”  Our good works come not to earn salvation, but because of it.  We could restudy this letter starting again next week and see things we skipped over, it is that deep.  Until we meet again old friend, thank you!