Greet each other in Christian love. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings. // And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you
Romans 16:16-20
Paul has demonstrated his love for those in Rome and other places but the end of Romans is somewhat strange. Just when we think Paul is ending the letter with words like
And now may God, who gives us His peace, be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15:33
Greet each other in Christian love. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.
Romans 16:16
These sure sound like the end of the letter is coming. Like the preacher who says “and now for my final point” but then continues on after the final point. Then suddenly there is a warning in the midst of it all. Paul’s final appeal is back to the issues that bring disunity.
Many commentators and Bible critics believe this section beginning with Romans 16:17 doesn’t fit with Romans 16:16. as a result they theorize this portion is written by someone else and has been inserted into the letter to the Romans at this point. The nature of the warning (16:17-20) is abrupt and sudden and seems misplaced. To reject this portion and claim it is not original Paul is to miss the power of his love and to fail to understand the way Paul’s mind works. He normally has a definite flow of thought but at times his thoughts can seem to be convoluted, turning every which way until finally he comes back to his earlier point again. His warning is a result of his love for the Roman church.
He fears those who bring division will gain a foothold in the church in Rome. This is why he has been talking about the unity in love, not thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought, forbearing with fellow believers etc. His fears are not groundless it seems. Look at Philippians 1:15-17 where Paul is talking about the situation in Rome. He is writing the letter to the Philippians from his prison cell in Rome. So he gives the Roman Christians good practical advice for handling those who teach false things and stir up trouble. Don’t debate them and convince them they are wrong, don’t hold trials to prove their heresies. Instead watch out for them and keep away from them. In so doing you will nullify their effect and effectively stop their influence and not waste inordinate amounts of time in doing so. Keep the main thing the main thing and preserve your unity.
Paul knows exactly where the source of the disunity and false teaching comes from, Satan himself. But reminds the Roman Christians of the final outcome. Effectively – “I have read the back of the book and know who wins in the end.” Hang on to that thought, it is an encouraging one.
Following this thought Paul adds yet another benediction or blessing. “May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you”. He has already added a number making us expect the end of the letter only to start up again. Why is he doing this? Simple – he is using the words that appear like a Grace or benediction to close his argument or add a prayer committing them to God to ensure their success. Paul is not meaning it as a grace or benediction. He is meaning those words at face value. This is not some nice Christian closing benediction. This is Paul saying “may the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you as you battle this process.” Paul has been majoring on GRACE all through the book of Romans. Romans is all about the GRACE OF GOD. Make Grace yours and all will be well in the end.
Don’t allow a brief period in your life to define who you are.
Anon
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.
Helen Keller
Keep your face to the Sonshine and you cannot see the shadows.
Ian Vail