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The Book of Romans – Rom 15-16, Part 34 – Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

[Study Aired July 2, 2025]

Rom 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 
Rom 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 
Rom 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 
Rom 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 
Rom 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 
Rom 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 
Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 
Rom 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. 
Rom 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 
Rom 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Rom 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 
Rom 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 
Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 
Rom 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 
Rom 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
Rom 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 
Rom 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 
Rom 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 
Rom 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 
Rom 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

In Romans chapters 12 through 15, the Apostle Paul provides guidance to the early Christians on how to live their faith in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of unity within the “body of Christ.” In Romans 15:14-33, Paul wraps up this section by praising the Roman believers, saying he is sure they are full of goodness, knowledge, and able to help each other grow. This affirmation highlights the essential role of every member in the body of Christ to preach the gospel to one another, encouraging spiritual growth and unity.

Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

Even though Paul trusts their abilities, he writes boldly because of the grace God has given him. He speaks about his mission to the Gentiles (non-Jews in the flesh), emphasizing that it is his duty to bring them to faith, guided by the Holy Spirit. This mission reflects the broader responsibility of all believers to share the gospel, not just with those who have never heard it, but also within the Christian community to strengthen and edify each other.

Eph 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 

Paul shares how he has spread the Gospel, performing miracles and preaching from Jerusalem to Illyricum. His dedication to preaching in new areas where people haven’t heard about Christ yet also underscores the importance of continually sharing the gospel within the body of Christ, ensuring that all members are built up in their faith. Paul expresses his wish to visit the Roman Christians, hoping for mutual encouragement and support, demonstrating how the body of Christ thrives when believers actively share and reinforce the gospel message among themselves.

He also discusses the importance of the Gentile believers’ contributions to the poor Christians in Jerusalem, showing how all Christians are connected and responsible for each other. This mutual support within the body of Christ is vital, as preaching the gospel to one another nurtures a spirit of generosity, care, and unity.

Finally, Paul asks for their prayers for his safety and for his work to be accepted. He ends with a blessing of peace for everyone. This passage shows Paul’s vision of a unified, supportive, and mission-driven Christian community where preaching the gospel to each other is a fundamental practice, ensuring that every member grows in faith and love, contributing to the overall health and strength of the body of Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Continuing with chapter 16.

Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 
Rom 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 
Rom 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 
Rom 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 
Rom 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 
Rom 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 
Rom 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 
Rom 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 
Rom 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. 
Rom 16:11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Rom 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 
Rom 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 
Rom 16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 
Rom 16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. 

In Romans 16:1-16, Paul recognizes and honors many individuals who have supported his ministry and contributed to the growth of the early church. These greetings highlight the significant roles of both men and women in the ministry, the importance of the churches, and the deep bonds of love and respect within the Christian community. This passage reflects the collective effort and unity necessary for the spread of the Gospel.

Continuing with our verses.

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. 

These verses warn against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to sound doctrine. This aligns with other scriptures that emphasize unity and sound teaching:

1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

The warning to “avoid them” is consistent with other biblical teachings:

Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

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. 

This verse encourages wisdom in good things and simplicity concerning evil. This echoes Jesus’ words:

Matt 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

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. 

The promise that God will bruise Satan reflects the prophecy in Genesis:

Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

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. 

These verses list various individuals who send greetings. This practice of sending greetings is common in Paul’s epistles, emphasizing the unity and fellowship of believers across different locations.

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

This final blessing echoes Paul’s common closing in his letters, emphasizing the importance of grace:

2 Thess 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Overall, these verses emphasize the importance of sound doctrine, unity among believers, wisdom in dealing with those who cause division, and the eventual triumph of God over evil. It also demonstrates the interconnectedness of the early Christian community through personal greetings.

Here are our final verses of Romans.

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. 

These verses speak of a “mystery” that was hidden but is now revealed. This aligns with the spiritual nature of God’s truth. We must approach this with spiritual discernment, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

This passage mentions “scriptures of the prophets,” emphasizing the importance of searching the scriptures. We should not interpret this privately but seek confirmation from other parts of scripture.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

God’s word is true and endures forever. 

Psalm 119:160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever. ASV

The “mystery” refers to God’s plan of salvation through Christ, now revealed to all nations. 

Rom 11:25-28 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 

The doxology in verse 27 emphasizes God’s wisdom, reminding us of our dependence on His revelation rather than our understanding.

In conclusion, this passage encapsulates the grand narrative of scripture, God’s eternal plan, once hidden, now revealed in Christ, made known through the scriptures for the obedience of faith among all peoples, all for God’s glory.

Rom 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.