Romans 16

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 � StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicfsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 4 3 8 0 0 Conclusion ) Commendation of Phoebe. Paul s Own Greetings and Those of All the Churches ) Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus ) 16:1 16 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 16 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is (also) a servant of the church at Cenchrea. 2 I ask you extend to her a welcome in the Lord that is worthy of the saints, and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a helper to many people and to me personally. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks to save my life, and to whom not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful. 5 (Greet) also the church (that meets) at their house. Greet my beloved Epenetus, who is Asia s firstfruits for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for you 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my fellow-countrymen and (former) fellow-prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles and who were in Christ before I was. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow-worker in Christ, and (greet) my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow-countryman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who had labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, the elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers (who are) with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints (who are) with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. ) All the churches of Christ extend greetings to you. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.1-45.16.23|AUTODETECT|” For the integrity of the text of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.1-45.16.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:1 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 see Vol. I, pp. 26 28. On verse 24 see footnote 437, p. 513. As to the authenticity of 16:25 27 see Appendix. pp. 521 523. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. Commendation of Phoebe) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 1, 2. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is (also) a servant of the church at Cenchrea. I ask you to extend to her a welcome in the Lord that is worthy of the saints, and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a helper to many people and to me personally.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.1|AUTODETECT|” The list of greetings is preceded by a note in which a certain lady named Phoebe is introduced and warmly commended to the church at Rome. It is reasonable to believe that it was Phoebe who, in departing for Rome, carried Paul s letter with her and delivered it to its destination. Some manuscripts even make mention of this in a subscript. We can easily understand that a note or letter of commendation, serving as a credential, was of great value both to the bearer and the addressed. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.1|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The lady s name ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Phoebe) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 means ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 bright, radiant) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is derived from pagan mythology, being another name for Artemis, the bright and radiant moon goddess, identified with the Roman goddess Diana. There are those who think that Phoebe must have been a Gentile Christian because so they reason Jews would certainly not give their children pagan names. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 That reasoning may well be open to question, however, We should bear in mind that, as a result of Alexander the Great s conquest, with its accompanying spread of Hellenistic culture, names of Greek-pagan origin became popular all over the empire. Jews too soon adopted the habit of giving their children Greek names, just as even today Christian parents do not hesitate to name their children Dennis, Dion, Diana, Isadora, etc. And does anyone bother to change the pagan names of the days of the week?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 421) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 When Paul calls Phoebe our sister, he means our sister in the Lord. He continues, who is ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 422) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.18|AUTODETECT|” �� a servant of the Church at Cenchrea. Cenchrea was Corinth s seaport looking toward Asia. It was situated on the Saronic Gulf. See the sketch on p. 489. A few years earlier Paul had sailed from this port on his way from Corinth to Ephesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 By calling Phoebe a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 servant) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of Cenchrea s church Paul probably means that she occupied a stable position, performed a definite and important function, in and for that church. She is accordingly called a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 diakonos) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.8|AUTODETECT|” of that congregation. In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ was described as having become a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 diakonos) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , that is, a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 servant) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , of the circumcised. To them he ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ministered) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . However, the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 diakonos) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.1|AUTODETECT|” can also be used in a more specialized or technical sense. In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.8|AUTODETECT|” and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.8|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it refers, in the plural, to deacons. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.1|AUTODETECT|” If that technical sense pertains to the word as used here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , then Paul is calling Phoebe a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 deaconess) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Now it must be granted that in a later century the ecclesiastical office of deaconess was not unknown.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 423) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The question, however, is Does ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the New Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.1|AUTODETECT|” either here 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) or anywhere else, refer to such an ecclesiastical office, namely, that of deaconess? On this subject there is a division of opinion. For details see footnote 424. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.11|AUTODETECT|” The absence of any mention of deaconesses in the rest of the New Testament is a fact. For ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.11|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 3:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 see ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” N.T.C.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.3-56.2.5|AUTODETECT|” on Timothy, pp. 133, 134; and for ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.3-56.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:3 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 see N.T.C. on Titus, pp. 364 366. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In order to discover what kind of specific function Paul has in mind when he calls Phoebe a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 diakonos) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the church at Cenchrea, we should pay close attention to what he says; namely, Extend to her a welcome in the Lord that is worthy of the saints, meaning, such a welcome as would be fitting for saints to give. He adds, Give her any help she may need & for she has been a helper��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 425) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� to many people and to me personally: ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 This may well be the key to the solution of the problem we are discussing. In light of the facts reported in 16:1, 2, what kind of help would Phoebe need when she arrived in Rome, which was clearly not the place of her residence? Would it not be protection and especially hospitality? And what kind of help did those travelers need who were passing through, and stopping over at, the seaport Cenchrea, Phoebe s home-town, proceeding from west to east or from east to west? Is it not a fact that even today such very busy junctions make strangers feel somewhat uneasy? Was not what they needed a cordial word of greeting, good advice, protection against danger, and frequently even a friendly home in which to pass the night, or even the days and nights until the next ship would leave harbor on the way to their destination? ) In a word it was ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hospitality) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that was needed at very busy Cenchrea. And it was ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hospitality) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.11-44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Phoebe knew how to offer. Is it not probable that, like Lydia 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.11-44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Acts 16:11 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.40|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.40|AUTODETECT|” 40) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Phoebe was a well-to-do Christian lady, blessed with an alert mind and with a heart overflowing with the spirit of kindness and helpfulness? Perhaps, also like Lydia, Phoebe was a businesswoman. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 We can well understand that Paul must have referred many a case to Phoebe. For that reason, and probably also for other reasons, Paul is able to say, For she has been a great help to many people and to me personally. ) For a list of worthy women, including Phoebe, mentioned in Scripture, see N.T.C. on I Timothy, pp. 133, 134. The lesson is clear. Two extremes should be avoided: (a) that of ordaining women to an ecclesiastical office when there is no warrant for doing so in Scripture; and (b) that of ignoring the very important and valuable services devout and alert women are able to render to the church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. Paul s Own Greetings) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In connection with the greetings (16:3 16a), the question, How could Paul have known so many persons in Rome, since he himself had never been there? has been answered. See p. 27 8 1 -1 9 0 0 3a) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and p. 28 8 1 -1 9 0 0 As to 3a) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The following facts should also be taken into consideration: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

1. Several of these very names occur on inscriptions found in or near Rome (on tombstones, etc.). This does not necessarily mean that the same name refers to the same person. It does indicate that we can no longer be surprised about the occurrence of the name in Paul s epistle to the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Romans) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0
2. Some of the names are definitely Latin: Junias, Ampliatus, Urbanus. ) 3. Mark, writing to the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Romans) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.13|AUTODETECT|” , mentions Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as if to say, people with whom you, in Rome, are well acquainted. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Greet Rufus, ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
3. All the codices contain this list of names as part of Paul s epistle to the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Romans) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Anent the reason for the inclusion of all these greetings, as was indicated previously (p. 28), the very fact that Paul had not been in Rome himself made it advisable warmly to greet those members of the congregation with whom he was acquainted, in order thus to gain an entrance into the hearts of the entire Roman church. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 3 5a. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks to save my life, and to whom not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful. (Greet) also the church (that meets) at their house.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Aquila was a Jew a native of Pontus. We may assume that his wife, Prisca (in Acts called Priscilla), was also Jewish.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”

426. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.3|AUTODETECT|” �� These two are always mentioned together. Their names are mentioned three times by Paul 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.19|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.2|AUTODETECT|” ), and also three times by Luke 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.18|AUTODETECT|” 18:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.26|AUTODETECT|” 18:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.2|AUTODETECT|” They were great travelers, moving often from one place to another, as has been indicated (pp. 16, 17). When Paul first met them they had recently come from Rome, having been expelled from that city by the decree of emperor Claudius, who had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.3|AUTODETECT|” The two were tentmakers, as was Paul. Better still, they were Christians. Was it Paul who had been instrumental in bringing about their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.3|AUTODETECT|” Paul calls them my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus. So all three Paul, Prisca, Aquila were partners both in daily vocation and in gospel proclamation. It is not surprising that in Corinth Paul had made his home with them 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.18-44.18.21|AUTODETECT|” When Paul, during his second missionary journey, homeward bound, departed from Corinth in order to make a quick stop at Ephesus, with a promise to return there later, Prisca and Aquila went with him. But when Paul departed from Ephesus and sailed to Caesarea, Prisca and Aquila remained at Ephesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.18-44.18.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:18 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.0|AUTODETECT|” ). In that city there was work for them. It may be described as laying the foundation for the apostle s subsequent lengthy ministry in that city, described in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.0|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.24-44.18.26|AUTODETECT|” One day a famous and fervent preacher, an Alexandrian Jew, named Apollos, arrived in Ephesus. When Prisca and Aquila noticed that in spite of his eloquence and great learning there was something lacking in his knowledge of the way of God, they invited him to their home and gave him further instruction 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.24-44.18.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:24 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|” It was toward the close of Paul s lengthy ministry at Ephesus that he wrote I Corinthians. Now he was with Prisca and Aquila again, as is clear from the fact that in his greetings he includes this item, Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.3-45.16.5|AUTODETECT|” Here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.3-45.16.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:3 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23-44.19.41|AUTODETECT|” a Paul causes the salutation to Prisca and Aquila to be the first of a lengthy list. Not only is it the first, it is also the fullest and the longest of the greetings. It now appears that the couple had risked their necks for Paul; that is, had hazarded their lives for his sake. Did this happen during the riot at Ephesus described in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23-44.19.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:23 41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.9|AUTODETECT|” ? Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|”
427. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.8-47.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.8-47.1.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:8 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . We cannot be certain about this. What is clear, however, is that the devout couple was and remained loyal to Paul to the nth degree. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Paul, in turn, was not slow in letting everybody know what Prisca and Aquila had done for him. Our passage shows that from all over, wherever Gentile churches had been established, messages of praise and gratitude poured in for this self-sacrificing loyalty of Prisca and Aquila. Note also that now the couple is back in Rome again, to which the apostle is addressing this letter. Once more, as in Ephesus, the home of Prisca and Aquila is a meeting-place for the congregation. On the subject of house-churches see pp. 22, 23. So Paul adds, (Greet) also the church (that meets) at their house. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.19|AUTODETECT|” It appears from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.19|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that at a later time the two left Rome once more and returned to Ephesus. The reason for this return may have been the Neronian persecution. It was from his prison in Rome that Paul, shortly before his death, sent one last greeting to these two loyal partners. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 It is worthy of note that in two of the three instances in which Paul mentions this couple the name of Prisca occurs before that of Aquila. Similarly, in two of the three passages in Acts Priscilla is mentioned first. We wonder why this is so. Could the reason be that in this case the wife ranked even higher than the husband in her labors for Christ? However that may be, from the list of honorable women mentioned in Scripture Prisca (=Prisciila) must not be omitted. She deserves to be mentioned in one breath with Lydia, Phoebe, and all the others. And her husband too was fully committed to the cause of Christ. ) It must have been with special emphasis his heart probably throbbing a bit faster, his eyes brimming with tears of love and gratitude than Paul wrote, Greet Prisca and Aquila. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11|AUTODETECT|” During his missionary career Paul had colleagues and fellow-workers. But he deemed it necessary to oppose Peter to his face 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.39|AUTODETECT|” f.). With Barnabas he had such a sharp disagreement that the two parted company 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.39|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:39) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.38|AUTODETECT|” ). There was a time when Paul refused to allow Mark to remain one of his companions 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.38|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ). He was going to reprimand Euodia and Syntyche 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.2|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ). And Demas was going to desert him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But even though Prisca and Aquila in a sense stood closer to him than any others for they were his companions both in trade and in faith as far as the record shows, between Paul, on the one hand, and Prisca and Aquila, on the other, there was always perfect harmony! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 5b. (Greet) my beloved Epenetus, who is Asia s firstfruits for Christ.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Epenetus means praiseworthy.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
428. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� It is fitting that Epenetus (or Epaenetus), who is Asia s��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
429. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� firstfruits or first convert for Christ, is mentioned right after the greeting addressed to Prisca and Aquila, who were deeply involved in missionary activity carried on in that general region, the western part of Asia Minor, with its leading city Ephesus. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” The very expression firstfruits implies that many others were to follow, which was actually what happened 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.20|AUTODETECT|”
430. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ). For the word firstfruits see also on 8:23 (p. 270) and on 11:16 (p. 369). Note for Christ because believers belong to him, since he has bought them with his precious blood 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.23|AUTODETECT|” 7:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.1|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in order that they might glorify God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is easy to imagine that whenever Paul or any of his fellow-workers, such as Prisca and Aquila, looked back upon the tremendous expansion of Christianity in and around the Roman province of Asia, they must have said, And it all began with Epenetus; he was ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the firstfruits) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That may well have been one reason why the apostle, his heart overflowing with profound emotion, writes, (Greet) ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 my beloved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Epenetus. Of course, there may also have been other reasons why Paul makes use of the modifier beloved here and in connection with Ampliatus (verse 8), Stachys (verse 9), and Persis (verse 12), reasons which we cannot now discern. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

6. Greet Mary, who labored much for you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Mary (or Miriam) is a Semitic name borne also by several other women mentioned in the New Testament: the mother of Jesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ), the mother of John Mark 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.42|AUTODETECT|” ), Mary of Bethany 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.42|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:42) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1|AUTODETECT|” John 11:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.61|AUTODETECT|” ), the mother of James and Joses 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.61|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:61) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.25|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.25|AUTODETECT|” John 19:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.2|AUTODETECT|” ), and Mary Magdalene 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.2|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.6|AUTODETECT|” ). How did Paul know that this particular Mary 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.1|AUTODETECT|” ) had labored much for the Roman church? The answer is found in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.2|AUTODETECT|”

2. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , After this, Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Rome) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Paul did not remain uninformed about what was happening in the various churches. See also verse 19 and cf 1:8. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

7. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my fellow-countrymen and (former) fellow-prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles and who were in Christ before I was.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 An attempt should be made to answer the following questions with respect to which opinions vary: ) a. Should we read Junias (masc.) or Junia (fem.)?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”

429. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In the latter case Andronicus and Junia could be husband and wife. ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 b. Did Paul say, my fellow-countrymen or my relatives ? ) c. Does who are outstanding among the apostles mean outstanding in the estimation of The Twelve or does it mean, who, as apostles, are outstanding ? ) I suggest the following answers: ) As to a. The continuation which can be rendered men of note among the apostles -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” R.S.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) favors the conclusion that both were men.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
430. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As to b. When for the first time in Romans the apostle uses the word in question,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
431. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.7|AUTODETECT|” �� namely, in 9:3, it must mean fellow-countrymen; that is, fellow-Jews. No good reason has been shown for adopting a different meaning for this word as used here in 16:7. It is hard to believe that Paul had three relatives (verses 7 and 11) in Rome, and three other relatives (verse 21) around him in Corinth. When Paul became a Christian, by far the most of his relatives must have given up on him. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As to c. the Twelve are not in the picture here. Besides, in the New Testament the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 apostle) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is used in a looser and in a stricter sense. According to the broader application of the term, such men as Barnabas, Epaphroditus, Apollos, Silvanus, and Timothy are all called apostles. They all evangelize. They can be described as missionaries or itinerant Christian evangelists. What Paul is saying, then, is this: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Extend greetings to Andronicus and Junias, fellow-countrymen of mine; that is, fellow-Jews, former fellow-prisoners 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.5|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.23|AUTODETECT|” 11:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), men who are apostles, and as such, of note, and who were Christians even before I was. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The possibility must be allowed that what Paul meant was that the very fact that these men had embraced Christ even before he did made them outstanding among apostles. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

8. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Ampliatus is a Latin name meaning ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 amplified) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , enlarged. The name was common among slaves. Between Paul and fellow-Jews there was a strong attachment (9:1 4a), but between the apostle and fellow-believers the bond was far stronger. Ampliatus is Paul s beloved ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in the Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.20.41|AUTODETECT|” . Thus, in a sense, the attachment of the one to the other is similar to that between David and Jonathan 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.20.41|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 20:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.20.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.20.42|AUTODETECT|”

42. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.14-47.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ). In this connection see on verse 5b above, and by all means read ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.14-47.6.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:14 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

9. Greet Urbanus, our fellow-worker in Christ, and (greet) my beloved Stachys.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Urbanus, again a Latin name, means ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 urbane) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , elegant, polite. Men of every social class bore that name. The fact that Urbanus is called our fellow-worker, in distinction from Prisca and Aquila who are called my fellow-workers (verse 3), may indicate that the relation between Urbanus and Paul was not as close as that between Prisca-Aquila and Paul. It should be recalled that the apostle had made his home with the two, but not, as far as is known, with Urbanus. Thus our may indicate that at one time this brother in Christ had been one of Paul s personal fellow-workers but was now a Christian worker in Rome; or it may simply indicate that since Urbanus is engaged in evangelistic work in Rome, a work which, wherever it was performed, was close to Paul s heart, he for that reason says, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 our) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 fellow-worker, a fellow-worker engaged in a cause that is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 dear to all of us) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 And & my beloved Stachys. Note again, as in verses 5, 8, and 12, that precious modifier, beloved ; here, as in verses 5 and 8, even ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 my) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 beloved. Stachys, meaning ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ear of grain) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , is a Greek name, but not very common. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 10a. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Apelles is a Greek name, borne also by Jews. Paul adds, who is approved in Christ, meaning that amid difficult circumstances Apelles had remained true to the faith, dependable. It may be recalled that Paul was going to tell Timothy, Do your utmost to present yourself to God ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 approved) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.15|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.15|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” . An approved person is someone who, after thorough examination by the Supreme Judge, has the satisfaction of knowing that God is pleased with him and commends him. For the opposite of approved therefore unapproved, disqualified, rejected see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 This is all we know about Apelles, but the manner in which Paul causes him to be greeted is certainly very encouraging. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 10b. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Was this Aristobulus a grandson of Herod the Great? The expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the household) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of Aristobulus probably refers to the slaves of the person Paul has in mind. If the conjecture mentioned above should be correct, then it would seem that Aristobulus himself was not a Christian or that he had already died when Paul composed Romans. At their master s death these slaves were kept together and became the property of the emperor. This theory, in turn, might indicate that when Paul continues (in verse 11) by saying, Greet Herodion, he is referring to a freed slave of Aristobulus or otherwise to someone whose name implies associated with or having admiration for the family of Herod. But this entire reconstruction��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”

432. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� is full of hypotheses. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 11a. Greet Herodion, my fellow-countryman.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Like Andronicus and Junias, Herodion was Paul s fellow-countryman, accordingly a Jew. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 11b. Greet those of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The name Narcissus may remind us of (a) a bulb plant with smooth leaves and with clusters of orange, white, and yellow; or of (b) a beautiful (mythological) youth who pined away for love of his own reflection in a spring; and so also of (c) any person characterized by excessive self-love. But Paul s passage may especially remind us of (d) a freedman who, during the period when Claudius was emperor, became very rich and powerful. However, whether even this Narcissus was the man whom Paul had in mind cannot be established. All we can say is that the name sounds very natural in a letter directed to the church in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Rome) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Not all those who belonged to the household of Narcissus were believers, as is clear from the fact that Paul sends his greetings to those of this household who were in the Lord. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 12a. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Tryphena (=delicate) and Tryphosa (=dainty, or perhaps luxurious), were they sisters? They may well have been; see, for example, also Mary and Martha 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1|AUTODETECT|” John 11:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); and today: Hilda and Mathilda, Ruth and Rachel, Joan and Jean. Parents often give their daughters like-sounding names. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 But though Tryphena and Tryphosa may well have belonged to a family living on Easy Street, they themselves did not live a life of ease. Whenever Paul thinks of them his soul is filled with admiration. Therefore he makes sure that this high regard he has for them will be reflected in the greeting they receive; hence, Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 who labor in the Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . They were workers for the Lord to whom they had surrendered their lives. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 12b. Greet Persis, the beloved, who has labored much in the Lord.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Persis=Persian lady. Like Ephenetus (verse 5), Ampliatus (verse 8), and Stachys (verse 9), this sister in the Lord is described as being beloved. In fact, in the present case, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 8 1 -1 9 0 0 my) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) beloved, perhaps stressing the fact that she is the object of God s love and of the love of the entire church. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Like Mary (verse 6) she is described as one who labored much. Does the distinction in tense: ) Tryphena and Tryphosa ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 labor) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (verse 12a) ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 cf. ) Persis ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 has labored) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (verse 12b) ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 indicate that the frailties connected with old age have caught up with Persis, so that no longer is she able to labor as diligently as was once the case? If so, Paul takes care that her past labors are not forgotten. A lesson for us all to remember! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

13. Greet Rufus, the elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” This passage immediately reminds us of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , according to which the legionnaries, exercising their right of requisitioning, forced a Cyrenian, Simon, the father of Alexander and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Rufus) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , to carry Christ s cross. Since Mark in all probability wrote his Gospel in Rome for the Romans, and since here, in Paul s letter to the Romans, a man by the name of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Rufus) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is mentioned by name, the popular opinion, dating back to the early centuries, that the two sources refer to the same individual, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 may) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 well be correct. We cannot he sure, however. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The interpretation of the phrase the elect in the Lord varies all the way from Cranfield s view that it does indeed mean chosen by God, elect, to Lenski s that it has nothing to do with election unto eternal life but simply indicates that Paul regarded Rufus as being a choice Christian.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”

433. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It cannot escape notice that of Simon s two sons (Alexander and Rufus) only Rufus (=red) is mentioned by Paul. The reason for this ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 may) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 have been that, when the apostle composed Romans, Alexander had already died, or that this son of Simon was not living in Rome. Simon is also left unmentioned. Had he died? ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 There are, of course, also other possibilities. One of them is that while Alexander was not a Christian, Rufus was, and this not because of any innate goodness on his part but because he was the elect in the Lord. ) Also we should not forget that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.13|AUTODETECT|” whether ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:13) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:21) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 refer to the same family is not at all certain) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.33|AUTODETECT|” . Whatever be the truth in this matter, there would seem to be no good reason for interpreting the expression the elect in any sense other than it has elsewhere in Paul s writings 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.10|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.27|AUTODETECT|” ; and for the cognate verb see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.27|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.28|AUTODETECT|”
434. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). So the meaning chosen by God, elect must stand. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Note also and his mother and mine, probably meaning, and his mother 8 1 -1 9 0 0 if) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 applies here), who has been a mother to me also. Exactly where and when it was that the mother of Rufus had mothered Paul we do not know. Fact is that here, as often, the apostle again proves that he appreciates what the female members have done and are doing for himself and for the church, to the glory of God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

14. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers (who are) with them.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 About these five men were they slaves or freedmen? we have no further information. The expression and the brothers (who are) with them probably refers to the other members of the same house-church. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
15. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints (who are) with them.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Among slaves of the imperial household there were many named Philologus and Julia. These two may have been husband and wife, and the next two their children. Olympas, and all the saints (who are) with them may perhaps be considered to have been the other members of a house-church. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 16a. Greet one another with a holy kiss.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 There are three sets of passages in which the New Testament refers to the kiss or/and kissing. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.36-42.7.50|AUTODETECT|” The first is found in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.36-42.7.50|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:36 50) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , where Jesus tells his host, Simon the Pharisee, A kiss you did not give me, but she (the penitent woman), from the moment I came in, has not stopped kissing my feet. The lesson is: not only should there be affection but it should be ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 expressed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . There should be a token of affection; for example, a kiss. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” The second is described in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|”

48. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.47-40.26.49|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.47-40.26.49|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:47 49) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.44|AUTODETECT|” : ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.44|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:44) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.45|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.45|AUTODETECT|”
49. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Jesus says to Judas, Is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of man? Not only should love be expressed but this love should be ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 real) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; the kiss should be ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sincere) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.16|AUTODETECT|” The third concerns the kiss interchanged between the members of the Christian community, the church. It is this kiss to which there is a reference here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.20|AUTODETECT|” (=) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.12|AUTODETECT|” ) and also, with transposition of two words, in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Not only should there be a kiss and not only should it be a symbol of genuine affection but it should also be ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 holy) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In other words, it should never imply less than three parties: God and the two who kiss each other. The holy kiss symbolizes Christ s love mutually shared.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
50. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.14|AUTODETECT|” �� It is indeed as indicated in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.14|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , a kiss of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 love) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , hence also a kiss of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 harmony, peace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . If this is rightly understood believers will not deliberately omit kissing those whom they do not happen to like. They will ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 love) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 even those whom they do not ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 like) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The holy kiss is for ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.26|AUTODETECT|” the members 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.26|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Among the Fathers of the church it is Justin Martyr who first mentions this kiss. He indicates the very moment in the liturgy when this kiss was given, persons of the same sex kissing each other. He writes, At the conclusion of the prayers we greet one another with a kiss. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
51. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 C. Greetings of All the Churches) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 16b. All the churches of Christ extend greetings to you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 On his travels from place to place Paul came into contact with ever so many churches. From them he would gather information to be passed along to others. It is reasonable to suppose that the churches visited by the apostle would ask him to transmit their greetings to the brothers and sisters in Christ he would meet elsewhere. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Paul was eager to comply with this request, for he himself, at every opportunity, was stressing the unity of all believers in Christ. See what has been said about this in connection with ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 330, 331. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Moreover, as an apostle of Jesus Christ he had been clothed with authority to promote this unity. The entire Church of God on earth ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 body, with many members, was a theme on which he loved to dwell. The idea of keeping the various local congregations informed about each other, to encourage them to help each other in their respective needs, both physical and spiritual, and therefore also to forward the salutations of one congregation to as many of the others as possible, was in line with all this. ) 6 5 3 8 0 0 One day Rome was going to become the world s mightiest fortress of Christianity. For the purpose of welding together the various parts of that gradually arising empire, greetings, that is, tokens of loving concern reaching out from one division of that vast area to another, were effective tiebeams. ) Final Warning ) I exhort you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions ) 16:17 20 ) 17. I exhort you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Avoid them. 18. For such people are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies; and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple. 19. For the report of your obedience has reached everyone, so that I rejoice over you but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 20.

The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet soon! The grace of our Lord Jesus (be) with you. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 17. I exhort you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Avoid them.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 There are those who maintain that the passage, verses 17 20, cannot have been a part of Paul s epistle to the Romans because its tone is different from that found in the rest of this letter. They maintain that it is out of context. (Something has been said about this on pp. 27, 28.) They ask: ) Since the apostle has been lavishing effusive praise upon the membership of the Roman church (1:8; 15:14), how could he then now, all of a sudden, be scolding them? ) Those who so reason should look again. On closer examination they will discover that what Paul says here in 16:17 20 is definitely in context. In the preceding verse he has instructed the addressed to greet one another with a holy kiss. This kiss was clearly a token of love, unity, harmony. So now in verse 17 he warns the congregation to watch out for people whose purpose it is to disturb this harmony and to create divisions.

The connection is close. ) Again Paul has just now referred to all the churches of Christ. Is it even possible that, while reflecting on the conditions in these several churches, he could have dismissed from his mind the fact that some of them were being, or had recently been, disturbed by false teachers who followed him at his heels and did their utmost to overthrow the doctrine of salvation by grace alone? They were constantly causing divisions and putting ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 obstacles) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (see on 14:13, p. 461, footnote 384) in the way, with the purpose of obstructing the true teaching the Romans had learned. ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 Nowhere does the apostle say or imply that these troublemakers were members of the Roman church. They were probably outsiders, traveling propagandists of error. ) It is not necessary to believe that they were all of one kind. Some may have been legalists (Judaizers), others antinomians or perhaps ascetics, or advocates of a combination of two or more disruptive isms. ) Paul does not say, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Oppose) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 them ; for, though some of those whom he addresses might have been able to do this successfully, others could easily have been led astray if they had entered into a debate. Therefore Paul urges the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (on which see 1:13, p. 52; 7:1, pp. 214, 215) to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 avoid) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 these dissenters altogether. He knew that the possibility that some of the members might otherwise have lost their bearings was real, especially in view of the clever methods employed by the propagandizers, as indicated in verse ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 18. For such people are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies; and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The expression used in the original for such people in this case contains a touch of contempt. It could perhaps be rendered, folks of this ilk, or this sort of individuals. Paul clearly considers them to be imposters, quacks. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” By stating, For such people are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies, the apostle is, as it were, saying, We either serve our Lord Jesus Christ note fulness of this glorious title or we serve ourselves. To do both at the same time is impossible. We pledge our allegiance to one or to the other. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Thus within the compass of just a few words Paul exposes the basic error of the gang against which he is issuing a warning. Since in the case of these false teachers the first alternative, namely, serving our Lord Jesus Christ, is out, it must be that they are serving their own bellies. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.18|AUTODETECT|” . Does their own bellies necessarily mean that these disturbers are all libertines, sensualists? Probably not, for in that case the warning would be directed against only one kind of troublemakers. The real meaning is therefore probably, self-servers of any description, people who are slaves of their own ego. Whether they be Judaizers, antinomians, ascetics, or what not, how they love to hear themselves talk! They are filled with an exalted opinion of themselves 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.18|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.4|AUTODETECT|” ). They are living according to the flesh, allowing their lives to be determined by the cravings of their sinful human nature 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” That this is true follows also from the methods they employ to capture their audiences. They make use of smooth talk and flattery. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Jude 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . They are what some would consider eloquent orators, thought in reality slick shufflers. They are not really helping anybody, though they pretend to do so. They are deceivers, for they lead people away from the fulness of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the hearts of the simple, unsuspecting, naive, gullible, that are led astray by these charlatans. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The question may be asked, Is the warning of verses 17, 18 all that is needed in order to cause those addressed to continue to live lives to the glory of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (15:6), lives rich in goodness (15:14), and in accordance with the teaching they have learned (16:17)? Probably not. So Paul adds, ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 19a. For the report of your obedience has reached everyone, so that I rejoice over you & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 It is clear that the apostle is mentioning another incentive to Christian conduct: departure from the path of faith and obedience would be a deep disappointment, and this not only to Paul himself but to believers everywhere. The faith of the Romans was being talked about throughout the entire world, so that the apostle is constantly thanking God for them and rejoicing over them (1:8). They certainly would not wish to stop this thanksgiving and rejoicing, and to spoil the reputation they now enjoy. ) Note the words, the report of your obedience. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Obedience) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is a term of which Paul is fond (1:5; 6:16; 15:18; 16:26). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In order to make it easier for the hearers-readers to continue in the right path, the apostle lays down a simple yet comprehensive rule, namely, ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 19b. but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.20|AUTODETECT|” This passage immediately calls to mind several other Pauline texts; such as, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 14:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.21|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ; as well as the familiar saying of Jesus, Therefore be keen as the serpents, guileless as the doves 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), which, however, does not mean that Paul was necessarily quoting Jesus. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The wisdom Paul here advocates is more than knowledgeability. It is a spiritual as well as a mental quality. Cf. 11:33. It results from sanctified experience. Paul wants the Romans to live in such a manner that they will be equal to the task of choosing what is good in the eyes of God, and that they will be innocent or guileless��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 436) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� about what is evil. They should be wise for the purpose of doing and promoting what is right, and should not get mixed up with anything that, in God s sight, is wrong. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In verses 17 19 Paul has been telling the Romans how they should conduct their lives. That is very important. In ever so many passages Scripture stresses ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 human responsibility) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . But ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 divine sovereignty) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 must not be ignored. In fact, man can do nothing apart from the strength imparted to him by God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 An instructive example of giving due recognition to both of these truths is found in the life of the youth David: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.45-9.17.49|AUTODETECT|” David said to the Philistine, You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands & that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. & Reaching into his bag and taking a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he [Goliath] fell facedown on the ground 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.45-9.17.49|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 17:45 49) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , quoted in part). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 David did not forget to ascribe all the glory to God & but neither did he forget to sling the stone) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.17-45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ! Conversely, here, in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.17-45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:17 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul exhorts ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 those whom he addresses) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to do the following: watch out & avoid & obey & be wise & and be innocent. In other words, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Shoulder your responsibility) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ! But he follows this up immediately by emphasizing that if there is going to be a victory and yes, there will be one it is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , he alone, who will achieve it: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 20a. The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet soon!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 God will exercise his sovereign will in the interest of his people) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ! For the term God of peace see on 15:33, p. 498. The apostle has been speaking about those who cause divisions, disharmony, strife. Over against them stands the Almighty, who is the God of peace. In connection with that which this God of peace will do three items are mentioned: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 a. He will ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 crush) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Satan. In other words, he will fulfil the promise of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Not Satan but God is Victor. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 b. He will crush him ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 under your feet) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.13|AUTODETECT|” . Those who are co-heirs (8:17) are also co-conquerors. The saints will participate in God s victory over Satan. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.13|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 c. He will do so ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 soon) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.8|AUTODETECT|” . In a sense it is true that God is crushing Satan right along. A most decisive victory was won on Calvary. There can be no doubt about it, though, that the present passage has reference to the final, eschatological victory of God over Satan, a victory that will take place in connection with Christ s glorious return 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.8|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). That this great blessing for the elect will indeed be imparted to them ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 soon) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 no longer creates any real problem. See above, on 13:11, pp. 444 447. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 d. God s triumph over Satan proves that for his people he is the God of peace, that is, of complete salvation. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 20b. The grace of our Lord Jesus (be) with you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Note the following: ) a. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is God s unmerited favor. For a word-study of this concept see N.T.C. on Luke, pp. 181, 182. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|” b. Here our, not just the as in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Our is here the word of trustful self-appropriation. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 c. Lord Jesus. Jesus means Savior, but in order to be our Savior he must be acknowledged as our Lord, the One who, having purchased us with his blood, owns us, and whose sovereignty over us we acknowledge with joy. ) d. the word be in (be) with you is not in the text but is understood. The benediction is not a mere wish. It is a promise which becomes a reality in the lives of those who have embraced our Lord Jesus with a living faith. Cf. the Aaronitic benediction, to which is added, So shall they put my name upon the children of Israel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and I will bless them) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.1|AUTODETECT|” . For more on this see N.T.C. on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.1|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|” , pp. 42 45. Other Pauline benedictions can be found in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.14|AUTODETECT|” (already mentioned); ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.18|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.28|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.18|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.21|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.22|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.25|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.25|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 5 3 8 0 0 e. It is surely remarkable that in God s providence Paul s epistle to the Romans has come down to us in such a manner that while in 15:33 we have a prayer-wish, and here in 16:20 a closing benediction, the glorious doxology, certainly very appropriate for such a basic and marvelous epistle, is saved for the very last few verses (25 27). For more on the genuine character and placement of these verses see Appendix, pp. 521 523. ) Greetings of Friends ) Timothy, my fellow-worker, greets you ) 16:21 23 ) 21 Timothy, my fellow-worker, greets you; (so do) Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my fellow-countrymen. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the entire church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 437) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The sending of personal greetings is resumed at this point; with this difference, that the previous greetings were Paul s own (verses 1 16a) and those of all the churches of Christ (verse 16b) while, by contrast, the present greetings (verses 21 23) are those from individuals who, in one way or another, were associated with the apostle. ) There certainly is not any good reason to find fault with this arrangement. In fact, one might even argue that grouping together all the greetings, so that what is now found in verses 21 23 would have followed immediately upon verses 1 16, with the painful warning of verses 17 20 introducing the doxology of verses 25 27, would not have been any improvement. The arrangement as we now have it is surely the best. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 21. Timothy, my fellow-worker, greets you (so do) Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my fellow-countrymen.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.19-50.2.22|AUTODETECT|” Among those who are sending greetings Paul mentions Timothy first of all. A most remarkable person was Timothy or Timotheus. His character was a blend of amiability and faithfulness, in spite of natural timidity. It was concerning him that, a few years later, Paul was going to write, I have no one likeminded & As a child (serves) with (his) father, so he served with me in the gospel 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.19-50.2.22|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:19 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ). The apostle was going to call Timothy my beloved child 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.2|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). That Paul, writing from Corinth, would make mention of Timothy as one who was in his company, is not surprising. From the book of Acts we learn that on the second missionary journey, outward bound, Paul and Silas, having arrived at Lystra, took Timothy with them. On that same journey Timothy, having been separated from Paul for a little while, joins him again at Corinth, the very city from which the apostle, on his third journey, is now composing Romans. It is not strange, therefore, that also at this time Timothy was with Paul and sending greetings. For more on Timothy see N.T.C. on I Timothy, pp. 33 36.

By calling Timothy my fellow-worker Paul was making a true statement. It was, however, an understatement. Timothy was indeed a fellow-worker, but to Paul he meant far more than that. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|”

Another person who sends greetings is Lucius. There is no valid reason to identify this person either with the Lucius mentioned in connection with the church of Syrian Antioch 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 13:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.5|AUTODETECT|”

) or with Luke, though Luke seems, indeed, to have been with the apostle at this time. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.5|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 20:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.4.14|AUTODETECT|”

f. But nowhere does Paul call him Lucius. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.4.14|AUTODETECT|”

Col. 4:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.4.11|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.4.11|AUTODETECT|”

II Tim. 4:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=57.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=57.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

Philem. 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.17.5-44.17.9|AUTODETECT|”

The Jason mentioned here could be the one to whom reference is made in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.17.5-44.17.9|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 17:5 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.4|AUTODETECT|”

, and the Sosipater may be the Sopater of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.4|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 20:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. The apostle calls Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater my fellow-countrymen. In other words he describes them as being Jews (one more reason for not identifying the Lucius of this passage with the beloved physician ). For justification of the rendering fellow-countrymen instead of relatives see on verse 7, p. 504. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

22. I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.6.11|AUTODETECT|”

For an author of a letter to have a secretary was not at all unusual. That Paul also had one and would at the very close affix his own signature, at times even adding a few words, is clear from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.6.11|AUTODETECT|”

Gal. 6:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.3.17|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.3.17|AUTODETECT|”

II Thess. 3:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.16.21|AUTODETECT|”

. See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.16.21|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 16:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.4.18|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.4.18|AUTODETECT|”

Col. 4:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftnref19

9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”

438) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

�� ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

In the present case the secretary, Tertius, being himself a Christian Paul certainly would not entrust this kind of task to an unbeliever! feels the need of adding his own personal greeting, a greeting definitely, like all the others, in the Lord, that is, expressed as one who is included in that mystic and marvelous fellowship which unites all believers with Christ. ) It is the Lord alone who knows how greatly indebted are writers of letters ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

and/or of books) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

to their faithful and competent Christian secretaries! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

23. Gaius, who is host to me and to the entire church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.1.14|AUTODETECT|”

This Gaius may well be the same person as the one mentioned in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.1.14|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.4|AUTODETECT|”

. He should not be identified with the Gaius from Derbe of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.4|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 20:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. When Paul calls Gaius his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

host) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, he probably means that, since Prisca and Aquila were no longer in Corinth, it was this very man, Gaius, with whom the apostle was making his home. The added expression, who is host & to the entire church probably does not mean that from every section of Corinth believers crowded into the home of Gaius to attend the worship services. It may simply mean that Gaius was always standing ready to offer hospitality to any believer in need of it. We are thinking especially of travelers. This does not exclude the possibility that the home of Gaius may also have served as a house-church for ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

part) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

of the congregation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

Erastus, the city treasurer. Much has been written about him. Some authors, and even translators, identify him with the man of the same name who on a Corinthian inscription is called ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

aedile) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

; that is, commissioner of public works. Such an officer was in charge of buildings, roads, public games, etc. But an ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

aedile) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

is not the same as an ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

oikonomos) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.23|AUTODETECT|”

, which is the term used here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.23|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 16:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. Cf. the English word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

economist) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, which causes one to think rather about a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

treasurer) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.23|AUTODETECT|”

. Those who cling to the translation commissioner of public works will sometimes answer that Erastus could have performed both functions, that of commissioner of public works and that of city treasurer. But even if this be granted, does it justify any rendering other than city treasurer here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.23|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 16:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.19.22|AUTODETECT|”

To identify the present Erastus with the one mentioned in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.19.22|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 19:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.4.20|AUTODETECT|”

, connected with Ephesus, is also difficult. Or, perhaps, with the Erastus mentioned in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.4.20|AUTODETECT|”

II Tim. 4:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

? On this see N.T.C. on II Timothy, p. 331, footnote 184. ) 6 5 3 8 0 0

About Quartus we know nothing beyond what is found here. He is called our brother, which is certainly a term of endearment, in the present context meaning our fellow-Christian. Probably Quartus had acquaintances in Rome, and accordingly sends Christian greetings. ) Doxology ) Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ & be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. ) 16:25 27 ) 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, in conformity with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past 26 but now manifested, and in accordance with the command of the eternal God clarified through the prophetic in order to bring about obedience of faith among all the nations, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, (be) glory forever! Amen. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|”

This is a lengthy doxology. Nevertheless, the New Testament contains other doxologies equal in length 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 11:33 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.13.20|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.13.20|AUTODETECT|”

Heb. 13:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.13.21|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.13.21|AUTODETECT|”

21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|”

). Even those of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 3:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|”

21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

Jude 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.25|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.25|AUTODETECT|”

25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

are not exactly short. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

For exegetical purposes the paragraph may be divided into two parts: verses 25, 26; verse 27. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

25, 26. Now to him who is able to establish you & in order to bring about obedience of faith among all the nations & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 11 3 8 0 0

Various concepts introduced in the opening of Romans (see 1:1 11; especially 1:1 5) return here in 16:25, 26; such as: ) a. establish or strengthen (16:25). cf. 1:11; ) b. my gospel (16:25), cf. the gospel of God (1:1); ) c. the mystery hidden for long ages past (16:25, 26), cf. the gospel which he promised beforehand (1:1, 2); ) d. through the prophetic Scriptures (16:26); cf. through his prophets in (the) sacred Scriptures (1:2); ) e. to bring about obedience of faith among all the nations or Gentiles (16:26 and 1:5). ) But even though the connection between the present passage (16:25 27) and the beginning of the epistle is close, that between the present passage and verses 17 20 is also close. Note especially, in verse 19, the expression the report of your obedience and here in 16:26 In order to bring about obedience of faith. ) In connection with verses 25, 26 note the following: ) a. Now to him who is able to establish you ) As in 1:11 so also here Paul is referring to spiritual strengthening, not to the impartation of any specific charismatic gift, such as speaking in tongues. ) b. in accordance with my gospel ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|”

As in 2:16 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|”

II Tim. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.9.16|AUTODETECT|”

, so also here, Paul has a right to describe the good news as being my gospel, for it had been revealed to him by the Lord; and he, Paul, loved it 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.9.16|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 9:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.15.1|AUTODETECT|”

), proclaimed it, and was trying, by God s grace, to show its effect in his own life. See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.15.1|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.11|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.11|AUTODETECT|”

Gal. 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.2.2|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.2.2|AUTODETECT|”

2:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.2.7|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.2.7|AUTODETECT|”

7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.6|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.6|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.7|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.7|AUTODETECT|”

7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.4.3|AUTODETECT|”

. For our gospel see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.4.3|AUTODETECT|”

II Cor. 4:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=52.1.5|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=52.1.5|AUTODETECT|”

I Thess. 1:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.2.14|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.2.14|AUTODETECT|”

II Thess. 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

c. and the proclamation of Jesus Christ ) What Paul meant was my gospel, that is, the proclamation of Jesus Christ. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftnref20

9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20”

439) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

�� It was by means of the good news, as loved and proclaimed by Paul, that God was able to confirm the addressed. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

d. the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

proclamation) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 0

True preaching is the earnest and enthusiastic outcry of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

the herald) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

as he announces the coming and arrival of the King, and as he urges the people to welcome him with joy and to be in subjection to him. See what has been said on this subject in connection with 10:14, 15, p. 350. As the apostle sees it, it is in connection with, and by means of, such a gospel proclamation that God is able to establish those who are here being addressed. It is that kind of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

good news) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

to which Paul gave the name ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

my gospel) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

e. in conformity with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past but now manifested ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

A mystery) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, as the apostle uses the term, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

is something that) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

in some cases even someone who ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

would have remained unknown if God had not revealed it) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

; or, if the mystery is a person, if God had not revealed ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

him) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

The apostle is going to say three things about this mystery; first, that it was hidden for long ages past (verse 25b); secondly, that it has now been made manifest (verse 26a); and thirdly, that, in accordance with the command of the eternal God, it was being clarified through the prophetic Scriptures, in order to bring about obedience of faith among all the nations or Gentiles (verse 26b). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|”

f. The essence of the mystery was this, that one day the Gentiles would not only be entering God s kingdom in large numbers but would be fellow-sharers, participants on equal terms, with the elect from among the Jews. Christ in you, the hope of glory 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|”

Col. 1:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) would be the solid basis for present salvation and future eschatological glory for ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

everyone) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|”

, regardless of race, who would, by God s sovereign grace, place his trust in the Savior. On this see also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 2:11 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

It was this mystery that had been hidden for long ages past, for though the decision had been made in God s eternal plan and though even during the old dispensation there had been foreshadowings of the realization of God s promise of salvation for both Gentile and Jew, the period of fulfilment on any large scale had not been reached until now. But ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

now) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, the new dispensation having arrived, and the gospel being proclaimed far and wide, this mystery was being made manifest, was becoming abundantly clear. It was being manifested in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

the fulfillment) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|”

of prophecy. Think of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|”

Gen. 12:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.22.18|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.22.18|AUTODETECT|”

22:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.5|AUTODETECT|”

. For more on this see N.T.C. on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.5|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 3:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.6|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.6|AUTODETECT|”

6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, pp. 154, 155. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

Was not this very epistle being addressed to a church consisting of both Jews and Gentiles, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

unitedly) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.1.4-44.1.8|AUTODETECT|”

serving God? Think of Pentecost and its significance 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.1.4-44.1.8|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 1:4 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

; ch. 2). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|”

But not only did the facts of salvation shed light upon ancient prophecies; in turn, these prophecies were now clarifying salvation truths and salvation events. A believer who would now turn to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|”

Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|”

and read about Messiah s substitutionary sacrifice and its meaning for his (the believer s) life would certainly exclaim, Now, in light of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|”

Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.1.9-49.1.14|AUTODETECT|”

, I see far more clearly than ever before what Messiah s death means for me! See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.1.9-49.1.14|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 1:9 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.1-49.3.13|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.1-49.3.13|AUTODETECT|”

3:1 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

g. to bring about obedience of faith among all the nations (or Gentiles) ) That was the purpose or goal of the indicated clarification. God delights to see in an person the kind of obedience that is based on childlike trust in him. For the concept obedience of faith see p. 45 (on 1:5). Note also among ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

all) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|”

the nations, understandable in light of 10:12 and of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|”

Matt. 28:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|”

John 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.21|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.21|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 2:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

Paul concludes this paragraph, this chapter, and in fact, the entire epistle, with the words of verse ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

27. to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, (be) glory forever! Amen.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftnref21

9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”

440) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

�� Here the thought of verse 25 is resumed; hence, Now to him who is able & to the only wise God, etc. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

When Paul reflects on what, by inspiration, he has composed, he is filled with amazement. So he must needs add this concluding line to his doxology. ) He has been speaking about a love of the Holy One for those who in and by themselves are completely unworthy; a love of the Self-sufficient One reaching out toward those who are thoroughly unable to give anything in return that would enrich the Giver; a love of One who did not wait to extend help until those desperately in need of this love would be favorably disposed to him but who anticipated their love; a love altogether sovereign, unique: But God demonstrated ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

his own love) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.5.8|AUTODETECT|”

for us in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.5.8|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 5:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.5.19-47.5.21|AUTODETECT|”

). Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.5.19-47.5.21|AUTODETECT|”

II Cor. 5:19 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.10|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.10|AUTODETECT|”

I John 4:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

What fills the apostle s soul with astonishment, as he concludes his epistle, is the fact that God was able to rescue ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

such) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

sinners; in fact, not only to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

rescue) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|”

them but to open for them the gateway to everlasting glory and to bring them inside & and at such a cost 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 8:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

)! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

It is with all this in mind that Paul concludes his strikingly beautiful and impressive epistle by exclaiming, To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, (be) glory forever! The fact that God was able and willing to rescue such sinners fixes Paul s attention on the divine ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

wisdom) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

; that is, on God s ability to employ the best means for the attainment of the highest goal, namely, the glory of God being ascribed to him by the hearts, lives, and lips of the redeemed. For more on this concept of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

wisdom) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.2.6-46.2.13|AUTODETECT|”

see on 11:33, p. 386. See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.2.6-46.2.13|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 2:6 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.4|AUTODETECT|”

Note the exact wording: To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, (be) glory forever! It was indeed through Jesus Christ (his departure from the realm of everlasting delight and honor, his self-sacrifice even unto death, death on a cross, victory over death and hell, etc.) that sinners were, are, and are going to be saved. And it is also through Jesus Christ that the redeemed ascribe never-ending praise to their Benefactor, God Triune. To him, therefore, be the glory forever. For other ascriptions of glory to God see 11:33 36; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.4|AUTODETECT|”

Gal. 1:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.5|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.5|AUTODETECT|”

5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 3:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|”

21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.4.20|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.4.20|AUTODETECT|”

Phil. 4:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.17|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.17|AUTODETECT|”

I Tim. 1:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=60.5.11|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=60.5.11|AUTODETECT|”

I Peter 5:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

Jude 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.25|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.25|AUTODETECT|”

25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

As he had done before, namely, at the conclusion of Part I of this letter (11:36), so also now, at the close of the entire letter, Paul adds the word of solemn and enthusiastic affirmation and approval, AMEN. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

APPENDIX) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 7 1 3 8 0 0

in connection with 16:25 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 2 3 8 0 0

Did Paul write 16:25 27? That he did not is the view of many New Testament scholars. That he did is vigorously defended by others. ) Because of their anti-Rome and anti-Old Testament bias Marcion and his followers were not favorably impressed with references to Rome in 1:7, 15, and to the Old Testament in 15:4, 8, 9 f. Some believe that it was Marcion himself who mutilated the text of Romans. It was Origen who stated, Marcion, by whom the evangelical and apostolic writings were falsified, removed this section [16:25 27] completely from the epistle, and not only so, but deleted everything from that place where it is written, whatsoever is not of faith is sin, [14:23] right to the end. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftnref22

9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”

441) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

�� ) 6 3 3 8 0 0

But whether the removal of the final two chapters of Romans was done by the heretic himself, as Origen believed, or by others, makes little difference. ) As a result, in part, of manipulation some manuscripts bear witness to the existence, at one time or another, of a Romans in 16 chapters, some to a 15-chapter epistle, and some to one containing only 14 chapters. ) A suitable ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

conclusion) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

was considered necessary for most of the editions. As many see it, such an ending was composed by an editor or by an editorial committee. It was then attached to several editions. However, there still remain some rather early witnesses which attest to the complete omission of the doxology (our 16:25 27); also some in which this passage occurs twice; that is, first after 14:23, then after 16:23 (24). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

The result was the coming into existence, at one time or another, of the following five groups of textual witnesses: ) a. doxology after 16:23 (24): � B C D E 81 436 630 1739 1962 2127 syr) 11 1 -1 9 0 0

p) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

cop vg, etc. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

b. doxology after 14:23: L � 181 326 330 451 460 614 1241 1877 1881 1984 1985 2492 2495 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

et plur) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0

40) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

syr) 11 1 -1 9 0 0

h) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

goth) 11 1 -1 9 0 0

41) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, etc. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

c. doxology after both 16:23 (24) and 14:23: A P 5 17 33 104 109. ) d. doxology after 15:33: p) 11 1 -1 9 0 0

46) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftnref23

9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”

442) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

�� ) 6 5 3 8 0 0

e. no doxology: G F 629 g E 26 Marcion, etc. ) There have been scholars who, while crediting Paul with the composition of all 16 chapters, defended the thesis that it was he himself who was responsible for the appearance of this epistle in a longer and in a shorter form. According to this view the apostle realized that by far the most of what he had written in this letter that is, everything with the exception of chapters 15 and 16 was of importance to every church and could therefore serve as a kind of circular letter. So he himself made his Romans available in two editions, one containing 14, the other 16 chapters. ) The insuperable objection is, of course, that by so doing the apostle would have sliced in half the argument of 14:1 15:13 (concerning the strong and the weak). That theory must therefore be rejected. ) There have been many other theories, equally objectionable, for which Consult the older commentaries. ) All of these studies have, however, become somewhat outdated by the appearance of a doctoral dissertation (revised) by Harry Gamble, Jr., namely, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

The Textual History of The Letter to The Romans) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, Grand Rapids, 1977. We shall now direct our attention to that work. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

The dissertation is written in excellent style. The author, though handling a difficult subject, has thoroughly mastered the art of capturing and holding the attention of the reader from the very beginning to the end of his book. Moreover, the arrangement of the material is logical. Gamble presents a good deal of valuable information; for example, with respect to the Hellenistic letter-writing pattern and its influence upon the authors (including Paul) of the New Testament books. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.0|AUTODETECT|”

On p. 92 and elsewhere he shows that only if what we now recognize as The Epistle to the Romans was actually addressed to the Romans nor, for example, to the Ephesians does the peculiar character of the greetings of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.0|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

make any sense. In fact, as the reader can see for himself by making a comparison, some of Gamble s arguments in favor of a Roman (not Ephesian) address for the letter are substantially the same as those found on pp. 27, 28 of the commentary he (the reader) is now studying. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

On pp. 15 55 Gamble examines the textual evidence for the three major forms in which Romans has appeared: the 14-chapter. 15-chapter, and 16-chapter form. He concludes that the 16-chapter form is authentic. ) Another excellent feature of the dissertation is that it defends the position according to which Romans is not a general letter, that is, one which could just as well have been addressed to any other church, but that its author reveals specific knowledge about the situation ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

in Rome) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, p. 136. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0

And on p. 53 he presents a very fair appraisal of the Chester Beatty Papyrus, and maintains that it cannot be regarded as proving that the 15-chapter book of Romans was the original text. ) With respect to one important point Gamble s dissertation has failed to convince me. Let the reader by all means check on this item for himself. Let him not just depend on my criticism. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.25-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|”

It is Gamble s position that the passage, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.16.25-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 16:25 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, is unauthentic. The reasons he gives are as follows: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

a. The testimony of the manuscripts favors the placement of the doxology after chapter 14, not after chapter 16. The conclusion of a letter with a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

doxology) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

stands in clear contrast with Paul s habit of concluding with a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

grace benediction) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

(pp. 67, 123). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

b. In agreement with Harnack, Gamble believes that the doxology is constructed with a certain ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

awkwardness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

and pleonastic style (p. 108). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

The answer to this might be as follows: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|”

How do we know that the original did not contain the doxology at the end of the letter? At any rate the Alexandrian witnesses staunchly favor this position. And as to Paul s habit of concluding an epistle with a grace benediction, in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 16:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

the grace benediction does not occupy the final position, as Gamble himself admits. Also some of the other New Testament books do not end with a benediction. II Peter closes with a doxology; so does Jude. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

It is very clear that Paul s epistle to the Romans is divided into two large sections: chapters 1 through 11, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

doctrinal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

; chapters 12 through 16, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

practical) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. The first large section definitely ends with a doxology (11:33 36), one of (about) 52 words. Then why should not the second large section similarly end with a doxology (16:25 27), of about the same number of words? Must we really take for granted that Paul would close his epistle in which he sets forth the unmerited grace of Christ in such marvelous terms with Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you ? Would not that be ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

awkward) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

For the rest, barring a few passages in which Gamble casts doubt on the authenticity of Colossians and II Thessalonians, without furnishing proof for the legitimacy of this doubt (p. 80), I recommend the reading of this very informative and interesting dissertation. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.15.14-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|”

Practical Lessons Derived from ) 15 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.15.14-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|”

Romans 15:14 16:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Chapter 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verse 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 0

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are rich in goodness, amply filled with knowledge, and competent also to admonish one another. The apostle has pointed out certain weaknesses characterizing the members of the Roman church. Therefore all the more he is quick to mention also their virtues. If that method would be adopted in every church today, would it not result in blessings for many and better relations all around? ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verse 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 0

Nevertheless, I have written to you rather boldly on some points, so as to remind you of them again. (I have done so) because of the commission God in his grace has granted me & In our democratic society we are apt to look down on ideas such as office, authority, etc. Such an attitude is clearly in conflict with Scripture. The person who has been invested with an office should faithfully discharge the duties pertaining to it and should, by God s grace, adorn that office with a godly life. And, on the other hand, church members benefited by the institution of this office should honor the office-bearer, remember him in their prayers, and wherever possible co-operate with him. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verse 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 0

I hope & to be helped forward by you & Paul had the right idea, namely, to get the membership of the Roman church to become involved in the glorious work of Christian missionary endeavor. People will become enthusiastic about a cause to which they themselves have contributed. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verse 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 0

& if the Gentiles have come to share in the Jews spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. In order to receive a blessing one should strive to be a blessing! ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verse 31 (and 16:19)) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 0

(Pray to God for me) that I may be rescued from the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

disobedient) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

in Judea & For the report of your ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

obedience) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

has reached everyone & ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

In a day in which so much emphasis is placed on ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

freedom) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

of thought, speech, and action, it should not be forgotten that God requires ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

obedience) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

to his commands. It is our ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

duty) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.18.19|AUTODETECT|”

to love and worship God. To be sure, it is our privilege to do this, but it is also our obligation. We sometimes hear, We do not try to influence our children with respect to their religion. We leave that entirely to them. Is that course really the right one? The Word of God teaches differently. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.18.19|AUTODETECT|”

Gen. 18:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.6.4-5.6.9|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.6.4-5.6.9|AUTODETECT|”

Deut. 6:4 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.6.1-49.6.4|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.6.1-49.6.4|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 6:1 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. Such ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

obedience) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

should spring from love and gratitude. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verse 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 2 3 8 0 0

the love of the Spirit & ) For that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

Holy) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

Spirit to dwell in our sinful hearts he must be loving indeed! Note also: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.3.1|AUTODETECT|”

a. The Father loves us 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.3.1|AUTODETECT|”

I John 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.35|AUTODETECT|”

b. The Son loves us 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.35|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 8:35) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.15.30|AUTODETECT|”

c. The Holy Spirit loves us 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.15.30|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 15:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

And these three are ONE. What a blessing! And what an inducement in return to love The Triune God! ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Chapter 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verse 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 4 3 8 0 0

Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. With respect to them note the following: ) a. They are women, perhaps sisters. They may even have been twins. Kingdom work needs women as well as men. ) b. These women not merely worked, they labored, worked hard, toiled. ) c. Similarity in name is interesting. Similarity in religious ardor and devotion is best of all. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Verses 19b, 20a) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 2 3 8 0 0

& I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet soon! ) The Practical Lesson: give both human responsibility and divine sovereignty their due; see the illustration, found on p. 512. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

Summary of Chapter 15:14 16:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 2 3 8 0 0

In close connection with the immediately preceding prayer-wish Paul assures the Romans that he recognizes their excellent spiritual qualities. Nevertheless, he has at times felt it necessary to express himself rather boldly for their own benefit, exercising his duty as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, his aim being to bring the Gentiles to God (15:14 16). ) In pleasing humility, ascribing all the glory to God alone, the apostle describes ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

not) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

what ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

he) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

has done but what ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

Christ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.52.15|AUTODETECT|”

has accomplished through him in leading many Gentiles to God. He had been privileged to proclaim the gospel of Christ all the way from Jerusalem round about to Illyricum (Yugoslavia-Albania). By means of signs and wonders, performed through the power of the Holy Spirit, that work had been signally blessed. Paul had been a trail-blazer for the gospel. From the very beginning his purpose had been to proclaim the gospel in places and regions where Christ was not known 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.52.15|AUTODETECT|”

Isaiah 52:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

). That explains why he had not been able to make an earlier visit to Rome (verses 17 22). ) 6 6 3 8 0 0

Paul informs the Romans that since his work of establishing churches in the eastern part of the Roman Empire is finished and since for many years he had been yearning to visit his fellow-believers in Rome, he plans to do so on his way to Spain. However, he cannot come immediately, for he must first of all supervise the handing over of a generous bounty which the Gentile believers of Macedonia and Achaia had been collecting for the needy saints in Jerusalem. He adds, They were pleased to do it and, indeed, they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in the Jews spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. When I have completed this task & I will go to you on my way to Spain. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ (verses 23 29). ) In need of the intercession of the church, Paul asks the Romans to remember him in prayer: ) a. that he might be rescued from the plots of the unbelieving Jews: ) b. that his ministry to Jerusalem a ministry of benevolence might be acceptable to the Jews, so that ) c. his coming to the Romans might be a matter of joy, and, together with them, he might be refreshed. ) This prayer was certainly answered, though not, in every respect, in a manner Paul had been able to foresee. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.3|AUTODETECT|”

As to a, there was indeed a plot against his life by the Jews, but it was discovered in time, so that traveling plans were changed 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.3|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 20:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

); ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.21.17|AUTODETECT|”

As to b, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.21.17|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 21:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

reports that the brothers in Jerusalem did indeed extend a hearty welcome to Paul and his companions, and glorified God when they heard Paul s report about the results of mission work among the Gentiles. Whether the Jerusalem saints also received the generous collection with grateful enthusiasm is not reported. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.28.11-44.28.15|AUTODETECT|”

As to c, that petition too was granted, though not at the time and in the manner Paul had envisioned. But see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.28.11-44.28.15|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 28:11 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|”

) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The little paragraph ends with the prayer-wish of verse 33 (verses 30 33). ) The apostle warmly commends to the church Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchrea, a seaport of Corinth. In all probability she was the lady who delivered the letter to the Roman Church. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23-44.19.41|AUTODETECT|” Next, he extends his own greetings to many persons men and women, Gentile and Jewish believers members of the Roman Church and known to Paul. The list of individuals to whom greetings are sent begins with Prisca and Aquila with whom Paul had made his home when this couple was still living in Corinth. They were tent-makers as was Paul. But of even greater importance was the fact that they were fellow-workers in Christ Jesus. So very loyal had they been to Paul that once they had even hazarded their lives for his sake. That may have happened during the riot of Ephesus described in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23-44.19.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:23 41) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . But we cannot be certain about this. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Paul adds, (Greet) also the church (that meets) at their house. It seems that wherever Prisca and Aquila were living whether in Corinth, Ephesus, or Rome they were always inviting their fellow-believers to meet with them for the worship service. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” Next, Paul sends greetings to Epenetus, Asia s firstfruits for Christ. Among several others to whom greetings are extended is also Rufus. Paul adds, and his mother and mine, indicating that the mother of Rufus had been a mother to the apostle also; that is, had rendered motherly service to him. This Rufus reminds us of the Rufus mentioned in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , but whether the same person is indicated in both places is uncertain. At the conclusion of the list Paul writes, All the churches of Christ extend greetings to you (16:1 16). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Paul now tells the Roman church to watch out for false teachers. Let the members be on their guard, and this especially for two reasons: (a) by means of smooth talk and flattery these troublemakers try to deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting; and (b) the Roman believers should not spoil the good reputation (for obedience to the truth) they have gained everywhere. Using an expression that reminds us of a saying of Jesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), the apostle adds, I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. In addition to placing emphasis on the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 responsibility) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the Romans should shoulder, he comforts them by reminding them that God, in the exercise of his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sovereignty) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , will crush Satan under their feet soon. He adds, The grace of our Lord Jesus (be) with you (verses 17 20). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The greetings which friends are sending to the Roman church follow. The greeters include Timothy, a very dear friend and fellow-worker of Paul; Tertius, the apostle s secretary, to whom the apostle had dictated the letter; and Gaius, at whose home Paul was staying and who was ever ready to reveal his hospitality in the interest of the entire church (verses 21 23). ) By means of a very impressive doxology, one which in many ways reflects the opening verses of the epistle, Paul brings his marvelous epistle to an appropriate close (verses 25 27). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 421 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For more on this subject of pagan names see N.T.C. on Philippians, pp. 138, 139, footnote 116. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 422 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Whether ��� is authentic is uncertain. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 423 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Apostolic Constitutions) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 II 26, 57; III 7, 15. On this subject also consult S.H.E.R.K., Vol. I, p. 245. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 New Testament Commentary) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 425 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ���������, fem. of ���������, one who stands in front, protector, helper. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 426 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Meaning of names: Aquila=eagle; Prisca=old woman; Priscilla =little old woman. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 427 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ������, praise, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 428 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.15|AUTODETECT|” not Achaia s , for which there is no solid textual justification, and which probably arose because of confusion with ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.15|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 429 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 That is, should we adopt the accentuation 8������ or 8������? ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” R.S.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 430 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The original reads ������� � ���� ��������. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 431 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the pl. of ��������. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 432 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See also J. B. Lightfoot, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 St. Paul s Epistle to the Philippians) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , reprint Grand Rapids, 1953, pp. 172 175. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 433 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See Cranfield, p. 794; Lenski, p. 911. Murray (p. 231) also flatly states that chosen in the Lord does not refer to election in Christ, giving as a reason for his opinion that this would apply to all saints mentioned in this chapter. This argument is not very convincing, for one might also say that beloved would apply to all believers; yet the word is used only in connection with Epenetus, Ampliatus, Stachys, and Persis. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 434 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 So also E. F. Harrison, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 165. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 435 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The First Apology) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Chapter 65, quoted from ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Fathers Of The Church) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (tr. by T. B. Falls), New York, 1948, p. 105; also footnote 1 on that page. In the quotation of this sentence (concerning the holy kiss) as it appears in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Ante-Nicene Fathers) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (edited by A. Roberts and J. Donaldson), Vol. I, p. 185, Grand Rapids, 1950, there is a footnote informing the reader that the holy kiss passed into common Christian usage, was continued in the Western Church until the thirteenth century, and is still continued in the Coptic Church. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 436 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��������, -priv. plus ���������, to mix; hence, unmixed, unadulterated. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 437 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Verse 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. is not adequately supported by textual evidence. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 438 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Also A. Deissmann, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 171, 172. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 439 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of Jesus Christ = concerning Jesus Christ (objective gen.). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 440 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Literally what Paul writes is, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom (be) glory forever. That is what he writes ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 if) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.12|AUTODETECT|” � is authentic. So interpreted, the glory would seem to be ascribed not to God but to Christ, and the first part of the sentence, referring to God, would be hanging in the air. Now it is true that Paul at times starts a sentence without immediately completing it; e.g. in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” and in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.12|AUTODETECT|” . But in such instances he takes up the thought again a little later, so that it is not left incomplete. In the case of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” he does this in verse 18 of that chapter; and for ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 see 2:5. In the present case, however, he would have completely forgotten the thought with which he began. That can hardly be true. It is therefore far more reasonable to believe that the relative pronoun, if authentic, refers to God. Nevertheless, because of the position of the pronoun in the sentence, where it immediately follows the designation Jesus Christ, a translation into English that retains the word-order of the original would cause the apostle to ascribe the glory not to God but to Jesus Christ, and would leave the sentence unfinished. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Therefore the translator might just as well omit the relative pronoun entirely, as happens in several published translations. ) The 26th edition of Nestle-Aland ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Novum Testamentus Graece) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Stuttgart, 1979, places brackets around all of verses 25 27, with explanation of these signs on p. 44 of the Introduction. For the reason to believe that it was Paul himself who was responsible for the closing doxology see the Appendix of the book you are reading, pp. 521 523. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 441 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentaria in epistolam ad Romanos) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.25-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.25-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:25 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in Migne, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Patrologia Graeca) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 XIV, 1290 AB. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 442 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This is the famous Chester Beatty Papyrus dating from around the beginning of the third century. )