We conclude our study of Paul’s letter to the Christian in Rome with this Daily Droplets, appropriately enough, by looking at Romans 16. In this chapter of twenty-seven verses, Paul commends a Christian sister to the saints in Rome and urges Roman Christians to greet a host of Christians in their city and/or house church. He sends greetings to them from a number of other Christians and then warns the Christians about false teachers and assures them of spiritual victory if they remain faithful to Christ. He concludes with a prayer for their blessings.
When you read through this list of individuals (verses 1-16), you see where Paul sends greetings to twenty-six individuals, two families, and at least three churches meeting in homes, perhaps as many as five. Most of these names are those of Gentiles and most are names of slaves or former slaves. This gives us an idea of the “make-up” of the church at Rome. Relative to the “house churches,” those which met in homes, a typical home could accommodate maybe 30 or 40 people, but at best, only 50.
There are nine women’s names among this list. This shows us that Paul was certainly not a “misogynist,” one who hated women, as many critics of today like to allege. Rather, the whole list shows us that Paul was not a “Lone Ranger.” He needed assistance. He constantly asked and prayed for assistance. Also, he was not hesitant to praise those who did assist. Finally, nothing in this list, including referring to Phoebe in verse 1 as a “servant” (“deaconess” could be a viable translation of the word), militates against Paul’s limitations on the role of women in the work and worship of the church we find in passages like 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12.
In verses 17-18, Paul warns the Christians not to be deceived into believing and obeying error by those who come with “smooth” and “flattering” speech. Unfortunately, this warning is too often ignored by modern Christians. Too many Christians have allegiances to smooth talking preachers or youth ministers or others and allow themselves to be led away from a clear understanding of the text. Be that as it may, we have been warned: Don’t be deceived by people you know and love!
Paul rejoices over the Roman Christians because of their obedience (vs 19) and writes that God will “crush” Satan under their feet (vs 20). I understand that to mean that through the preaching of the Gospel and/or their faithful lives, the Truth will win out over Satan. In verses 21-23, Paul sends greetings to the church in Rome from Christians who were with him.
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In verses 25-27, Paul points out that the “gospel” (synonymous with “preaching of Jesus Christ” and “revelation”) was predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures but have now been revealed. It is this message, the Gospel, that leads the nations to obey the faith. Incidentally, Paul uses the word “obedience” seven times in the Roman letter.
God’s plan of salvation has reached its culminating point in Jesus Christ and His church. We need to understand this fact, to live this fact, and to teach this fact!
Next Friday, we’ll take a step back in time as we look at the gospel according to Moses. We will study for the next three months the book of Deuteronomy!
Paul Holland
