Romans 16:17-27

KJV

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Rom 16:24  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

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: 

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. 

 

Main Points: Paul exits this letter with a final warning against false teachers and salutations from various friends. He also, very pointedly, infers all work to be through Jesus, for the glory of God. THAT has been a mainstay for this entire letter, and virtually all of Paul’s writings.

3. Explain Paul’s final warning (17-18). How can we obey the command? What actions would fall under *Paul’s condemnation?
Paul warns to stay away from those *who cause division, those who *teach a contrary doctrine. This requires them/us to know what the true doctrine is. Most notably in this case, Paul has laid out what it is in the previous 15 chapters. What is his letter’s main purpose(s)? 1) The Gentiles are God’s children along with the Jews. 2) The law of Moses, or any system of law is NOT a part of this gospel. This is a system of grace from God, made available through Jesus, entered into by the evidence of our faith, which is obedience.

4. How can we follow Paul’s instruction in verse 19?
The simple/universal answer would be “what should I PRACTICE/PURSUE?”  If we pursue sin, we become “good” at it. Similarly, if we practice good, we will be wise in its concepts. However, in THIS context, the evil he alludes to is the practice of teaching divisive doctrine that divides and causes arguments (doubtful disputations). The gospel is complex in its delivery (only God through Jesus could make it happen). The PRACTICE of the gospel is simple categorically….though, the individual may struggle with personal matters.

5. Explain the imagery of God crushing Satan under the feet of the Romans (20). How would this happen? How does this relate to the curse in Gen. 3:15?
We know the major contribution Christians made during the persecutions by Rome. That is certainly a big part of this. The establishment of the church as the bride of Christ delivered an everlasting blow to Satan and his realm. The gospel turned mankind back to God.
However, AT THAT MOMENT, the big heresy was the misleading teaching of compliance to the Mosaical Law. Arrogance was another big issue. Overt sin was another giant issue. These were the main subjects Paul addresses. When they get those things corrected then the gospel can be fulfilled.
I would add that when Jesus died on the cross and rose again and defeated death, THAT is when Satan was defeated. The way back to God was established at that point.

6. What hope and encouragement do you get from Paul’s doxology (25-27)?
This section puts ALL attribution of the SOURCE of the gospel where it belongs: God, Jesus, and by implication the Holy Spirit. Again, Paul intimates that during their lifetime God was working through what Jesus did. He says it WAS a mystery. As was his purpose for using old testament scriptures to prove his points, he is inferring the time is now!

This is the hand of God!