“Be on Guard” (Romans 16:17-20)

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:17–20, NASB95)

Yesterday we looked at the closing greetings of Paul; his greeting requested for Phoebe who was delivering the letter, his greetings to many of the people in the Roman church that he knew or knew of, and greetings sent on behalf of those who were with him at the time of the writing of the letter. In looking at these greetings, we looked at the strength of the relationships that they had together in the Lord and that they really spoke of a distant family being drawn together through their common faith. These greetings covered the first 16 verses and then verses 21-23.

Nestled between the greetings to the Roman church believers (2-16) and the greeting sent to them (21-23) we have verses 17-20 which give a strong warning. The unity they had in Christ was built upon by solid, strong teaching. And Paul knew that in the midst of those who were faithful there was also going to be those who did not believe and did not hold to sound teaching. These people would stand in the way of the effort to further the gospel and the growth of the church, and one way in which they would do this is by developing factions—getting people to divide themselves by taking sides.

In looking at the various imprisonments of Paul in the last chapters of Acts it was interesting to see how the Chief Counsel of the Jews, who served as his accusers, was comprised of Pharisees and Sadducees who were united against him. But Paul also knew that they had significant differences on some issues, one of them being over the resurrection of the dead. So, when he perceived that this group was made up of both groups he loudly proclaimed his hope in the resurrection of the dead, and sure enough the Pharisees and Sadducees began to fight amongst themselves (Acts 23:6-10). This was not to be the last time that they fought over the charges and left those hearing the case shaking their heads.

Paul had seen prior to this the intense anger that flares up in people when their pet belief is challenged, and he was warning the believers in Rome to be on guard against these same attitudes flaring up in the church by those who had their own personal agendas and not that of the Lord. Paul went on to say that even in their midst there would be those who were not really saved, but still remained slaves to their own lusts. And some of them could be quite good at selling their wares (agenda) even in the church, saying things that tickle the ears, even deceiving those who are uninformed or unsuspecting.

Paul commended the believers in Rome for their reputation which had spread, and he encouraged them not to let this reputation be tarnished by a bunch of wolves in sheep’s clothing. For that reason they needed to continue to grow in their knowledge and understanding and even to thoroughly embrace and learn from his letter. It is for this reason that the doctrinal teaching of Romans is so complete and comprehensive. The best guard against the lies of men is to hide the truth of God in their hearts.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:9–11, NASB95)

Paul was strongly encouraging them to protect themselves by becoming people who lived as one according to the truth. By growing in this way they would indeed become wise in what is good and by practice prove themselves innocent in what is evil. They would be people who consistently let the truth of Scripture direct them in the every aspect of their lives.

Paul also assured them that Satan’s power was limited, and that one day soon he would be fully crushed under God’s foot. We have that same promise today, knowing that in the last days Jesus will come again, Satan will be bound and then later released, defeated, and thrown once and forever into the lake of fire.

“When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:7–10, NASB95)

This truth was to give hope to the believers then, and it is to give hope to us today. God has not given up His throne. He is not diminished in power in any way, and Satan then and now is subject to His strong hand. God has everything under control, and He will bring every detail to its right and final end. In this Paul could say with unwavering confidence, “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

Greetings in the Lord (Romans 16:1-16, 21-23)

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.” … “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” (Romans 16:1-2, 16, NASB95)

Question: For those who have read through Paul’s letter to the Romans, how many of you kind of rush through the greetings at the end? There is a great doxology to close chapter 16. But just how much is there in those greetings that I should spend some time reading them? I know there have been times with Romans and some of the other New Testament letters where I have skimmed through the final greetings in order to look for the real nuggets. But this time, maybe because I am writing my way through Romans and teaching it in a class, I spent more time in what amounts to 19 of the last 27 verses of this incredible letter. And it was well worth the time.

As I looked at these greetings I focused on the three natures of them. The first of them is the greeting to be given to the bearer of the letter. Paul identifies this woman as Phoebe who was his sister in Christ and a proven servant in her home church in Cenchrea, which is a neighboring city to Corinth where Paul wrote this letter. Paul was requesting that Phoebe be well-received for taking on this task on Paul’s behalf. He is asking that she be received and honored in a manner worthy of any emissary of God and that they take care to help her with any needs that she might have upon her arrival. This woman was indeed a special person in her church and special to Paul as one given to helping others. This is the only place she is mentioned, but what Paul says of her here speaks volumes about her sacrificial servant heart. Phoebe took on the special task which Paul could not do for himself, and knowing that the letter was received we can also reasonably assume that she did it with great faithfulness—seeing the task to completion. And as a result, many were blessed both then and throughout time.

Because she completed her task the Romans received this valuable letter of instruction and encouragement. Because she completed her task the Romans were able to join in prayer for Paul and even to see that prayer answered years later. I am so thankful for those women (and men) whom I have had the pleasure of knowing over the years who had servant hearts such as hers. Today Robin and I were able to visit with one of those senior couples who after long years of service have moved to a season of life where their health has waned, but whose assurance remains that they will remain as long as God intends them to be used for His purposes. What an incredible encouragement it is to know these specials saints, of whom Phoebe was surely one.

In verses 3 through 15 twenty-seven others are mentioned by name, two specific individuals by relationship, and several groups including a church in the home, families, brothers in Christ, and other unnamed saints. The reasonable expectation is that these are people who Paul knew personally or had come to know of, and who were likely to be known personally by the recipients of his letter. We read of them that they had worked hard on behalf of the Italian believers, that some were fellow prisoners, others were well known to the apostles, all beloved and approved in Christ. All of them shared in the common faith which Paul shared with the believers in Rome. Some of them had special significance such as one even being the first believer in Asia (now Turkey). Others were believers before Paul. Some were Jewish and others weren’t. One’s mother had even been like a mother to Paul. There was a oneness that Paul shared with these believers most of whom he had never met, because of their unity in Christ and their shared unity with those in common in the body of Christ—the church. As I thought of this I was reminded of how easy it is at times to walk into a Bible teaching church in other areas and know that we share so much in common and that because of this we have a relationship that preceded our meeting. I was even reminded of this thinking of visiting a church in northern Oregon and meeting someone whose parents I know here.

Paul knew it important to mention those that he knew, and in so doing even strengthening the common bond they shared in the ministry of the gospel of Christ. At the top of the list were some dear friends, Prisca and Aquila. This couple is first mentioned in Acts chapter 18 where it says that they had left Rome for Corinth and met Paul.

“After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 18:1–4, NASB95)

While Paul continued in ministry in Corinth he benefited from his time with Priscilla (Prisca) and Aquila, and I’m sure they grew in their knowledge of the faith by spending time with him. We read that Paul continued for a year and a half in Corinth with many being saved. But then the leadership in the region changed and Paul was told by God to move on. In verses 18 and 19 we read that Paul set sail for Ephesus and that he took this special couple with him. Later we read that Paul was moved again by God, and according to verses 24 through 26 of Acts 18 Priscilla and Aquila remained in Ephesus and continued in ministry, even being used to correct and complete the instruction of a traveling Jewish teacher. From Paul’s letter to the Romans we are led to believe that this couple had returned for a season to Rome, but by the end of Paul’s ministry when he sensed that he was nearing death in a Roman prison, Paul asked Timothy to greet them in Ephesus where they had evidently returned. It is quite evident that the relationship Paul had with them was special, and they more than most understood both the work done in Asia and the work done in Rome. If anyone in Rome was lacking information of Paul upon the receipt of this letter, Prisca and Aquila could definitely fill in the pieces.

Before returning to verse 16 to wrap up for today, I am jumping down to verses 21-23 where Paul encourages the believers in Rome by uniting them with believers elsewhere. “Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother.” (Romans 16:21–23, NASB95)

Paul knew this work of God was not one for a single person, but many united in all regions being used for His glory. And in concluding this letter Paul made sure to mention just some of those who were a part of this great work. It included Timothy who became his son in the Lord and one that Paul relied so heavily upon as the ministry passed from his hands to those who followed. It was Timothy to whom Paul wrote in his last letter, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1–3, NASB95)

Backing up a bit, Paul wrote in verse 16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” (Romans 16:16, NASB95)

Paul’s greetings in this letter to the Romans were the best he could do at that time. Greetings in the Lord are so huge and so welcome. I was really reminded of this when the couple we visited had to regrettably (on my behalf) struggle to remember when we had last been to see them. It was such a blessing to spend time with them, to share in the Lord and what He has been doing even in difficult times, to remember and share parts of a few hymns, and to spend time upholding them in prayer. Greeting each other with a warm hug and leaving in the same way was, as some commercials might say, “priceless.”

If you think of it, in particular remember our senior saints whose health may have caused them to drop off the church attendance radar and remember those who for one reason of another God has put some distance between you and them. Remember the power of a greeting in the Lord, and do something about it.

Answered Prayers (Romans 15:29-32)

“I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.” (Romans 15:29–32, NASB95)

Paul had been careful to follow God’s leading and to submit his personal desires to the desires of Christ. In this he had his direction altered. He suffered persecution and even fled for his life. He encountered open doors and even closed ones, and he was to encounter so much more before being called home to be with his Lord, including more imprisonment and even eventually being put to death. In all of this it was Paul’s objective to be where God wanted him to be for as long as God wanted him there in order to do what God wanted him to do, knowing that all of these choices belonged to God, and that God was the One who would ultimately recognize what was accomplished. In 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 Paul expressed that desire this way,

“Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:6–10, NASB95)

As such, when it came to the time that he would get to Rome he had every confidence that he would be fully where God wanted him, coming with the full blessing of Christ. But in the meantime there was still much to be done, and there were some concerns in relation to those things for which he desired that they join with him in prayer, both for protection and profit. The last chapters of Acts, starting with chapter 20 shed some historical light on this.

Paul knew he had many enemies awaiting his return. In Acts 20:22-24 we read, “And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22–24, NASB95)

We clearly see that the Holy Spirit had prepared Paul for some very difficult days ahead, days which included being imprisoned and persecuted for his work in proclaiming the gospel. But Paul affirmed here in Acts chapter 20 that these trials really didn’t measure to anything on the scale of finishing the work to which he was called by Jesus His Lord. Paul was being readied for what lay ahead and he asked for prayer from the Roman believers as he endured it and even that he might be rescued from it to the point of ultimately coming to visit and find refreshing rest in their presence.

But Paul’s only reason for returning to Jerusalem was not just to be persecuted. He also had that gift of help to deliver and service to offer. “After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.” … “After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;”” (Acts 21:17, 19–20, NASB95)

After arriving in Jerusalem and spending some time with the believers who received him, Paul went through the process of becoming ceremonially cleaned after having spent considerable time in Gentile land so that he might according to the customs enter the Jewish temple and worship. Upon nearing the end of this week long period of cleansing Paul was spotted by some Jews from Asia who were aware of his ministry to the Gentiles, and they brought a charge against him. The people hearing this seized Paul and drug him out of the temple to kill him. Hearing about the unrest soldiers stepped in and arrested Paul, which actually resulted in him being rescued from the hands of the disobedient. But even in his being arrested Paul made a request to speak before the people, which was granted, and Acts 22 up through verse 21 records the testimony which he shared with them concerning his call to minister to the Gentiles. But verse 22 records that this testimony was not received, and again they demanded that he be taken away. The verses which follow share how his Roman citizenship by virtue of birth saved him from a flogging. Beyond that Paul even was given the opportunity to sit before his accusers and find out the true nature of their complaint, which led to his accusers becoming divided with a strong disagreement. For fear that Paul might be torn apart in their fighting Paul was removed from their presence as we read in Acts 23:10.

In Acts 23:11 we read, “But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”” (Acts 23:11, NASB95) God reaffirmed that Paul would indeed make it to Rome, where he would have opportunity to witness. But how this was to come about and who would be witnessed to was still unfolding.

What followed was a plot to kill Paul by his accusers, which upon hearing about it the commander of the guard over Paul arranged to have Paul moved to Caesarea (a Roman political colony) by two hundred soldiers in order to go before the governor. Once his accusers arrived at Caesarea, Paul’s case was heard (Acts 24). Both sides presented their cases, and Felix the governor was not caught off guard being familiar with this new growth in believers known the as the Way (24:22). In order to judge this properly he decided to wait on some additional input. But even in his imprisonment, Paul was granted freedom for his friends to minister to him (24:23). Paul remained in prison for two years with repeated meetings with Felix, while Felix was hoping that he might be bought off. Imagine that by giving Paul freedom to be visited and possibly bring money for his deliverance, Paul continued to rest under the protection of the Roman government while also being free to minister to those who he had contact with.

In Acts chapter 25 Felix was succeeded by Festus, and again his accusers tried to refresh their case and gain final satisfaction. As a Roman citizen Paul claimed that the proper place to plead his case was before Caesar, and as the chapter progresses we find that King Agrippa agreed to consider his request. Chapter 26 records what follows before King Agrippa, his accusers, and other officials. Before them Paul was given an opportunity to respond to the charges, and his response again included his testimony. Paul concluded his response with these words, “And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”” (Acts 26:29, NASB95)

The conclusion of this hearing is recorded in verses 30-32 where we read, “The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, and when they had gone aside, they began talking to one another, saying, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”” (Acts 26:30–32, NASB95)

Paul had asked to present his case before Caesar and after having a hearing on his request by King Agrippa, Paul’s request was about to be granted and he was going to be sent to Rome not as a freeman but as a prisoner.

“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care.” (Acts 27:1–3, NASB95)

The trip was not without its own events, including a several month long stay at Malta after a shipwreck. But Paul did eventually make it to Rome, and Acts 28 describes his reception. “There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.” (Acts 28:14–16, NASB95)

Paul got his hearing and again presented his testimony in presenting his defense. This resulted in his Jewish accusers again leaving, fighting among themselves in disagreement over the real charges. The next words close the book of Acts, “And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” (Acts 28:30–31, NASB95)

The next book in our Bible is Romans, the very people Paul had a desire to visit and the ones who he had asked to pray for him both in his imprisonment and in his coming to join them for refreshing rest. It is an amazing thing to see how God works in and through His Spirit’s leading on our hearts and the prayers of fellow believers who share in bringing these requests to Him. There is great cause for us to pray and to request prayer, knowing that our God knows what lies in store and He is the One who is fully able to bring all things to pass.

“and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19–20, NASB95) 

Eyes Open for Opportunity (Romans 15:23-28)

“but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while— but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.” (Romans 15:23–28, NASB95)

Paul’s ministry in the areas he had been working was drawing to a close as the persecution was being turned up and the threats on his life became quite real. There was no place he could go there where his enemies had not already heard of him and would push to shut him down. As Paul was feeling these pressures and seeing the doors close where he was, he began to sense the leading of the Spirit in looking toward Rome and some new doors. Earlier we had looked at the first seven verses of Romans in establishing Paul’s credentials. In verses 8-15 of chapter 1 Paul expresses his desire to visit Rome.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” (Romans 1:8–15, NASB95)

And it seems that he had come up with a way to make this happen, by stopping there for a while on his way to an even further region in Spain. The gospel was continuing to spread, and Paul had a passion and an eye for how God might use him to be a continual part of this expansion of the gospel to the Gentile nations. At the same time Paul also remembered his first roots and his ties to his Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ. As he wrote here in chapter 15, while serving in Macedonia and Achaia financial gifts had been given to help the poor in Jerusalem.

These Gentile believers recognized that the gospel message originated in Jerusalem with the Jews and they were indebted to them for this. Knowing the struggles that some of their Jewish brothers were having these Gentile believers freely and gratefully gave to meet their needs. As Paul stated, they recognized the great spiritual benefit they had received from them, and now it was their great pleasure to respond by helping to meet their material needs. And Paul was the one privileged to now return to Jerusalem to deliver these gifts before making his way back out again.

Even today we have a spiritual heritage in Jerusalem, even though most of the Jews in the world and in particular in Israel and its cities do not believe that Jesus is their Messiah. As we watch things develop around the world and even see our own country waiver in its support of Israel we are given great reason to pause and to pray for their salvation. Scripture told us that this would be the condition (apostasy) of the Jewish people, where most would not trust in Christ. Scripture also tells us that God has kept a remnant and that there will be a time when all of Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26; Revelation 7), but before that time things will get much worse for them and for the rest of mankind.

With this in mind, we might even be given greater reason to consider not only the unsaved in Jerusalem, but also those in other areas as well. What was a further region for Paul in Spain may today be other regions for us, and we can have a part in the gospel being furthered through our prayers, encouragement, finances, and even our presence. Even now at home in our communities there are still countless others who we might share this great news with who so desperately might need to know. Paul went where he was needed and he served faithfully while he was there until God sent him on. He was attentive to doors being opened and doors being closed, and he saw them as opportunities for ministry.

Having considered this, several questions might be begged, such as what are we doing where God has us while He has us there, and are we willing to do what he has called us to do with the time, talents and resources He has given us whether here or by being moved somewhere else?

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20, NASB95) 

Words of Wonder (Romans 15:18-22)

“For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; but as it is written, “They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand.” For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;” (Romans 15:18-22, NASB95)

Paul had some pretty impressive credentials prior to being brought to salvation by Jesus Himself. But even more had been accomplished through him in the numbers coming to salvation and the building of the church in various regions since that time. The big difference is that Paul saw this later work as the work of God in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was God working through Him to accomplish these things, and as we read in verse 17 this was what Paul was going to boast in such that God was glorified in the message. As we move into verse 18 Paul reaffirms that it was the overwhelming work of Christ being accomplished through him that led to so many Gentiles coming to Christ. He had been faithful to God in being his messenger from Jerusalem to the area of Illyricum (which was a span of about 1,400 miles). In the days before planes, trains, and automobiles and even engine powered boats this was a big region, and God had used Paul to preach the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ and even establishing churches and teaching fundamentals of the faith thoroughly throughout these regions.  

Also recognizing that it was God who was using vessels such as him to spread this gospel message, Paul felt no compulsion to duplicate the work where others had been. Rather, he saw the advantages of multiple persons working in other areas in making this word to spread faster and more efficiently. And in that he could trust God to accomplish His work through each of them so that many, many more might be saved. In making this point he likely paraphrased Isaiah 52:15 where it says, “Thus He will sprinkle many nations, kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; for what had not been told them they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand.” (Isaiah 52:15, NASB95)

It was because of the extent of this ministry that Paul had not been to Rome as we read in verse 22. But this did not mean that it was not his desire to do so when the time might permit which, as we will see in the next verses, Paul thought might be coming quite soon. In the meantime and to prepare them for his visit he wrote to them this letter of encouragement and instruction, so that when he arrives they might in a sense be well prepared.

I’m sure Paul’s reputation preceded him, and getting a letter from the apostle who was so instrumental in bringing the good news of Christ (the gospel) to much of the world was an exciting thing. And knowing his heart to visit them and join them in the good work they had been doing must have been a real encouragement.  But as Paul had just said, the ministry which God had given to him to this point required him to be elsewhere, just as God was doing a work in them where they were. And in this shared spreading of the good news in various regions they could rejoice together, and for those who were to receive the letter, they could go forward with a firmer foundation of knowledge and confidence that they previously might have.

There have been several people in my life who I have never met who have taught me and encouraged me. Some of them have been the same men, who through the inspiration of the Spirit penned our Bible, and some have been men who have written out their sermons or prepared books over time, and others have been those who have reached me regularly through the radio. And beyond that, there have of course been those whose teaching I have had the extreme privilege to sit under and those whose wisdom I have been privileged to soak up as we worked side by side. All of these individuals being believers who God used to accomplish His good work. And just as God worked through the church and the individual believers in Rome who served in their homes and their community, so does He work in us to reach those around us.

Paul’s perspective, that the only One worthy of boasting in is God and the only things worthy of speaking about are those things God had done through him, can serve to remind us to keep things in perspective realizing that it is Christ who also works in and through us, while also serving to encourage us at the same time knowing that indeed it is Christ who works in and through us. He is the One, through the enabling of the Spirit who makes us adequate for service.

Boasting in God’s Good Work (Romans 15:14-17)

“And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.” (Romans 15:14-17, NASB95)

Romans is a letter written to both Gentiles (who likely comprised the greater number) and Jews in Rome. Paul spent a great deal of time developing a sound theology for them in the first 8 chapters leading to a consideration of God’s specific faithfulness to the Jews in chapters 9-11. I could imagine with the Gentile church growing so quickly it could have been intimidating to Jewish believers who knew themselves to be the people of the promise. Paul made sure that in writing this letter that he dealt with those coming from both backgrounds. And as he moved into the issues of walking with each other in the church in chapters 12 and following he made sure that he dealt with how these two groups of people, who for so long had nothing to do with each other, now mixed as one in Christ.

In verses 14 through 16 Paul begins to transition to wrapping up his letter, and in so doing he made sure to let these believers know that this letter was not intended to be one of harsh condemnation, but rather of encouragement and some correction as he had been instructing his readers to do in relating to one another. Paul makes sure to encourage his readers. He let them know that he had no doubts about the goodness in them and that they were filled with knowledge and how to use that knowledge when it came to helping grow each other in Christ. He specifically mentioned their ability to admonish one another, which is a proper part of body life as we see from 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, NASB95)

While the words here are reproving and correcting they have the idea of showing where someone is off track and also showing them how to get back on track. Admonishing might also carry with it a somewhat more stern approach to this process. Admonishing has to do with warning or exhorting to live correctly. It is a pleading that stems from having an understanding of truth which both points to that which needs to be set aside or put off and that which needs to be put in place or put on. In 1 Corinthians 4:14 Paul, in writing to the Corinthian believers, unlike the Romans believers, had to be more firm in his instruction in order to correct several real and pressing issues that were going on. “I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.” (1 Corinthians 4:14, NASB95) In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Paul urges his readers to, “… admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, NASB95)

But Paul felt no real need to do this with the Roman believers because they seemed to have this pretty well under control, though it is likely that they might have been a bit excessive. This may be evident due to the amount of time he spent discussing not judging one another, but accepting each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul let them know that his boldness in this was intended as an exhortation by way of reminder for them. In this regard it might have been a letter of fine encouragement and fine tuning as opposed to one of correction.

And the authority that he wrote to them under was not because he had been instrumental in starting the church in Rome, but because he had been appointed as an apostle by Christ as was stated in the first few verses of Romans and was reaffirmed here in today’s verse, where he specifically mentions his call to ministry to the Gentiles.

“Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:1–7, NASB95)

The Roman believers were under his charge, and he was taking his responsibility to help them in their growth (sanctification) seriously. As we are called to give ourselves back to God in service as a living sacrifice, Paul viewed his ministry to the Gentiles his offering to God. And his prayer was that this sacrifice would prove to be pleasing to God as a pure, holy, and set apart work of His Spirit.

In verse 17 Paul gives credit where it belongs when he said that he had indeed found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. Paul would not boast in what he had done as he knew that it was God. It was God who was working through him and all of the believers to whom he was writing to accomplish His good work, and in that he could step back and boast in what God had done. The word “boast” here in Romans 15:17 is translated as “proud” in some other translations, and it has the meaning of rejoicing or glorifying. Paul was proud of His God and what He had done in and through him and them, and he was ready to proclaim this to others. He was going to rejoice in God’s work and give all of the glory to Him.

The writer of Hebrews wrapped up his letter primarily to Jewish believes with these words pointing to God as the author of the work, “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20–21, NASB95)

Hope for the Gentiles (Romans 15:9-13)

“and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Your name.” Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, And let all the peoples praise Him.” Again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:9–13, NASB95)

Yesterday we looked at the hope for the Jews as God has proven Himself faithful to the promises He had made to Abraham and others. Today the focus shifts to the Gentiles, which includes everyone who is not of the Jewish people. God’s promises included that through Abraham’s seed all of the nations would be blessed, and the Gentiles comprise all of the other nations. Specifically cited in these verses are some Old Testament passages which pointed to the rejoicing of the Gentiles for the salvation they had been granted.

During this current church age we have many Jews who are saved, but the church is largely comprised of Gentile believers. Those who were formerly not a part of the promise have now been grafted in. Paul wrote earlier in Romans 11, starting with verse 13 and leading up to verse 25 which was cited yesterday, that in response to the rejection He received from His people, God reached out to the Gentiles that they also might believe. This was not a secondary plan of God’s, but one He knew would unfold this way and even declared through the prophets, and for which He has the outcomes fully under control. We read,

“But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?” (Romans 11:13–24, NASB95)

Paul, who considered himself to be a Jew of Jews, was called by God to be an apostle to the Gentiles. And in that role he is cautioning the Gentile believers not to hold this over the Jews and in so doing become arrogant. Salvation was first given to the Jews and the first believers in Christ were Jews. It was from them that the good news spread and Gentiles came to believe. And it was God who stopped Paul in his tracks, changing him from one who was dragging out followers of Christ to be persecuted to one who was given to proclaiming the good news to both Jew and Gentile alike. As was his custom, when Paul entered a town he went first to the synagogues and from there to the streets. But Paul’s greatest ministry, the one where he saw the greatest fruits was the one which he was set apart for and that was to reach the Gentile peoples for Christ.

As Christians today we indeed can rejoice, thanking God that His plan was not exclusive to His chosen people, but that from His great love He called so, so many others. Because of their hardness of heart we were invited to dine with Christ. We have a partial description of this in one of the parables of Jesus found in Matthew chapter 22.

“Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come. Again he sent out other slaves saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fattened livestock are all butchered and everything is ready; come to the wedding feast.’ But they paid no attention and went their way, one to his own farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his slaves and mistreated them and killed them. But the king was enraged, and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. ‘Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the wedding feast.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found, both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests.”” (Matthew 22:1–10, NASB95)

But the amazing thing about our God is that His love is not easily set aside. He had made a promise to the Jewish people and He is faithful to His promises. The next verses of Romans chapter 11 goes on to tell of a time yet to come when the fullness of this Gentile period will reach its climax, and God will bring forward during the great tribulation period a remnant so that all Israel will be saved.

There is clearly cause for all believers to rejoice in the hearing and receiving of God’s Good News. Paul closes these verses with the admonition that, “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” There is no greater hope and no greater peace than to know that we have been fully accepted, forgiven, and embraced by God through His Son, indwelt by His Spirit and filled with hope as we look forward to eternity which is set firmly in His hands.