Thus, Paul had another blessing with a doxology. Praise be to the eternal, wise God. They were to remain obedient in the faith in Jesus Christ, with a great Amen. The letter was complete. Did you enjoy reading this letter from Paul?
Summary of Romans
Greetings from Corinth (chapter 16)
Paul then mentioned the people with him in Corinth. There was Timothy and Tertius, the writer of this letter, as well as Gaius, his benefactor. There also was Erastus, the city treasurer and Quartus. Do you have someone help you write letters?
Final warning about no factions (chapter 16)
Paul told them to avoid any dissenters. They were to watch out for the smooth talkers. They were to be obedient to the gospel. Paul wanted grace to be with them. Do you like dissenters?
Personal greetings (chapter 16)
Paul then issued a series of personal greetings to the people in Rome. He sent his greetings to Prisca and Aquila, Epaenetus, Mary, Andronicus, Junias, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, Aristobulus, Herodion, Narcissus, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus, Julia, Nereus, Olympas, and all the believing saintly brothers and sisters. They were to greet one another with a holy kiss. One-third of the twenty-one Christians identified in these greetings were women, but there was no mention of Peter. Do you personally greet people?
Phoebe (chapter 16)
Paul wanted them to welcome Sister Deaconess Phoebe. They were to receive her graciously and help her in any way that they could. Do you know any women who are of great service to the church?
Paul’s prayer (chapter 15)
Paul then gave the blessing of Christ to his readers. He asked them to pray for him and his success. He hoped to see them soon, God willing. Until then, he asked that they receive the God of peace. Do you believe in the God of peace?
Plans for the future (chapter 15)
Paul said that he had been hindered from going to Rome. He said that his work was done in Greece. He wanted to stop in Rome on his way to Spain. However, now he was going to Jerusalem. Macedonia and Achaia were providing the resources, as the gentile Christians were returning the favor to the Jewish Christians. When he finished his trip to Jerusalem, he was going to go to Spain. Have you ever been hindered from going someplace?
Paul’s reason for writing this letter (chapter 15)
Paul was the apostle to the gentiles. He was full of confidence because God gave him the grace to be a minister to the gentiles. He was proud of what Christ had accomplished through him. Paul had preached the gospel. He was not going to build on someone else’s foundation. He cited Isaiah, the suffering servant. Are you full of confidence?
The call to unity (chapter 15)
Paul said that they were to welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed them. Christ was among the circumcised ones, but he will praise them among the gentiles. They were to rejoice and praise the Lord. The root of Jesse had come to bring hope to the gentiles. They were to live in hope, joy, and peace. Do you welcome others?
Please others, not yourself (chapter 15)
Paul said that the weak and the strong live side by side. Do not please yourself, but your neighbor. Christ did not please himself, but he was reproached by others. You have your instructions, so that that you can hope. They were to live in harmony as they glorified God. Do you please others?
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 