‘Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.’  (Romans 16:25-27).

When it comes to the book of Romans I’ve never taken the plunge and preached right through it.  Let’s face it Paul’s ‘magnum opus’ is quite a challenge, as it’s a supreme theological argument inspired by the Holy Spirit and set out with flawless logic.  The letter’s argument reminds me of a lecturer who has anticipated every possible point he could be heckled and has preempted each one!  Paul highlights the plight of sinful man, and yet, the transcendent power and sovereignty of God’s solution to mankind’s fallen state.  It is, as Stuart Olyott entitled his commentary, ‘The Gospel as is it really is.’  Even if the last chapters deal with pastoral issues to do with behaviour and the local Church rather than hardcore theology, it’s still a roller-coaster ride which is not for the theologically faint hearted!

Paul has argued that only by God’s action can man’s fallen nature be redeemed!  So here we have a blessing in reverse as it were.  Paul encourages the recipients of the letter to join with him in praising God, who has provided salvation through Jesus’ death, so that sin might be forgiven and people can be reconciled to him.  Stuart Olyott writes that these verses: ‘underline various truths and, like the close of a great symphony, leave a majestic chord sounding in the ears.’[1]

Paul starts by illustrating that God is the Christian’s spiritual strength and source of that strength is the Gospel that Paul has preached (v25).  The phrase: ‘my Gospel’ is not a big headed claim that Paul has some unique take on the message of Christ.  Indeed, as the verse makes clear: ‘the preaching of Jesus Christ’ is the very essence of the Gospel.  Rather it is that it is his personal property that God has entrusted him with.  All indications are that Paul had received his teaching about the Gospel from others in the same way as any believer.  So this refers to his unique calling by the Lord and mission he had given him.  As Tom Holland points out: ‘he echoes his calling to apply the good news to the Gentiles.’[2]

The word: ‘mystery’ is not use in the sense we use it today, rather it: ‘refers to something that has been hidden but has now been made known.’[3]  Indeed the second part of verse 25 and verse 26 refers to the Gospel being something firstly only in the mind of God, in that it: ‘was kept secret for long ages’ (v25).  But then being slowly revealed through the prophets until it is fully realised in the life and work of Jesus Christ.  One theme that is apparent in the letter is that the Gospel is for all nations, a theme that had been slowly emerging through the Old Testament.  This was commanded by God and had been fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ!  By his work and only by his work could people be brought to ‘the obedience of faith’ (v26).

The last verse of the letter (v27) calls for God to be glorified by his people.  The title: ‘the only wise God’ refers to a major theme in the letter as it testifies that God has shown his wisdom by the justification of his people (chapters 1-4), in the sanctification of his people (chapters 5-8), and even in human history (chapters 9-11).  The doxology ends with an: ‘Amen’ as every genuine Christian should be able to agree with and give praise to God for the glorious message contained in this letter!

[1] Stuart Olyott, The Gospel as it Really is, Paul’s Epistle to the Romans Simply Explained (Welwyn, Evangelical Press, 1979) 163.

[2] Tom Holland, Hope for the Nations, Paul’s letter to the the Romans.  A Corporate Theological Reading (London, Apiary Publishing Ltd) 374.

[3] James Montgomery Boice, Romans, Volume 4, The New Humanity, Romans 12 -16 (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2001) 1962.