Romans 16:1-27
Because Jesus Christ is the King and Savior of all, we get to
At the close of his letter, Paul takes a moment to address the people he knows personally. It’s a fun touch to a deeply theological and practical letter, and it reminds us that these words weren’t written to a faceless crowd, but to particular souls that Paul knew and longed to see again. This wasn’t a “generic” matter to him; it was deeply personal.
He personally thanks and greets many, as well as passes on the well wishes of others who are with him. With a warning about those who love to stir up division in the church, he ends on a positive note: he rejoices over them, applauds them for the reputation they have, and urges them to remain wise in Jesus. Lastly, he closes with a benediction. In all of this, he points to a gospel for men and women, Jew and Gentile, near and far, new and old.
Questions
Have you ever watched an awards show before (think the Emmys, Oscars, or Grammys)? When someone gets an award, what’s the one thing every winner always does in their acceptance speech (…often with a list of people in-hand!)? Why do you think they do that?
Why does Paul take the time to rattle off a long list of people at the end of his letter?
Who’s included in this letter? (Men and women; new converts and long-time believers; Jews and Gentiles; etc.) What does he say about them?
What does this list of people tell you about Paul? …the church?
Is there anything surprising, interesting, etc. in that list?
Paul gives two final declarations in 17-18 and 19-20. What are they?
Why would he want to say this stuff at the end of his letter? How do these two things serve as a capstone to what Paul’s been saying all along?
Where do you find yourself in the warning? Where does the Spirit have opportunity to build you up in the way you can better build others up in the church?
Where do you find yourself in the encouragement? Is it hard to imagine God being encouraged by you? How does it make you feel to think that whatever issues you or the church may have (just like in Rome!), God’s going to crush Satan under your feet?
Reflect back on the entire book of Romans. What stands out to you or will stick with you? Where have you been challenged, comforted, and changed?