Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ… This Epistle is remarkable for the number of its endings. The invocation at the end of chap. Romans 15. may be regarded as closing the Epistle itself. Then the first benediction (chap. Romans 16:20) was doubtless intended to be indeed the conclusion of the whole. But now Paul's companions desired to send greetings, which having been done, we have the benediction a second time (ver. 24). The pen of Tertius was now put down. The Epistle must be read aloud for review and correction. What was done in the latter respect we cannot tell. But the apostle and his companions were filled with profound emotions; and so Tertius was bidden to again take up the pen, and to write, "Now to Him," etc. And then the MS. was devoutly rolled up and sealed, and delivered to Phebe. Notice — I. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ROMAN CHRISTIANS IN THE FAITH. Observe — 1. That in respect to which the establishment is to be effected: the gospel. It is described in respect to — (1) Its subjective medium and source — "my gospel." Not that "his gospel" differed essentially from the "gospel" of any other apostle, though he had not learnt it from any of them; but it was his as distinguished from all corrupted gospels (Galatians 1:6, 7). (2) Its objective character and contents. (1) It is the revelation of a mystery which — (a) had been kept silent in eternal times, i.e., from eternity up to the time of the advent of Christ; but — (b) had now, since the appearance of Christ, been made fully manifest. It is the great mystery of redemption through the One Divine-human Mediator, so called, not in respect to its incomprehensible character, but because it never could have been imagined by unaided human reason, nor appreciated by men before it had been evolved in history (Ephesians 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10). (2) Enigmatical portions of the truth concerning it were disclosed from time to time in type and prophecy; but given in such separate fragments, that there was not skill to bring piece to piece, and so combine the whole as to discover the mystery. Even the prophets themselves were perplexed as to what could be the true significance of their predictions (Peter 1:10-12). (3) But now, since the advent, the whole mystery had been manifested, and the time for silence has passed away: "Go ye into all the world," etc. 2. The establishment itself. (1) This was not simply that they should become so steadfast as never to apostatise; nor only that they should so maintain personal faith in Christ to inherit everlasting life; but also that they should have such a clear understanding of the spirit and purpose of Christianity; such a grasp of its various facts and truths, as that they should be in no danger of enfeebling the gospel by heterogeneous additions, or by an incomplete apprehension or enunciation of its truths. (2) Those who should thus be firmly established in the truth concerning Christ, are also supposed to hold firmly to Him, by personal living faith, who is Himself the Truth. II. THE ASCRIPTION OF GLORY TO THE ONLY WISE GOD THROUGH CHRIST, WHO WAS ABLE TO DO THIS THING FOR THEM. 1. The ability here spoken of is not an ability of mere power, but one which is manifested, and which becomes effective, through wisdom. Men are established in the truth by a clear apprehension of it, and of its grounds and bearings (Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 5:12-14). God has made abundant provision to present to believers the truth in an unmistakable form, and to give them every aid in mastering that form. 2. But the establishment includes, not only apprehension and belief, but also love, of the truth. And in all this God has manifested not His sole wisdom only, but His surpassing love; and we may be fully assured that He who thus appeals to the understanding by intelligible truth for the purpose of salvation will also, by the gentle and persuasive influence of love, appeal to the heart. 3. And this ascription of praise to the only wise God through Christ who is able to do this, was itself also intended to be one of the means to promote this very end. There are contained therein both incentive and encouragement. (W. Tyson.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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, |
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