Romans 16

Romans 16:1

Paul was not only a soul-winner, but he was a friend-maker as well. And here in chapter 16, we see ample evidence of that fact. The chapter contains a list of thirty-three people to whom Paul is sending his greetings. The first list (verses Rom_16:1-16) is comprised of those who Paul is greeting. The second list (verses Rom_16:21-23) is comprised of those who are with Paul in Corinth. Having known her in the city of Corinth, Paul says to those in Rome, “I commend Phebe to you.” “Phebe” is another name for “Diana.” Evidently, Phebe was named after the goddess DianaCorinth’s most famous deity. If that be so, Phebe was not Jewish but was most likely a heathen Gentile who had been converted to Christ. The word translated “servant” is literally diakonos, or “deaconess”, which indicates that women were in positions of ministry in the early church. According to the writings of the church fathers, deaconesses visited the sick, helped young women grow in the Lord, and tended the poor. How we need those who have a heart to be servants like Phebethose who say, “Our call is to tend those who are sick, poor, and young in the Lord.”

Romans 16:2

“Receive her and assist her,” said Paul. “She’s coming to you as one who has proven her ministry.” The word “succourer,” or “strengthener,” linguistically speaks of what a mother does as she tenderly nourishes her baby through breastfeeding.

Romans 16:3

When Paul first came to Corinth, he was introduced to Aquila and his wife, Priscillatentmakers, like himself. Evidently, Paul led them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, for when Paul left Corinth for Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla accompanied him as his companions and co-workers. As Paul made his way yet farther north, Aquila and Priscilla remained in Ephesus, where they were influential in the salvation of Apollos, one of the most powerful preachers of the early church (Act_18:26). As evidenced by this verse, Priscilla and Aquila ended up in Rome. Some have even suggested Paul sent them ahead to set the stage and do some groundwork for his own journey to Rome. It’s interesting to me that in the six times this couple is mentioned, Priscilla’s name is seen first four times. Why is this significant? Because in those days, the man’s name was always mentioned first. Thus, it is agreed by virtually all commentators that Priscilla seems to be the one who had the more dynamic and powerful ministry. Yes, they traveled togetherbut it seems as though Aquila, realizing his wife had special and beautiful gifts, facilitated them and was not threatened by them.

Romans 16:4

To what this refers, we don’t knowbut Paul makes it clear Aquila and Priscilla put their lives on the line for him.

Romans 16:5

As you travel with Priscilla and Aquila, you see a pattern begin to unfold in their lives. That is, wherever they went, they started a fellowship group in their house. I like that. They not only worked together by day making tents, but they also opened their home at night. I hope that’s true of you and me. I hope the church is meeting in our homes. How? Jesus said, “Wherever two or three are gathered together, I am in their midst” (see Mat_18:20). Therefore, if you want your families altered, develop what the previous generation called “family altar"times when your family gets together for a season of worship, prayer, and Bible study. Be warned, however. Nothing will be more difficult than having family altar. You can go on vacation, go bowling, have pizza, or watch baseball on TV without a hitch. But say the words, “It’s time for family devotions"and you’ll be amazed by what happens. Dad will get a headache. Mom will suddenly remember the quiche bubbling over in the oven. Junior will get a phone call. Sis will have to leave. Baby will start crying. The dog will start barking. And the doorbell will ring. The Enemy will do everything possible to keep you as parents from getting your kids together and praying with them. I know the struggle. I know the battle. I know how difficult it is. But I would suggest to you who desire your family to be strengthened, that, more than “focusing on the family,” working legislatively, or sharing in groups about child-rearing, nothing in my opinion is more powerful or more effective than pulling your kids together for family altar. The church can be in your house. It doesn’t take a lot of time. You don’t have to teach fifteen chapters of Leviticus. Just share a simple story, make a simple application, and pray together. Epaenetus was Paul’s first convert. I’ve discovered that folks never forget the name of the first person they lead to the Lord because nothing is more exciting than praying with someone, talking to someone, having the opportunity to see someone you care about come to know Jesus.

Romans 16:6

The word “labour” is interesting. The same word is used in Luk_5:5 in reference to the fishermen who toiled all night. It embodies the idea of sweating. Thus, Mary bestowed much “sweat” upon them, if you would. That is, she gave of herself in a laboring type of ministry. This intrigues me because six Marys are mentioned in the New Testament. When you think of Mary, you either think of Mary the mother of Jesus, or Mary of Bethany, who sat at the feet of Jesus while her sister Martha toiled in the kitchen (Luk_10:42). This Mary, however, is a worker. I wonder if this Mary ever thought, My name is Mary, and all these Marys before me were sensitive, “sitting at the feet” kind of ladies. But I’m a labourer. That’s just the way I am. I find it’s truly a red-letter day in the walk of a believer when he sheds the self-imposed pressures or expectations of what he thinks he should be. Oftentimes, because we admire someone else and want to be like him or her, we put pressure on ourselves to be what we’re not. Great is the day when you realize, “Even though my name is Mary, I’m one who likes to roll up my sleeves. So I’m just going to be who I am.” Mary’s name is recorded throughout history as one who was noteworthy because she did what she was made to do, regardless of what the other Marys before her did. And her example is a good one.

Romans 16:7

Bible students, this is an important verse because it is a key to understanding the apostolic ministry. There are those who say there are only eleven apostlestwelve if Paul is included in the position vacated by Judasand that there are no apostles in the church today. On one hand, I agree with them. On the other hand, I disagree. That is, if they’re speaking of apostles that were appointed by Jesus Christ, I agree that there were only twelve, for such apostles had to have seen Jesus visibly. They had to have a firsthand knowledge of His ministry; and their ministries had to be confirmed with observable signs and wonders that validated their apostolic ministry. But there are two other categories of apostles, each linked with the other two Persons of the Trinity. The Father sent out one Apostle: Jesus Christ (Heb_3:1). The Spirit sent out many apostlesAndronicus, Junia, Titus, Timothy, Barnabas, and a host of others called apostles in Scripture (Act_13:2). Therefore, in my opinion, the apostolic ministry continues today in those who are sent out by the Spirit, those who feel called in their hearts to go forth. Missionaries could be more accurately called apostles. The problem with the term “apostle” arises only from a misunderstanding of the word.

Romans 16:8

How can we be approved in Christ? You’re doing it! By studying the Scriptures, you are showing yourself as being approved of God (2Ti_2:15). Historians tell us Aristobulus was the grandson of Herod the Greatthe one who tried to annihilate Jesus by slaughtering all Jewish males under two years of age. Herod was the one who killed his sons and murdered his wife, butchering anyone who was a threat to his power. Yet here was his grandson, numbered among the household of faith.

Romans 16:11

Following verse Rom_16:10 as it does, and “Herodion” being a derivative of “Herod,” this verse could indicate that Paul himself was related to Herod. If this is true, the implications are intriguing. You who are students of Paul know he was a driven man. Before his conversion, he said, “I was a Pharisee of Pharisees. Concerning the law, I was blameless” (see Php_3:6). Vehement in his zeal to stand up for the laws of Judaism, he became enraged when he felt Judaism was threatened by a new group called Christians. What made him so zealous for righteousness? Could it be that he was embarrassed to be linked to this butcher, this half-Jew/half-Idumean named Herodthe despised, despicable despot who left a bad taste in the mouth of every Jew in Israel? I think it’s a very real possibility. And if that be so, I think Paul models for us the way we’re to react or respond to family members. You see, Paul didn’t say, “I’m dysfunctional.” He didn’t say, “I need to join Herodions Anonymous.” He didn’t say, “I need therapy because I’m related to Herod.” No, he took off in the opposite direction, saying, “Herod was a murderer, a blasphemer, a loser. I am going to strive to keep the law and live for God.” And even though Paul was initially misdirected in his zeal, God saw his heart and corrected him on the road to Damascus. I believe in this time in which we livewhen everyone is claiming they have problems because of ancestorswe see in Paul a refreshingly wonderful, practical model. “This one thing I do,” he said, “forgetting the things which lie behind, I press on toward the high mark of the calling of Christ” (see Php_3:13). Everyone has pain in their past. The key is to move on. Tryphena and Tryphosa are sisters whose names mean “Dainty” and “Delicate.” Notice, however, like Mary in verse Rom_16:6, they laboured in the Lord. Thus, even Dainty and Delicate rolled up their sleeves for the kingdom. Persis being a feminine name, Paul is speaking of yet another woman who put her all into serving the Lord. Compare his use of “the beloved” here in verse Rom_16:12 with his use of “my beloved” in verses Rom_16:8 and Rom_16:9. Stachys and Amplias, the subjects of verses Rom_16:8 and Rom_16:9, were males. I believe Paul’s use of the possessive pronoun only with men models an important principle of ministry. That is, he was very careful to relate to his brothers in a different way than he did to his sisters. Some might call this legalism or chauvinism. I call it wisdom.

Romans 16:13

Rufus, it seems, is the same Rufus spoken of in Mar_15:21. Rufus’ father was Simon of Cyrenethe one who came up from Africa to Jerusalem to celebrate and observe the Passover proceedings. When he lined up along the Via Dolorosa, the crowd gathered on that Good Friday, he watched the proceedings, no doubt straining his neck and squinting his eyes, trying to get a perspective of what was happening. Suddenly, a Man collapsed before him under the weight of a cross. Instead of forcing Him to carry the burden any further, a soldier on the scene placed the flat head of his spear upon the shoulder of Simon the Cyrene, saying, “You take the Cross.” Simon must have thought, Oh no. What a catastrophe. I came to celebrate the Passover, and now I’m going to be defiled by associating with this criminal. But he discovered that the catastrophe was, in fact, a great opportunity because something happened to Simon when he took up the Cross. Could it be that he understood the prophecy of Isa_9:6, which says, “The government shall be upon His shoulder”? The government of what? The government of the Cross. As Simon carried the Cross of Christ, he was, in a sense, governed in a way he never would have anticipated or wanted. Yet carry the Cross he did, eventually becoming converted to the One whose Cross he carried. And not only did Simon get saved, but, as can be inferred from this verse, his wife and his sons did as well. What’s the point for you and me? Jesus said, “If any man come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross” (see Mat_16:24). He didn’t say this because He wants us to be miserable or burdened. He didn’t say this because He wants to see us squirm or suffer. No, He said it because He came to teach us the very important truth that the way to really have happiness and fulfillment in life is to die to self. The more you live for yourself, the more you focus on yourself, the more you are concerned about yourself, the more discouraged and defeated you’ll be. “I came that you might have life and life abundantly,” Jesus said (Joh_10:10) “And the way to have abundant life is to take up your cross.”

Romans 16:14

These are all Greek names, and, because they’re lumped together along with “the brethren with them,” it is likely these guys lived together in a commune.

Romans 16:15

What a great name! It comes from “Philos Logos” or “Lover of the Word.” After giving a greeting to his friends, Paul gives a warning of foes to avoid. Many “Lord Jesus Christs” are being taughtthe Lord Jesus of the Mormons, of the Jehovah’s Witness, of the Modernist, of the New Ager. But they’re not our Lord Jesus. The word “simple” does not mean “dumb.” It means “sincere.” What’s being said here is that there are sincere people who are being deceived by those who preach another Jesus Christ. Therefore, in your sincerity to want to learn more about the Lord or to be students of the Word, don’t allow those who teach a different Jesus to come into your home. Don’t engage in discussions with them. Don’t spend time arguing with them. Mark them and avoid them. Why? I offer two reasons… One reason is protection. Satan is clever. And many a believer who thought he was strong in theology has succumbed to those who are inspired satanically. The second reason is prioritization. Invest your energy in the fields that are already white and ready for harvest (Joh_4:35), in the lives of those who are already open to the gospel. Another Jesus? A Topical Study of Rom_16:17-18 The sixteenth chapter of the Book of Romans makes obvious the fact that, although Paul had never been to Rome, there were at least thirty-five people there he knew by name. But there is something else in this chapter that intrigues me. That is, in the middle of his list of friends to greet, Paul inserts a list of foes to avoid. “Mark those who cause division by teaching what is contrary to the doctrine I have shared with you,” he said. Notice he doesn’t say, “Debate them,” “Study them,” or even, “Have compassion on them.” He says, “Mark and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ.” I was surprised by the results of a poll that showed over 80 percent of the people in our country claim to believe in Jesus Christ? Do 80 percent of Americans really have a saving faith in Jesus Christ? Are 80 percent of your neighbors, co-workers, or acquaintances headed for heaven? I doubt it. You see, even though many talk about Jesus Christ and claim to be interested in Jesus Christ, or they do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ because there are many “Lord Jesus Christs” being talked about today. There is the Lord Jesus Christ of the modernist. “Jesus was not really born of a virgin,” the modernist says. “That’s just a piece of Hebrew mythology. He didn’t perform miracles, either.” Consider the feeding of the five thousand. According to the modernist, what really happened was quite simple to explain. That is, as was the custom of the day, people had their lunches in the sleeves of their robes. And when one little boy stepped forward and said, “I’ll share,” everyone followed his example. Thus, everyone was fed. Preposterous! Our Lord Jesus Christ is not the Jesus Christ of the modernist. Nor is He the Jesus Christ of the Jehovah’s Witness. The Jesus Christ of the Jehovah’s Witness is actually Michael, the archangel. According to Witness theology, Michael came to this earth and became Jesus Christ. His death on the Cross does not apply to the common person, and His resurrection is denied altogether. Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ of the Jehovah’s Witness is not our Lord Jesus Christ. Nor is He the Jesus Christ of the Christian Scientist, who simply holds Him up as a Divine Ideal. The Christian Scientist denies anything negative or evilincluding hell. The Scientist holds Jesus as a Master whose primary purpose was to teach us a positive way to think and live. But He’s not our Lord Jesus Christ. Nor is our Lord Jesus Christ the Jesus Christ of the Mormon, who teaches that Jesus Christ was the offspring of Adam, God, and Maryand that when Jesus appeared in the flesh, He was a polygamist, secretly married to several of the Marys of the Bible, as well as to Martha. The more you study the teachings of Mormonism, the more you realize their Jesus Christ is not our Jesus Christ. Nor is our Lord Jesus Christ the Jesus Christ of the New Ager, who says, “Christ is everywhere. He’s in you; He’s in me. He’s the Divine Spark who simply needs to be fanned through contemplation and meditation.” The Jesus Christ of the New Ager is a crystal Christ. Our Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages. Now, while we are to avoid any who teach contrary to our Lord Jesus Christ, we are also to be ready to give an answer to any man who asks the reason for the hope within us (1Pe_3:15). We should know the Scriptures and be able to give an answer to the New Ager and the Modernist, the Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, and Scientistbut giving an answer doesn’t mean endless dialogue and debate. Too many people, in attempting to straighten out those who teach another Jesus Christ, have found themselves shipwrecked in their own faith. Heed the simple word the Scriptures share concerning those who teach another Jesus Christ: Mark them and avoid them. If our Lord Jesus Christ is not the Jesus Christ of the New Ager, the modernist, the Jehovah’s Witness, the Mormon, or the Christian Scientist, who is He? Turn back to Romans 1, and see what Paul has to say about who our Lord Jesus Christ is. The Revealed One (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord…Rom_1:2-3 (a) Jesus is not some weird guru who showed up on the scene, claiming to have some fresh new revelation. Rather, centuries before He appeared, promises were given concerning Him that we might know for certain that He is the Chosen One, the Messiah, the Savior for all humanity. Micah tells us where He would be born (chapter 5). Isaiah tells us the way in which He would be born (chapter 7). Daniel tells us the very day He would enter the Holy City and present Himself as King (chapter 9). Zechariah not only tells us He would be betrayed by a friend and sold for silver, but also that the silver would be cast on the floor of the temple and used to buy a potter’s field (chapter 11). David tells us the kind of death He would die (Psalms 22). What is the statistical possibility that these eight prophecies could be fulfilled by any one person? In his excellent work, Science Speaks, author Peter Stoner says the probability Isaiah 1 in 1027. But, folks, there were not only eight prophecies given concerning Jesus Christ. There are over three hundredall fulfilled perfectly. Truly, He is the Revealed One. The Reigning One …which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh…Rom_1:3 (a) Our Lord Jesus Christ is not only revealed in prophecies of old, but reigns as King of kings, sitting on the throne of David. He is not some wispy consciousness, not some floating spirit. He Isaiah 100 percent human. What does this mean for us practically? It means that, because He was tempted in all points as we are (Heb_4:15), He felt every single temptation. If you put a great big rutabaga in front of me, I would not be tempted at all. But put a hot fudge sundae in front of methat’s temptation! What does it mean that Jesus was “tempted in all points like as we are”? It means that every temptation mankind experiences was to Him not a rutabaga, but a hot fudge sundae because temptation is not temptation unless it’s tempting. This means Jesus can reign over my life as my King because He was tempted by the same sins that tempt me. Whatever sin tempts you, precious people, He understands because it tempted Him too. Jesus doesn’t look down on you. He’s not disgusted with you. He’s not confused by you. He understands you because this “Seed of David according to the flesh” has been tempted by the same things that tempt you. The Resurrected One And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.Rom_1:4 Our Lord Jesus Christ is not only 100 percent man, but He’s one hundred percent God as well. “Give us a sign,” they said. “Do something to prove Your claim” (see Joh_2:18). “One sign I’ll give,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this body and in three days I’ll rise again from the dead” (see Joh_2:19). Our Lord Jesus did something that neither Mary Baker Eddy, Joseph Smith, Mohammed, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, or any other so-called spiritual leader has ever done. He rose from the dead. Jesus is alive, gang. He doesn’t just tell you how to live or what you should do. He is the Resurrected One. He is God. And He lives inside you. Therefore, because our Lord Jesus is uniquely the Revealed One, the Reigning One, and the Resurrected One, we are to mark those who teach otherwise. What does it mean to be marked? The Old Testament picture of this New Testament principle is found in Ezekiel 9… Caught up by the Lord and taken to Jerusalem, Ezekiel was instructed to go throughout the city and mark those who were crying over the sins and abominations of Jerusalem. They were to be marked with the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet"taw"which was an X, a cross. “Mark the heads of those who are sighing and weeping over sin, who are saddened by the carnality, rebellion and iniquity in this city,” said God, “for those not marked with a cross are to be wiped out and destroyed” (see Eze_9:4-6). And where was the marking to begin? In the sanctuary, in the house of God (Eze_9:6). The same is true today. I know those who are truly of our Lord Jesus Christ because they carry on them the mark of the Cross. They realize the seriousness of sin and that Jesus paid its price by dying for them. Not only that, they realize He asks them to bear the Cross as well (Mat_16:24). Precious people, there are two marks… The mark of the Cross is upon those who realize the seriousness and repercussion of sin, upon those who embrace Jesus Christ and take up their Cross daily to follow Him. The mark of apostasy and heresy is upon those who teach another Christ, an Easy Jesus, a Nice Guy, an Interesting Teacher. Are you marked with the Crossor are you a believer in another Jesus Christ, a Cross-less Christ? If you’re a believer in another Jesus Christ, you’re marked for destruction. But if you’re a believer in the Revealed, Reigning, Resurrected One, and an embracer of His Cross, you’re marked for heaven.

Romans 16:19

“Be wise about spiritual matters but simple, or naive, concerning evil,” warned Paul. I believe the trend in ministry today to keep culturally current and socially relevant is contrary to this word of warning. “But I won’t be effective,” we say. That’s what Moses thought… At forty years of age, Moses had enough of Egypt. “I’d rather suffer with God’s people who are laboring out in the sun baking bricks than to be in the palaces of Pharaoh enjoying sin, which brings pleasure only for a short season,” he said (Heb_11:25). So he left the palace, saw a Jew being hassled by an Egyptian taskmaster, and did what he was trained to do in Egypt: He flexed his muscle, clenched his fist, and dealt a deathblow to the taskmaster. The next day, when he came to hang out with the Jews, they said, “Get out of here. Are you going to kill us too?” (Exo_2:14). And Moses fled to the desert, where, for the next forty years he unlearned Egypt. Forty years later, God called him back to Egypt. “They won’t believe me,” he cried (Exo_4:1). “Look at me. I don’t dress like an Egyptian pharaoh anymore. I don’t know the latest songs. I can’t tell you the top ten shows. I don’t get People magazine anymore. How am I going to relate to them? They won’t listen to me.” “Oh, yes they will,” God answered. “You left Egypt overnight. But it’s taken me forty years to get Egypt out of you. Now I can use you.” And how He did! I want our kids to see the vanity of Egypt, to leave it behind, forget it, and not feel they have to know what’s going on. To do so, they have to see that in you, Mom and Dad. They have to see you as those who live with an entirely different mind-set than that of the world. Be Simple Concerning Evil A Topical Study of Rom_16:19 As Paul the apostle closes this Epistle, he shares with the Romans a very powerful, practical principle. That is, he would have them be wise to that which is good and ignorant concerning evil. You see, Rome, being the capital city of the empire, was the place to be for anyone who was moving up in society. It was the power point politically, the hot spot culturally. Rome was where the movie stars hung out and the musicians lived. It was the happening placewhich is why Paul was concerned that the believers there remain naive concerning evil, that they be ignorant concerning what was happening around them culturally. “Hey,” they could have argued, “We’ve got to keep up with the latest trends and fads.” “No, you don’t,” Paul would counter. “I want you to be wise and knowledgeable about things that are good. But when it comes to what is evil, you should be the most naive of all people.” In America, where many of the trends of the world are set, I believe we have become very knowledgeable about evil. And I think that’s dangerous. “Oh, but I’m just keeping current,” we say. “I’m just monitoring the trends by reading those books, watching those shows, going to those movies.” “I’m concerned about you,” said Paul. “Yes, your faith is spoken of throughout the world. But are you naive concerning evil?” Why shouldn’t we follow cultural trends? Why shouldn’t we be those who monitor activities, music, or movies so that we might know what’s happening? Take careful note: In the very beginning God warned His people that they were in danger of becoming ensnared by the same gods and influences that damned the Canaanites before them. How? By inquiring after their gods, saying, “How did these nations worship? What were they doing? What was their mind-set and perspective? I need to be informed about it. I need to keep up with it. I need to be tuned in to it” (Deu_12:29-30). “Even though you are in the land,” God said to His people, “even though the Canaanites are wiped out, don’t research their idolatry, for it will ensnare you. You’ll become interested in it. You’ll become intrigued by it. Even though your motives might have been okay initiallywatch out. There are powerful forces at work, demonic entities behind those idols, videos, movies, magazines, and books. Stay away.” In other words, the Word of God in Deuteronomy is the same as it is in Romans: “Be naive concerning evil.” In trying to keep current, too many people in the church have been caught up in the current of carnality, carried down the river and wiped out. Why? Because they failed to heed the warnings so clearly given in the Word. “The idols of the nations are silver and gold,” the psalmist declared (Psa_135:15). So, too, in order to sell their CD, movie, or book, the idols on MTV and in Hollywood today will be seductive, immoral, or outrageous. They’ll do whatever it takes to get silver and gold. The tragedy is that the one who makes the idol becomes like the idol (Psa_135:18). Truly, what we fix our eyes on is what we become. Fix your eyes on the culture and you will mirror the culture. The Life of the Holy David understood this. This man who killed giants, bears, and lions, this one who was a musician, a poet, and the most popular man in the kingdom said, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes” (see Psa_101:3). This verse should be attached to every TV in every home of every Christian. “Oh, but I gotta check it out. I gotta see what’s hot.” No, you don’t. Evil is a snare. It will erode your soul, zap your spiritual energy, and diminish your hunger for the Word. And slowly, but surely, you’ll become like what you are beholding. Joseph was another who understood the seductiveness of sin. When Potiphar’s wife grabbed him and said, “Lie with me,” Joseph replied by splitting the scene (Gen_39:12). What happened to Joseph? He became second only to Pharaoh in the kingdom of Egypt. He ascended to power and prominence because he lived a life of purity. The same was true of Daniel. “I’ll not eat the king’s meat and drink,” he said. “Pass the broccoli” (Dan_1:12). What happened to Daniel? He was promoted to the position of satrapone of the most successful men in all of Babylon. Knowing the day in which he lived was exceedingly wicked, Job said, “I made a covenant with my eyes. Why then should I think upon a maid?” (Job_31:1)the inference being, “I’ll not look on that which would stimulate lust. I make a covenant right now not to look on the screen, to read the book, or listen to the music that flirts with evil or toys with wickedness.” You can either engage in demonic activities and darkness that will pull you down and do you inor you can be like David or Daniel, like Joseph or Job, and say, “I will be naove when it comes to things that are dark and evil,” and in so doing find the blessing of God upon your life. Job and David, Joseph and Daniel were men who were blessed, prosperous, and successful because they stood for purity. Sure, they had failings and shortcomingsbut their hearts and lives were geared toward integrity. Contrast these men with another, one who thought he needed to be in the middle of the scene: Herod. The Life of Herod Mark 6 tells us Herod was one who lived in luxury, was a lousy leader politically, and was caught up in lascivious activity. He took his brother’s wife as his mistress, threw wild parties, and kept up with all that was the latest in Rome. He knew what was happening culturallybut he also knew inside he was wrong. He knew that flirting with the world made him a debauched, depraved loserdespised by the very people he ruled. John the Baptist came on the scene, wearing camel skin and chewing on grasshoppers, saying, “What you’re doing, Herod, is not right” (see Mar_6:18). Although Scripture records that Herod “heard him gladly” (see Mar_6:20), his mistress knew John was a problem, so she demanded he be thrown in prison. Soon afterward, at one of Herod’s notorious parties, the teen-aged daughter of Herod’s wife danced before Herod and his guests. Knowing such dancing would cause Herod to crumble, her mother instructed her to ask for the head of John the Baptist in return. Sure enough, following her dance, Herod told the girl that anything up to half of the kingdom could be hers. And, as instructed by her mother, the girl asked for the head of John the Baptist. Although Herod knew John was a good man, he was trapped. Afraid of backing down under the pressure of his peers, Herod gave in. Not long after John was beheaded, Herod began to hear rumors of a Man teaching and healing in the area. Haunted by his sin, Herod cried, “It’s John the Baptist back from the dead.” But two years later, as recorded in the twenty-third chapter of Luke, the One who Herod thought was John the Baptist was brought before him to judge. “I’ve been wanting to see You,” said Herod (see Luk_23:8). “Do some miracle for me.” But Jesus answered him not a wordwhich infuriated Herod. Consequently, Herod began to mock and taunt Jesus, while ordering his men to beat Him. Jesus was crucified, but He rose again. Herod, on the other hand, livedonly to go insane and, as some historians believe, take his own life. Today, Herod is studied as the quintessential picture of a total loserfor although he lived in the holy city of Jerusalem, he got caught up in the Roman scene, in Greek culture, in the latest happening, and drowned in the cesspool of sin. Precious people, there’s a better route for us. It’s called purity. “Oh, but we can’t be ostriches with our heads in the sand,” you might protest. First of all, not one ostrich has ever been known to stick his head in the sand. Secondly, it’s not a matter of sticking your head in the sand. It’s a matter of keeping your head out of the sewer! As a young Man, Jesus found favor with God and man (Luk_2:52). Kids, if you want favor in the eyes of men, here’s what to do: Live righteously. But if you want to be a dead fish that goes with the flow, just keep up with the latest thing on MTV. Stay tuned. Be cooland you’ll become a nothing. Ask Herod. The choice is yours and mine today. We can either be like Herod, the quintessential loser, the party-er, the drinker, the movie expertor we can be like Jesus, who became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, upon whom was the grace of God (Luk_2:40). May God give us modern-day Romans wisdom. I know you have faith in the gospeland I commend you for that. But, as Paul would say, this one thing I would have of you: Be ignorant concerning evil and wise concerning good. And so, as we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans, my prayer is that the Lord will give you a continual hunger and appetite to devour the meat of His Word. May He give you the energy to mine its riches. May He make you strong in theologynot that you might be puffed up with pride, but that, understanding your liberty, you might perpetually praise Him. May you be free from religion and legalism. May He bless you immensely.

Romans 16:20

Remain naive concerning evil and watch how God will stomp Satan under you through the peace you have in your heart, the peace that flows from your lips, the peace seen on your face. Tertius was Paul’s secretary, to whom Paul dictated this Epistle. His name means “Third.” The last name in verse Rom_16:23 is Quartus, whose name means “Fourth.” These guys were slaves. In those days, slaves were referred to only by number. Consequently, it’s interesting that these two, who were considered unworthy of names, became historically and eternally significant because they were brought into the kingdom. So, too, you might feel like a number, like no one cares about you, like no one takes notice of you. But the Lord has a plan for you. He’s got your number. And as you give yourself to Him and walk with Him, you’ll find significance. Ask Tertius and Quartus!

Romans 16:23

Those who were with Paul in Corinth send their greetings to those in Rome.

Romans 16:24

Paul gives his usual closing as he writes, “The grace of the Lord be with you.” But wait. There are three more verses. What’s going on? At this point, Paul does what he frequently was inclined to do. He grabbed the pen himself and “autographed” this letter with the final three verses.

Romans 16:25

Here Paul takes the pen and writes himself. He makes mention of this practice in 2Th_3:17. We see it was Paul’s custom, after closing his dictation, to grab the pen and add a final thought or two before signing the letter… Not infrequently I have been asked about Applegate Christian Fellowship’s follow-up program for the numbers of folks who are saved and baptized each week. “We don’t have a follow-up program,” I would say. “We have a follow up Personthe One who is able to stabilize, establish, and steady us.” On the basis of this verse, some say Paul had a unique gospel, different from the one Peter or John preached. But such is not the case. In John 20, Mary said, “They’ve taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they’ve laid Him.” Also in John 20, Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” So, too, Paul says, “my gospel” because the gospel had not only impacted him theologicallyhe claimed it personally. The word translated, “mystery” is the Greek word musterion. It doesn’t mean that which can’t be figured out, but rather that which was previously hidden. Musterion is like the car commercials in which the new model is covered with a sheet or canvas. You can see the shape of it, but not the details. The engineer knows what’s underneath the canvas. The designer already knows the shape of the car. But the car remains hidden to the rest of us. So, too, the mystery of which Paul spoke was hidden until the right moment. What is the mystery? It begins to unfold in Rom_11:25, where Paul uses the word musterion for the first time in regard to the mystery that Gentiles would be brought into the kingdom. “Gentiles in the kingdom?” the Jew would say. “That’s a mystery!” But the mystery continues, for in Eph_3:2-6, musterion appears again. Not only would the Gentile be brought into the kingdom, but Gentiles would be incorporated into a brand-new entity called the church, the body of Christ. No more would there be a differentiation between Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slaves and freemen (1Co_12:13). This was revolutionary. But it is the third appearance of the word musterion that touches the heart of the mystery, for it is there Paul writes of the mystery of “Christ in youthe hope of glory” (Col_1:25-27). It’s not a program given to us, not rules and regulations laid on us, not expectations placed before us, but rather Christ in us, the hope of glory. Folks, it’s not religions, not programs, not twelve-stepping, not trying harder, not getting it together, not follow-up materials that are needed. What’s needed is Christ living in us. A lot of people think Christianity involves some rules, some regulations, a standard, a code to live by, and some activities to take part in. Nothing could be further from the truth because Jesus did not come to make bad people good, nor to make good people better. He came to make dead men alive by living in them. The last time musterion is found is in 1Ti_3:16, where Paul says, God was manifest in the flesh when Jesus came as the Babe of Bethlehem; He was justified in the Spirit when the Spirit came upon Him at His baptism; He was seen of angels when they ministered to Him in the wilderness after He had been tempted for forty days; He was preached unto the nations when He healed and ministered not to the Jews only, but to the Gentiles; He was believed on in the world when multitudes gathered around Him; And He was received unto glory when He rose from the dead. “Great is this mystery,” said Paul, “that Jesus, who was victorious over the Enemy, who never succumbed to any temptation personally, who was justified by the Father as the voice from heaven rang out audibly, and yet is One who can relate to you and me personally. This same Jesus was received up into glory and returned to us through His Spirit.” This means that when my kids are tempted to do something they ought not do, or when I plunge into something I shouldn’t, even at the very time of the temptation, sin, or difficulty, we will be exceedingly uncomfortable because Jesus is in us. Gang, He is faithful to establish you, your kids, your friends, your neighbors, those who have been baptized Sunday after Sundayanyone who comes to Him. Great is the mystery! Without the mystery of godliness, man is sentenced either to despair as he worries about whether his friends and loved ones will live rightor to legalized religion as he sets up rules and regulations to ensure the people he loves won’t stray. But if we understand the mystery of Christ dying for us, living within us, relating to us, we can be sure we’ll make it. So will our children, our neighbors, and all who are recipients of the mystery. “This is the mystery,” said Paul. “Jesus will establish you because He lives in you.” What wonderful comfort.