TTake Courage: The Lord Stands Near

The Epistle  (Gospel) of Paul to the Romans

“Be of good cheer,” is the phrasing used in the KJV versus take courage used in the NIV translation.  The phrase comes from the Greek word (tharses’).  This phrase has a story behind the statement.  It is the beginning of Paul’s journey to Rome.  Paul has now completed his 3rd missionary journey and arrived back in Israel.  Paul was enroute to deliver a generous offering from the churches in Macedonia and Greece to the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.

When Paul arrived in Tyre, some disciples met him there and encouraged him NOT to go onto Jerusalem.  But Paul said to his followers/supporters, “I am ready not only to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus . . . The LORD’s will be done!” (Acts 21:13ff).  One of Paul’s first stops, having arrived in Jerusalem, was to meet with James and the elders.  He not only delivered the gifts but gave his detailed missionary report about what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.  And they praised God!   But all was not well.  Why?  Some were upset that Paul was telling the Jews living among the Gentiles to “turn away” from Moses.

Enter Jews from Asia who saw Paul at the temple.  They stirred up the whole crowd that ended up with Paul being seized.  And they literally dragged him from the temple and threw him outside the gates!  Enter the Roman troops due to the uproar when Paul’s beating seized.  Paul attempted to defend himself to the angry crowd to no avail.  A familiar statement was shouted out, “Away with him!”  Paul was granted an audience with the Great Sanhedrin that included both Pharisees and Sadducees.  Having declared his status as a Pharisee, he literally threw a monkey wrench into the discussion by reminding the council that Jesus rose from the dead and thus all Christians have the same hope in the resurrection.  (NOTE: Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection).  The internal dispute became so violent that the Roman commander removed him from their presence.

The following night, the LORD “stood near” (ephistemi = to set upon; stand upon or be present).  He said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11).  And so, the litany of trials, plots, and eventual trip to Rome begins.  The personnel in this story involved Roman and Jewish leaders alike.  The first event was a plot by several Jewish leaders to ambush Paul as he was to be transferred from the commander’s barrack to the Jewish council.  Paul’s nephew overhead their plot and immediately told the Roman commander which then led to over four hundred various Roman men accompanying Paul to Caesarea.  The Roman commander (Claudius Lyias) sent an introductory letter along for the Roman Governor, Felix.  Felix was married to Drusilla, who was the daughter of King Agrippa I (of the Herodian dynasty).  Paul remained in prison there for two years when Felix was replaced by Festus.

Festus reconvened a new trial/hearing for Paul when he arrived in Caesarea.  Festus was friendly with the Jewish leaders and appeared eager for Paul to go back to Jerusalem, but Paul refused claiming his Roman right as a citizen – and said to Festus, “I appeal to Caesar!”   Even then, Festus consulted with King Agrippa II (and Bernice, his sister).  Agrippa agreed to hear Paul and his defense of the trumped-up Jewish charges.  Paul’s defense was detailed covering Paul’s history as a Pharisee through his conversion and calling to the Gentiles.  At the conclusion of Paul’s defense, Agrippa said, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

The final judgment was that Agrippa found no fault in Paul, and had Paul not already demanded an appeal to Caesar, he would have let him go.   But go he must!  Acts 27-28 record the details of Paul’s long and detailed journey to Rome via the Mediterranean.  History suggests this journey commenced ~57 AD (autumn) with arrival in Rome ~60 AD.  Paul was one of 276 on board ship as they sailed toward their ultimate destination.  Following their passage of Crete, they encountered a “Northeaster,” with the ship caught in the storm.  The storm was violent which required throwing off their cargo and eventually the ship’s tackle.  Day after day, the storm raged on.  The men had gone without food for days.  Then Paul, having a vision from an angel of God said, “Do not be afraid.”  He then said, “Keep up your courage.”  Why?  Because, God has graciously granted your safety (vs. demise) from the storm’s destruction.

They ran aground after fourteen days and nights.  Now on the Adriatic Sea, they landed on the island of Malta (a/k/a Melita).  The islanders showed them “unusual kindness.”  Paul was bitten by a poisonous asp but survived without any consequence.  The islanders were astounded and now claimed that Paul was a god.  Paul then became a guest of Publius, the chief official of Malta.  While there, he healed the official’s father.  And when they departed on another ship, the islanders supplied all that was needed for their continued journey.  Once on land, news of their arrival reached some brothers and they traveled ~40 miles to meet Paul at the Forum of Appius.  Finally, Paul arrived in Rome after a tumultuous journey that was truly in God’s hands.  Acts tells us that Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.  And for two years, he remained in his rented quarters and boldly preached the kingdom of God and the LORD Jesus Christ.

The Letter to the Romans

Historians suggest Paul wrote this letter to the church at Rome in 55 AD while he was on this third missionary journey and probably from Corinth? or Ephesus?  Theologians cannot totally agree on Paul’s whereabouts when the letter was written, but regardless was well before his arrival in Rome.  Theologians hypothesize that the Roman church dates back to 49 AD or maybe earlier.  There does not seem to be any one person mentioned as the initiator of the church in Rome.  We also know that the missionary team of Priscilla and Aquila were deposed from Rome under Claudius in 49 AD and ended up in Corinth.   We know that Paul met this couple in Corinth and likely got firsthand news about the church in Rome.

In the concluding verses of Romans, Paul acknowledges Tertius (Tertios) as the scribe (amanuensis).  He could have been a member of the “70” disciples found in several ancient manuscripts.  Romans is the longest of Paul’s 13 epistles and could very well be called a Gospel based on his presentation of Law & Gospel and God’s forgiveness via repentance by the death and resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ.  The great reformer, Dr. Luther stated, “No one stresses the grace we have through Christ so valiantly as St. Paul.”

Chapter 1:1-17: The Packed Beginning

The opening elements of this book are, and could be, an entire study in and of itself.  Unlike modern-day letters, where the author’s name is at the conclusion of the letter, Paul opens with his identity and in the first six verses states his credentials and then his mission (i.e. the gospel of God).

Paul first states he is a “servant.”  This term in Greek is doulos which is defined as a slave or servant.  According to Strong’s Concordance, the term is used with the highest dignity in the N. T., namely believers who willingly live under Christ’s authority.  Next, Paul adds his apostleship as being set apart for the gospel.  This gospel is one and the same that was prophesied by prophets of old regarding the Son of God (and descendant of David).  So, His dual nature is confirmed as the Son of God and Son of David.   Yes, God’s Son died on Calvary to complete the prophesy and then on the third day rose again to His place of honor at the right hand of God.    And it was through Him and for His name’s sake that we have received grace through faith in Him.

Paul was called by Jesus himself to bring the good news to the Gentiles – including those in the church at Rome – which gives confidence as to their allegiance to their Savior who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light says Scripture.  What a beginning!  He then addresses his recipients as everyone in Rome who have been called to be saints of the LORD Jesus Christ.  Following, we see one of Paul’s familiar opening statements in other epistles offering the grace and peace that comes from God through His Son Jesus.

Paul reminds his readers that he longs to visit them in Rome.  Some theologians believe that Paul’s vision was to set up a western base in Rome much like the eastern base in Antioch of Syria.  From here, he could expand his missionary efforts westward even to Spain.   Paul is thankful for their faith that has been reported to him and is evident to believers everywhere.  Paul’s goal to be with them is of mutual benefit, i.e. that each can be encouraged by the other’s faith. Amen!

Paul reminds them that he is obligated to both Greeks and non-Greeks (barbarians), the wise and the foolish.  Then comes the theme of the entire book in verse 16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation to everyone who believes.”   Verse 17 is sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Heaven Verse.”  Yes, the righteousness from God comes through faith and our life is focused on the servant nature of our calling.  Paul quotes the O. T. prophet Habakkuk, “The righteous will live by faith.”  (Hab. 2:4).

Godly Vs. Godless

Paul’s tune changes quickly in verse 1:18. He reminds his readers that the godlessness and wickedness of men will receive the wrath of God as they suppress the truth.  He leaves no wiggle room as he affirms that all have knowledge of God by way of His divine creation, His eternal power, and divine nature.  No excuse!  Even with their inward knowledge of the One True God, they have outwardly ignored Him and therefore, God gave them over to their sinful desires having exchanged the truth of God for a lie!  Yes, they worshipped the created and not the Creator!  (1:25).

Beginning in chapter two, Paul reminds his church in Rome that they have no excuse to judge others that in doing so they condemn themselves.  Only God knows the heart!  And God is the Judge.  Paul reminds them of the O.T. reference in Psalm 62:12 that God rewards each person according to what he has done.  This same language is used in Paul’s 2nd letter to the church at Corinth (2 Cor 5:10).   In contrast to the wicked, Paul reminds those to be persistent in doing good, seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life.  And remember, God does not show favoritism, i.e. God wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Chapter 2:17 directs a warning to the Jewish members reminding them that if they rely solely on the Law and ignore the gospel revealed in the Son, then the message of the Law is blasphemy among the Gentiles (quoted from Isaiah 52:5). And then comes the sacred circumcision issue between the Jews and non-Jews.  Physical circumcision from the old covenant is not a true circumcision rather God’s Son looks to the heart as being circumcised to belong to the household of faith.  This true circumcision comes by faith via the righteousness of the Son of God.   The old covenant circumcision was a sign of God’s chosen to bring the very words of God to all others.

God is faithful!  Period!  Paul reminds his readers that no one is righteous for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Paul quotes the O. T. psalmist and reminds his readers – both Jew and Greek – that no one seeks God of his own volition.  From my catechism days I remember Luther’s explanation of the 3rd Article of the Apostle’s Creed, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel . . .”

Paul continues to quote the psalmists as he talks about our very senses (throats; tongues; lips; mouths; feet; eyes).  Their description is all negative.  So, whatever the Law says, it is condemning, and it is only the saving grace obtained through faith in the Son of God via the Holy Spirit that is saving.  Yes, the Law is still relevant, but it is only to “show us our sin.” (SOS) The gospel also has an SOS, and it is “shows us to our savior.”  Despite our sinful human nature, Paul reminds his readers that we have a righteousness from God apart from the Law and it comes through His Son to all who believe.  ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, says Romans 3:23.

In today’s world, we humanly look to what we have done to earn something.  But in the Christian world, it is a free gift based on the atoning sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ.  Paul reminds his readers that it is ONLY by the grace of God that we have righteousness based on His death and resurrection.  It is the blood sacrifice that occurred on Calvary once for all – those in the past who lived looking forward to the Messiah to those living and to those afar off.  Jews can relate to the blood offering.  Moses relayed to the Israelites in Leviticus 17 that outlines the procedure for the blood offering.  In the O. T. it was a repeated event, but in the case of the New Covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all.

Justification . . . By Faith . . .Not Works

Paul opens chapter four with a great explanation on justification dating back to Father Abraham.  Beginning in Genesis 12, this man called Abram (later Abraham) was called by God to be the father of many nations.  At the ripe age of seventy-five, Abram left Haran and was enroute to the land of Canaan.  God told Abram that he would be the father of more offspring than there are stars in the heavens (Genesis 15:4ff).  Then in verse six, we are told, “Abram believed, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”  Paul quotes this O. T. passage in his letter to the church at Rome.  Paul also gives King David credit from the Psalms regarding righteousness apart from works.  (Psalm 32:1-2).

Paul adds more prominence to Abram’s credit related to circumcision.  Abram’s belief was prior to his circumcision.  Thus, Abram’s offspring includes not only God’s chosen but also the Gentiles.   Remember the Law only shows us our sin, but the promise of salvation comes through faith.   St. Paul reminds us that Abram in hope believed and so became the father of many nations.  The acts of God are more than we can understand at times.  Paul reminds his fellow believers that God caused Sarai’s womb to bear a child at an incredibly old age.  Later, Abraham was called on to sacrifice his one and only son and was willing to do so knowing full well that God had the power to raise him.  (See Hebrews 11).  But God stopped Abraham at the last minute and provided a way out.  But God did not stop sacrificing His one and only Son for you and me.  Yes, just as God caused Sarah and Abraham to bear a child (miracle), He also caused His Son to be raised from the dead for our justification.  (Romans 4:25).  Miraculous!

What is the result of God’s gift of righteousness through faith?  Chapter five opens with that word, “Therefore,” which means something big is coming and listen closely!   As we are justified by faith, we can have peace (eternal) with God.  With peace comes joy in the hope of the glory of God.  Paul follows with his lawyer-like dissertation.

Rejoice in suffering->perseverance->character->hope. 

And hope does not disappoint us based on God’s agape love for us and having gifted us with His Spirit in faith.  Our suffering in this life is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us when the LORD will come again just as the angels told the disciples as they watched their LORD ascend to His heavenly glory.

First and Second Adam

Paul reminds his readers that with Adam (first man) brought sin into the world and by sin came death.  I am reminded of a sermon preached some years ago using this chapter as the text.  The title, “Door #1 or Door #2?”  If you chose Door #1 death was the reward.  If you chose Door #2 you received life.  Yes, Jesus was the second Adam the one who brought life and immortality to life by his atoning sacrifice.  Jesus reminds us that He is the door/gate in one of His seven I AMs in John’s gospel.  And those who enter by the door/gate will have life and have it in abundance (eternal), says Jesus.

In his closing verses of chapter five, Paul reminds us that behind Door #1 was death caused by sin and behind Door #2 was eternal life in Jesus Christ through faith by grace.  Amen.

Freedom in the Gospel

Chapter six opens with a deep theological question.  “Should we go on sinning since we have grace?”  Surely Jesus overcame eternal death for us by his death on Calvary, but sin continues to be alive in our world.   We certainly have freedom in the gospel.  Paul is bold to announce that just as Christ died for our sin, we share in this new life based on baptism in faith. Paul spends considerable time in his epistle to the church at Galatia re: freedom in the gospel and living by the Spirit.  (a/k/a The Christian Magna Carta).

Sin continues to tug at our shirt tail enticing us in the pleasures of this life.  But our life is in Christ.  Paul uses the marriage as an example of how a man and woman are bound to each other until death separates them.  And just as in marriage, we have been released from sin and damnation by Jesus’ death so that we now live by the Spirit (bound) which brings life.

Paul feels the burden of sin in his life just as all Christians both then and now.  Paul says, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For what I do is not the good I want to do – no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep doing.  Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is the sin living in me that does it.”  Yes, sin continually seeks us out, but “Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our LORD,” says Paul.   This personal coming clean no doubt brought comfort to its readers in Rome knowing that they were in a significant minority under the god Caesar and the temptations of their day.

Life in the Spirit – Under New Management

Paul concluded the previous chapter with the age-old question, “Who will rescue me . . .?”  And the answer to this question for the Christian is our LORD Jesus Christ.  Having been rescued from this vale of tears, Paul opens the famous chapter eight with our new life in the Spirit.  Or “under new management.”

His opening statement in the chapter is comforting.  Yes, under this new management there is no condemnation!   Why?  Because in Christ Jesus we have the Spirit of life which has set us free from the condemnation of sin.  As one commentary states, “the path of glory is not an easy street.”  As Paul has already outlined, sin continues to seek out its prey and to pull us away from our life in Christ.

Paul reminds his readers of the Old Testament “sin offering,” that was required as an offering of purification as a means of atonement for committing an unintentional transgression.  (See Leviticus 4).  This sin offering was also made on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).  The Good News is that God sent His Son in the likeness of man to be a sin offering.  This fulfills the requirements set forth in the Law of God.  The comparison of the minds of a sinful man versus the righteous is death versus life and peace, says Paul.  (8:6).

In 2001, my pastor gave me a great summary of chapter eight.  First the “dying Christ” is the cost (sin offering) and the “living Christ” (resurrected) is the benefit.    The future glory that is promised in Christ is nothing compared to the sufferings.  This statement would have been very comforting to those in Rome as they lived under the tyranny of Nero where suffering was commonplace for the Christian.  So, regardless, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to His purpose.” (8:28).

Paul’s concluding verse in chapter eight is the “divine assurance’ that all Christians have as they walk in the Spirit of Christ.  Listen, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.”  (Romans 8:38)

Israel, O Israel!

Paul opens a new section in chapter nine and continues for three chapters regarding the “chosen race” that was to carry the Good News of God to all the world.  This letter was likely written in Corinth during his third journey which is about the same period of time that he penned 1st Corinthians.  In order to better understand chapters 9-11, listen to Paul’s words to the church at Corinth: “Where is the wise man?  Where is the scholar?  Where is the philosopher of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”  (I Corinthians 1:20ff).

I believe God chose Paul (Saul) for the simple reason he was all the things the Jews could want.  Yes, He was Jewish, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee and trained under the great theologian Gamaliel.  Until his conversation by Jesus himself, he was zealous for the Law with God’s Son’s death and resurrection veiled.  But God chose him to be His emissary and unveiled the true mystery of Christ to him and brightened his world.

But hold on!  Paul is despondent!  Why?  He says, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish.”  (Rom 9:2).  Paul tells his readers that he is willing to separate himself from the gospel IF it were possible to bring his own race into the gospel of grace and mercy from God’s Son, Jesus Christ.  The Jewish race had centuries of examples of God’s grace and mercy for them including their witnessing of God’s divine glory, the covenants, the Law, the temple, and the promises and more!  God’s ancestry to Jesus was well defined as Scripture outlines.  Yet, their unbelief continues.  So, was it God’s fault?  Paul reminds his readers that Israel is defined by the children of promise.  They are the true offspring of Abraham.  Paul quotes Moses from Exodus, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy . . .and compassion on whom I have compassion.” (Exodus 33:19).  Thus, it is not due to man’s effort but wholly rests on God’s mercy!  Amen.

This mercy rich language is especially heartwarming to the Gentile readers.  “Therefore, God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy.”  (9:18).  Paul continues to quote the O. T. Hosea who prophesies that the Gentiles are also included.  “I will call them my people who are not my people.” (Hosea 2:23).

Paul continues by dissecting how one obtains God’s righteousness.  The Gentiles obtained rightness with God by faith while the Jews pursued the law of righteousness and thus have failed since no one can keep God’s law perfectly. They stumbled, as Paul stated in I Corinthians.  Their “stumbling stone” was indeed the cornerstone that caused them to stumble says Isaiah.   God indeed wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.   Christ indeed fulfilled all law and righteousness.  Moses wrote in Deuteronomy, “The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” (Deut 30:14).

Thus, Paul’s “faith in action” is defined as thus: “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  (10:9).

Yes, our heart and mouth are witnesses of our faith.  Regardless of Jew or Greek, the same LORD is LORD of all and richly blesses all who call on him (in faith).  Paul reminds his readers that the prophet Joel said, “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Joel 2:32).  So, Paul continues and expounds on the source of faith with this well-known passage, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (10:17).

The final words in chapter 10 are important as he (Paul) reminds us that Israel is and always been in God’ loving arms.  “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”  Yes, it is God’s loving grace and mercy that continues to enfold His chosen race (the remnant).

Fear Not à Salvation Remains by God’s Grace & Mercy

One commentary describes Israel’s “spiritual peril” that as the result of their unbelief and accepting Jesus, the Messiah.  I found chapter 11 confusing at times until I realized that it is God’s world, it is God’s timing and above all, it is His grace and mercy acting on His creation, especially His chosen race Israel.  God has never forgotten His covenant with Israel repeated and demonstrated throughout history.  Paul reminds his readers that God’s mercy extends to all and since the Jews rejected the gospel, the Gentiles have the true riches of God’s great love and mercy.

Paul describes a type of spiritual resurrection in verse fifteen and then uses examples of dough and the root/branches of a tree.  God indeed will not ignore His people as Paul says, “God is able to graft them in again.” (v. 23b).

Biblehub.com has multiple commentary statements on this section of chapter 11, including Matthew Henry’s Commentary.  He says, “True grace seeks not to confine God’s favor,’ and ‘Final mercy and blessed restoration intended for them (Israel), show the patience and love of God.’”  Paul is confident that Israel will return to the fold and quotes Isaiah, “He will turn godlessness away from Jacob.” (Isaiah 59:20).  So, the disobedient will receive mercy!

The final verses of chapter 11 are indeed one of the most beautiful doxologies in the N. T.  Paul’s choice of words describing God are unmatched.  Listen:  the depth of the riches, wisdom, and knowledge; unsearchable judgments; and paths beyond tracing.  Then the concluding praise: “For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be glory forever! Amen.”  (11:36)

Living Sacrifices

Chapter 12 opens with that word that suggests once again (therefore) something is coming.  In May 2003, I attended the funeral service for one of my pastor mentors of faith.  The pastor preached on Romans 12:1 describing John’s life as a living sacrifice based on the mercy God had for John in faith.  John indeed was transformed in the waters of baptism as the Spirit of God brought faith to him in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.  His renewal was being “born again” and became a child of God and heir of salvation.

Paul reminds the church in Rome that they are to offer their bodies as living sacrifices.  The church in service is always equipped and uniquely so! Paul explains that all members do not have the same function, rather, each has different gifts – but the same service.

Among the most important in God’s plan for maximum service is the love for one another.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,” says Paul.  “Never be lacking in zeal (enthusiasm) but keep your spiritual fervor (intensity) serving the LORD.”  (12:10-11).

I have prepared a table that lists the recommendations from Paul to the church at Rome and to you and me today.  (Read from left to right, row by row).

Love is the Fulfillment of the Law

Sandwiched between the conclusion of chapter 12 and 13:8, we have a pronouncement regarding our duty to obey those in charge (authority) over our life.  Paul states, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  Considering the time and the terror pronounced by Nero and his fellow Roman rulers, this statement seems bizarre.  But, Paul continues, “Rulers hold no terror for those who do right.”   This statement follows the litany of recommendations that Paul lists in chapter 12.

Chapter 13:8 is a reminder to us all today that our debt should only be love for our fellow man.   Paul lists the decalogue but then reminds the readers that the O. T. has two laws of love (Deut 6:14 and Lev 19:18) – love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.  But Paul summarizes the two laws of love into one – “Love is the fulfillment of the law.”  Our LORD quotes the O. T. when asked by the Pharisees, “What is the greatest commandment?”  Jesus responded without hesitation as he quotes the O. T. references above.

Paul also promptly reminds us today as well as his readers then that we know not the time when our LORD will come again as He promised.  So, we need to put aside our deeds of darkness and dress with the armor of light.  Yes, we are to put on Christ as the robe of righteousness that presents us blameless before His glorious throne (Jude 24-25).

These acts of love are particularly important since all who confess Christ come from diverse backgrounds – in faith, in society, and in economic terms.  We are not to judge our neighbor and his beliefs, as God is the Judge, and all will stand before His judgment seat.   The kingdom of God is not about food or drink rather righteousness and peace that comes from the Spirit of God.  Paul concludes with a good rule, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  When one edifies a fellow believer, he is building up the believer and his service to the LORD.

Paul’s prayer for the church in Rome is listed in chapter 15:3: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ.”

God’s love toward us extends not only to the chosen ones, but also to the Gentiles.  The O.T. is ripe with references as Paul quotes re: Gentiles who place their faith and hope in the one and the same Savior.   Paul also quotes King David (Ps 62) as he prays for the God of hope to fill all with joy and peace.

Priestly Duty

Paul counts his blessing as being a called servant (apostle) of the Almighty to preach to the Gentiles.  He states, “(T)he grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God.”  (15:15ff).

Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah that is from the final verses of chapter 52, just before the “Suffering Servant” chapter.  Listen: “Those who were not told about Him will see and those who have not heard will understand.”  Unless the good news is preached, how can the ignorant know Him?  And without the Spirit’s groaning, how can they understand?

To Rome and Beyond!

Paul concludes his letter with a stated plan to visit them in Rome after he delivers the gifts from Macedonia and Greece to the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.  He pleads for their prayers as he fears for the unbelievers that may accost him in Jerusalem.  “The God of peace be with you all. Amen”

Postscript

There is some question as to whether chapter 16 was part and parcel of the letter to the church at Rome.  Multiple arguments exist for and against including the doxology.  Some have suggested the doxology might have been inserted in earlier portions of the epistle.

Paul is especially thankful for the work of Phoebe, the deaconess from Cenchreae, a seaport of Greece near Corinth.  He then adds an extensive list of individuals who have labored long and hard for the sake of the gospel.

His second P. S. (16:17ff) reminds the church in Rome to be vigilant for those who attempt to cause divisions and insert obstacles in the path contrary to the teachings of Jesus.

The gospel is truly summed up in the last three verses called the doxology.  Romans is more than an epistle; it is a beautiful gospel presentation and reminds us how God’s love is intended for all who come to faith in the Messiah.

Take Courage is the key phrase that not only describes Paul’s mission work, but also his time in Rome’s prison, as he continues to experience God’s presence near him.

My reading and study of this book includes years of notes in my Bible that were to build my understanding of God’s Word.  To God be the Glory.

Peace

Connected in Him, I stand

GHR

May 2020