Romans 16:17-27 Epilogue
This is the end of the Epistle to Romans by Paul. This epilogue contains many valid teachings for us to adhere to and follow in our day-to-day Christian lives. It has warnings, exhortations, and examples of lifestyle, and finally ends with a strong theological conviction that Holy Father was revealed through Jesus Christ alone.
Watch and Keep Romans 16:17-20
Paul urged his readers and the saints in Rome to watch out for those who cause division and put obstacles to the growth of the church through contrary teaching and preaching, and he warned them to keep away from such people. Watching and keeping always helps to save time, energy, and strength for the benefit of the kingdom of God. There were many in the ministry who were not really serving the Lord but had their own appetites. The appetites such as lust for luxury, money, and facilities. Appetites for clothes and wealth. They were good orators to deceive the innocents and turned their hearts to their evil-designed desires. So, Paul exhorted the readers to be wise, good, and god-fearing people in the context of evil people and corrupted systems. These are the works of Satan. Only Christ can crush him under the believer’s feet.
Timothy, Fellow Worker – Romans 16:21
It’s amazing to understand the leadership of Paul. He has accepted Timothy as his fellow servant of God. God has raised him to be an apostle of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul had recognized Timothy to that status. Though Timothy was a young disciple of Paul, later known as the spiritual son of Paul. But now, brought him to his equal status. It is the best example to follow in our days.
Greetings from - Romans 16:21-24
This Epistle lists out the people who wished to send their greetings through this letter. Most probably they were closely associated with the scribe of this Epistle Mr. Tertius. Paul might have dictated this epistle which was penned down by Tertius. So, he mentioned his name and sent his greetings to the readers. Those who had sent their greetings were Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus. He also mentioned their designations and their importance in society as well as among the believers.
Closing line – Romans 16:25-27
Paul beautifies the message of the Gospel of Christ by endorsing that it has come from the Lord Jesus Christ. He had taken the Gospel work seriously and proclaimed to the gentiles. Paul said that through this writing he could convey his understanding of the Gospel of Christ. That’s why it is called the Gospel of Paul. This gospel is the revelation of God which was a mystery for many ages but now has come as an open revelation to all nations. He further affirms that all the prophetic writings and the commands of God in the Old Testament led to this great revelation found in Christ. There is only one God on the earth and in the heavens who is revealed through Jesus Christ.
Discussion:
1. Discuss the power of the Gospel in your context.
2. How do we treat new believers in Church and upgrade them?
3. What are the signs of false teachers, pastors, and servants of God?
(For further studies on Romans, kindly refer to this cite)
