Romans 16:17-27 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Romans 16:17-27. Let’s go!
Romans 16:17-19 (NIV)
17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
On verses 17-19: Treating people with love, honour and respect does not mean that we must put up with behaviour that damages, divides or diverts the body of Christ off course. That’s why Paul warns the Christians in Rome to watch out for those who cause divisions and who try to turn them away from sound Biblical teaching. This doesn’t contradict Paul’s earlier teaching in Romans 14-15 about accepting one another; in fact they go hand in hand. When it comes to disputable, less important matters, we need to allow for diverse opinions, accepting one another even when we disagree. But when it comes to indisputable matters and the foundational truths of the gospel, we need to be vigilant about uniting around the truth and protecting ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ from things that could steer us away from it. As Jesus says, we want to be shrewd as snakes, innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Paul says something similar here: “be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” (v19)
Romans 16:20 (NIV)
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
On verse 20: What situation is Paul referring to specifically when he says that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”? Most likely Paul is referring to the situation he describes above in verses 17-19 about people trying to turn the Christians in Rome away from sound Biblical teaching. Apparently this was a real threat to the church in Rome and so Paul encourages them, basically saying, “God is with you and will crush Satan in this matter”. It’s a reminder that the work of damaging, dividing or distracting the church is ultimately Satan’s work. Since Satan’s agenda is to steal, kill and destroy God’s church, we must careful and courageous to stand up against Satan, knowing that our God is greater.
Romans 16:21-23 (NIV)
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
On verses 21-23: Paul was not alone when writing this letter to the Romans. He mentions his teammates who were with him, including Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater (v21), Tertius (who transcribed the letter for Paul – v22), Gaius (in whose house Paul was staying – v23), Erastus (a high profile believer) and Quartus (v23).
What can we learn from this? You weren’t made to do life or ministry on your own. God made you to be part of a team where you can play off each other’s strengths and cover off each other’s weaknesses. What is one thing that you’re doing right now where you would benefit from having a team rather than doing it on your own? You were made to be part of something greater. As Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good for man to be alone” and “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
Romans 16:25-27 (NIV)
25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,
26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him–
27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
On verses 25-27: Romans contains Paul’s most powerful and most thorough presentation of the gospel he was preaching, followed by Paul answering some questions about the nation of Israel, and ending with important practical advice on how to get along with one another. It is fitting that Paul ends this letter by giving the glory to God. Though Paul has shown tremendous wisdom in this letter, he writes “to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ” (v27). It’s a reminder that since all wisdom comes from God, ultimately God is the only wise one. If we ever had any wisdom at all, it’s because God, the source of wisdom, was gracious to give us a little piece.
That brings our look at the book of Romans to a close. What are the most important or impactful lessons you learned from the book of Romans? May God continue to give you wisdom to understand His Word and to live it out.
Father, thank You for the good news about Jesus Christ, which saves me, strengthens me, secures my future and sets me in the most amazing family. May I live out well the lessons You teach us in the book of Romans, being clear and unashamed of what the gospel is, protecting the unity of my church, and loving people well. Thank You for every powerful statement and promise I can hang onto from the book of Romans. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
