Category: Romans 16

Romans 16:27 – To God Be The Glory!

Posted on by Will

to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God deserves all the glory and all of our praise.

Behind the Words

“God” is from the Greek noun theos. This is probably derived from the Greek theteres (a placer of things) because the Greeks believed that their gods were the placers and disposers of things (thus, they had a god of fire, a god of wind, etc.) In the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint) the title of God (elohim) is always translated as theos, even though elohim is plural and theos is singular.

“Only” is translated from monos, meaning “unaccompanied, alone, only, or single.”

The word translated “wise” is sophos, meaning “the ability to skillfully apply the knowledge that one possesses.” The meaning of sophos in the New Testament, like its Hebrew equivalent chōkmah, differs from the classical meaning in at least two ways. First of all, the biblical concept of wisdom is God-centered rather than man-centered. It refers to a fear of God and an understanding of His ways. Secondly, Biblical wisdom implies the possession of a certain adeptness or practical ability in applying knowledge.

“Glory” is from the word doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think or suppose.” Doxa primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.”

Meaning Explained

Paul’s closing benediction to his letter to the Christians in the church at Rome is the longest benediction contained in any of his letters.

In this final verse, he is proclaiming, first of all, the fact that only God is wise. In Greek, word order is significant, with the most important word being first. The Greek text for this verse reads, “only wise God.” Thus, his emphasis is on the fact that only God is truly wise. To our singularly wise God belongs “great reputation, honor, and splendor” because of the fact that He alone is wise.

This honor that God so richly deserves is earned in and through the person of Jesus Christ. Only a God of infinite wisdom could have developed a plan whereby we, God’s created race made filthy by the stain of our sin, could be so perfectly cleansed by the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God.

Because of this salvation plan which reconciles God’s moral righteousness with the brilliance of His wondrous mercy, He will receive all the glory from all of creation for all of eternity. Truly, He is worthy!

Application

Throughout eternity we will give God the glorious expression of our praise. In order to be fully prepared for that experience, we should be practicing every day by proclaiming His glory and declaring His praise. To God be the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:26 – Gospel Proclamation

Posted on by Will

but now has been revealed, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—

Truth to Learn

We all need to be preaching the gospel message.

Behind the Words

The words “has been revealed” are translated from the verb phaneroō, which is based on phainō, meaning “to shine a light on” or “to illuminate.” Phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to make known,” or “to show openly.”

“Prophetic” is from the Greek word prophētikos. This is based on the noun prophētēs, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in location or time” and a form of phēmi, meaning “to tell.” Hence, prophētēs refers to someone who “tells truth before its time” (fortells) or someone who “tells God’s truth in front of others” (forthtells).

The word translated “Scriptures” is graphē, which is from the verb graphō, meaning “to inscribe” or “to write.” So, literally, graphē refers to something that has been written. The English word “Scripture” is based on the Latin scriptura, also meaning “that which has been written.” However, by tradition, the English word Scripture refers to sacred writing and specifically refers to the contents of the Bible.

“Obedience” is from the hupakoē, meaning ”to hear under,” that is, to listen attentively as to a teacher. It implies more than just hearing, it means to believe and put into practice.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is the second part of the closing benediction of Paul’s letter to the Roman church. As we pointed out in the previous verse, this benediction is basically a summary of Paul’s entire ministry. He proclaims it to the One who is able to set us firmly in place, that is to make our eternal life secure. And he says that this secure standing is accomplished through the preaching of the gospel, the good news about the payment for our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. He also told us that this gospel message is a mystery that was kept secret since the world began.

But, this mystery is now shown openly to all nations. This revelation (uncovering of the truth) is now made known to all nations through the writings of the prophets. Until the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, these Holy Scriptures were entrusted only to the Jews and they did not proclaim them to the world because they didn’t understand the message of salvation through the death of the Messiah themselves. Now that Jesus the Messiah has come, has died, and has arisen from the grave, the message of salvation through His blood is being understood and proclaimed throughout the world.

The preaching of this eternal life-giving gospel message is not an option for Christians, it is a commandment given to the entire church by Christ just before He ascended. The result of this preaching is that many will believe by attentive listening.

Application

Paul knew without a doubt what his ministry was: to preach the Gospel message to the Gentiles throughout the known world. We, too, are commanded to preach this message of salvation from the penalty of our sins. Are you being as obedient as Paul? When was the last time you proclaimed the gospel?

but now has been revealed, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—

Truth to Learn

We all need to be preaching the gospel message.

Behind the Words

The words “has been revealed” are translated from the verb phaneroō, which is based on phainō, meaning “to shine a light on” or “to illuminate.” Phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to make known,” or “to show openly.”

“Prophetic” is from the Greek word prophētikos. This is based on the noun prophētēs, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in location or time” and a form of phēmi, meaning “to tell.” Hence, prophētēs refers to someone who “tells truth before its time” (fortells) or someone who “tells God’s truth in front of others” (forthtells).

The word translated “Scriptures” is graphē, which is from the verb graphō, meaning “to inscribe” or “to write.” So, literally, graphē refers to something that has been written. The English word “Scripture” is based on the Latin scriptura, also meaning “that which has been written.” However, by tradition, the English word Scripture refers to sacred writing and specifically refers to the contents of the Bible.

“Obedience” is from the hupakoē, meaning ”to hear under,” that is, to listen attentively as to a teacher. It implies more than just hearing, it means to believe and put into practice.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is the second part of the closing benediction of Paul’s letter to the Roman church. As we pointed out in the previous verse, this benediction is basically a summary of Paul’s entire ministry. He proclaims it to the One who is able to set us firmly in place, that is to make our eternal life secure. And he says that this secure standing is accomplished through the preaching of the gospel, the good news about the payment for our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. He also told us that this gospel message is a mystery that was kept secret since the world began.

But, this mystery is now shown openly to all nations. This revelation (uncovering of the truth) is now made known to all nations through the writings of the prophets. Until the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, these Holy Scriptures were entrusted only to the Jews and they did not proclaim them to the world because they didn’t understand the message of salvation through the death of the Messiah themselves. Now that Jesus the Messiah has come, has died, and has arisen from the grave, the message of salvation through His blood is being understood and proclaimed throughout the world.

The preaching of this eternal life-giving gospel message is not an option for Christians, it is a commandment given to the entire church by Christ just before He ascended. The result of this preaching is that many will believe by attentive listening.

Application

Paul knew without a doubt what his ministry was: to preach the Gospel message to the Gentiles throughout the known world. We, too, are commanded to preach this message of salvation from the penalty of our sins. Are you being as obedient as Paul? When was the last time you proclaimed the gospel?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:25 – Stabilizing Power

Posted on by Will

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the time of the ages.

Truth to Learn

The power of God is revealed in the gospel message.

 

Behind the Words

“Him who is able” is from the word dunamai, from which we get the word dynamite. It refers to “one who has the power, ability, or authority to do something.”

The word translated “establish” is stēridzō, which means “to set firmly in place.”

“Revelation” is from the Greek word apokalupsis. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, we can see that this word means “to have the cover taken away,” that is “an uncovering” or “a revealing.”

“Mystery” is translated from musterion, which refers to “a sacred mystery, something that was previously hidden but which is now made known.”

The word “secret” is translated from the Greek verb sigaō, meaning “to keep silent.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the past there has been much debate among Greek scholars as to whether this and the following two verses belong here or at the end of chapter fourteen. A number of reliable manuscripts have it at the end of fourteen, but a number of others have it placed here. Nearly all English translations present it here at the end of the epistle.

This benediction (a formal proclamation of blessing and praise) to God is basically a summary of Paul’s entire ministry. Paul gives this praise to “Him who is able to set us firmly in place.” That is, God is the only one who has the power and authority to make our salvation and subsequent walk with Him firm and secure. This secure salvation is the result of the gospel message. Paul refers to it as his gospel because it is the message that was given to him to deliver to the Gentiles.

This gospel (good news of salvation from our sins) is communicated by the preaching of Jesus Christ. That is, salvation comes from hearing about and believing that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. As proof of His sinless life and the acceptance of His blood as payment for our sins he rose from the dead and is alive today.

Paul refers to this gospel message as “the mystery which was kept silent since the time of the ages.” He calls it this because even though it is alluded to throughout the Old Testament (from Genesis through Malachi), it was hidden from the Jews and hidden from the rest of mankind until revealed to the world by Jesus Christ, Himself.

Paul will continue with this benediction in the next two verses.

 

Application

Every Christian should get a tingle of excitement when talking about the gospel message. Through it the power of God to save sinners from the just penalty of their sins is communicated. The proclamation of the gospel opens up hearts and transfers the citizenship of lost souls from the family of doom to a firm place in the family of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:24 – Precious, Sacred, and True

Posted on by Will

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Truth to Learn

We have the genuine Word of God.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from charis. This is the noun form of the verb chairō, meaning “to be full of cheer” or “to rejoice.” The noun form, charis, means “joy, pleasure, or gratification as a result of an undeserved kindness granted.” In other words, it refers to “an undeserved or unmerited favor done without expectation of anything done in return.” It is sometimes described as “unmerited favor.”

The word “Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is derived from the noun kuron, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “a master or owner.”

“Jesus” is transliterated (spelling a word of one language with the letters of another language) from the Greek Iēsous, which is in turn transliterated from the Hebrew Yēshū’a, or Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is help” or “Jehovah saves.”

“Christ” is the transliteration of the Greek word christos, which is derived from the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Therefore, christos means “anointed one.” This is the equivalent of the Hebrew word Māshīach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Greek word amēn, which in turn is transliterated from the Hebrew ‘āmēn. It literally means “to be firm, steady, or trustworthy.” The Greek word is sometimes translated as “verily” or “truly.” Because we almost always end a prayer with amen, we tend to think of it as meaning “the end” but this is not the proper meaning of the word. At the end of a prayer, it is more appropriately equated to “it is truth” or “it is so.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is almost exactly the same as the second half of verse twenty, except that the word “all” has been inserted. Some of the major Greek manuscripts do not include this verse, so it is omitted in some translations.

According to his second letter to the Thessalonians, this is an expression that Paul uses to mark the genuineness of his letter:

The salutation of Paul by my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (2 Thessalonians 3:17-18)

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul alludes to a forged letter from him (2 Thessalonians 2:2), so he may have used this valediction to assure them that it was truly from him. Thus, we see this expression in various forms in 1 Corinthians 16:23, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, 1 Thessalonians 5:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:18, 1 Timothy 1:14, and Philemon 1:25.

As to why it is included in both verses twenty and twenty-four we can only speculate. Perhaps the first was written by his penman and this one was written by Paul himself.

Application

We are so privileged to have God’s truth presented to us in a single book, a book that we know to be genuine. We should treat it as precious, honor it as sacred, and follow it as God’s Holy Word. Amen.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:23 – Give Your All

Posted on by Will

Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, a brother.

Truth to Learn

God wants us all to give liberally.

Behind the Words

“Host” is from the Greek word xenos, which literally means “a foreigner” or “a stranger.” It is often used to refer to “a friend who is not a family member.” By implication, it refers to “a guest” or “a host.” It is this latter sense in which it is used in today’s verse.

The word translated “treasurer” is oikonomos, made up of oikos, meaning “house” and nomos, derived from the verb nemō, meaning “to parcel out” or “to distribute.” It is, therefore, a reference to the one who distributes duties and wages within a household (see Luke 12:42 for an example given by Jesus). In other words, it refers to a house steward or a house manager. The fact that Gaius is said to be the oikonomos of the city implies that he is the steward, manager, or treasurer of the city of Corinth.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been including greetings from people with him in Corinth to the Christians in Rome. Today’s verse contains the final three people who send their greeting. The first of these three is Gaius. There are at least two people by that name mentioned in the New Testament. One of these was a Macedonian man who was with Paul at Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and another was a man from Derbe, in Asia Minor who accompanied Paul in his travels there (Acts 20:4). We are also told that Paul personally baptized a man by the name of Gaius. There is one more mention of a man named Gaius in the New Testament. He is the one to whom the Apostle John wrote a personal letter (3 John 1:1).

What we do know about Gaius is that he was a very benevolent person. We know this because Paul refers to him as his host, implying that he provided lodging and food for the apostle while he was in Corinth. It is very likely that this is the Macedonian mentioned in Acts 19:29 and the one who Paul baptized. Paul tells us that Gaius also hosted the entire Corinthian church, probably providing a meeting place and financial support for the church there.

The next person that Paul mentions is Erastus. Here we are told that Erastus was the city manager or the city treasurer of Corinth. This implies that he, like Gaius, was a fairly wealthy person. In Acts 19:22 we are told that Paul sent Erastus and Timothy ahead into Macedonia while he finished business in Ephesus. Paul also told Timothy that he left Erastus in Corinth (2Timothy 4:20), so it is likely that all three of these references are of the same person named Erastus.

The final greeting included here is from a man names Quartus (Latin for “fourth”). All we know about him is that he was a brother in the faith.

Application

We know from Matthew 19:23 that it is difficult for a rich person to get saved. Here we see how two men used their wealth to strengthen the church, but God expects the rest of us to give just as liberally of our time, talents, and financial resources. If the widow of Mark 12:42-44 was willing to give all she had, how can we desire to do anything less?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:22 – Service or Excuses?

Posted on by Will

I, Tertius, the one writing this epistle, greet you in the Lord.

Truth to Learn

God wants people to serve without excuses.

Behind the Words

The name Tertius is a Latin name meaning “third.” It was common among the Roman aristocracy to name children Primus (first), Secundus (second), Tertius (third), Quartus (fourth), Quintus (fifth), etc.

The word “writing” is from the verb graphō, which literally means “to engrave.” The earliest form of writing was to carve or engrave symbols in stone or to create figures in soft clay. Eventually, graphō came to refer to any kind of writing.

“Epistle” is transliterated from the Greek word epistolē. It refers to a form of written communication, what we today would call a letter (or a text message or an e-mail).

Meaning Explained

The first thing one is likely to think when they read this verse is, “Hey, I thought that the Apostle Paul wrote this letter!” In fact, Paul is the human author, but Tertius is the one who took pen in hand and wrote out the words for the Apostle.

The next obvious question is, “Why didn’t Paul write it, didn’t he know how to write?” Yes, Paul most certainly did know how to write. However, from his letter to the Galatian churches we find out that he had a physical infirmity, probably a problem with his eyes:

You know that because of physical infirmity I first preached the gospel to you. And you did not despise my trial in my flesh nor did you reject me, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the your blessedness? For I do testify that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. (Galatians 4:13-15)

And later in the same letter he told them:

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! (Galatians 6:11)

It seems that because of his eye problem, Paul had to write with very large letters. Not only would it have required much more writing material, which was bulky and expensive, but it would have been very difficult for Paul to have written a letter as large as the one to the Romans. Therefore, he had what is called an amanuensis, or a penman, do the actual writing for him. It is most likely that Paul dictated the letter and Tertius wrote it down for him.

So, who is Tertius? Some scholars believe that he is Silas, because Silas (a Greek name) means “third” just as the Latin name Tertius. And, we learn from Acts chapter fifteen that Paul and Barnabas split-up as a missionary team after their first trip. As a result, Barnabas took Mark and headed one direction while Paul selected Silas and headed another. Therefore, it is possible that Silas is, in fact, Tertius, the penman of this letter.

Application

The Apostle Paul may have had a serious eye problem, but it did not deter him from serving God with all his heart. Oh that the church today was filled with people like Paul who would give their all to serve God without making excuses. Are you giving God your all, or do you have excuses?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:21 – Faithful Helpers

Posted on by Will

Timothy, my fellow worker greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen.

Truth to Learn

Every ministry needs faithful helpers.

Behind the Words

“Fellow worker” is from sunergon, which we have seen a couple of times in this chapter. It refers to someone who works together with someone else.

The word “countrymen,” which we also have seen a couple of times in this chapter, is translated from sungenēs. This word can be used to imply a family member (a relative) or someone with the same ethnic roots. In this case it probably means that Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater were fellow Jews with Paul.

Meaning Explained

A few verses back we went through a series of greetings that Paul extended to various people at the church in Rome. Now, before he closes this letter with an extended benediction, Paul allows several of the people currently working with him to send their greetings to the Christians at Rome as well. As with the earlier greetings, we know very little for sure about any of these people; however, we can make some educated guesses based on other scriptures.

The first one to offer greetings is Timothy. It is very reasonable to assume that this is the same Timothy to whom Paul later wrote two letters (1 Timothy and 2 Timothy). In his second letter to the Christians at Corinth, Paul includes Timothy as a fellow writer (2 Corinthians 1:1). And he told the Christians at Philippi that he was going to send Timothy to help them out until Paul could get there himself. Paul spoke so highly of Timothy to the Philippians that he appears to have been one of Paul’s strongest helpers (Philippians 2:19-24). Paul refers to Timothy as his “son in the Lord” in his first letter to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17) and in 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy refers to him as “a true son in the faith,” “son Timothy,” and “a beloved son.” Clearly, there was a close bond between the apostle and Timothy.

About the other three mentioned here we have fewer facts to go on. We do know that all three of them were fellow Jews. Some scholars believe that they were also of the tribe of Benjamin and perhaps even close relatives to Paul. All three of these names are listed among the seventy disciples sent out by Christ and later became church Bishops (senior pastors).

The first of the three is Lucius. There are some who believe that he is one and the same with Luke, the writer of the Gospel of Luke. That is unlikely, however, since the full Greek form of his name is Lucanus, not Lucius. It is more likely that this is the prophet mentioned in Acts 13:1 as Lucius of Cyrene.

Jason is most likely the one mentioned in Acts 17:1-9 who protected Paul and Silas from the hostile Jews. Rather than reveal where they were, Jason suffered a beating from the mob and was even willing to pay a security deposit for their protection. Sosipater is likely the same as Sopater of Berea, mentioned in Acts 20:4 as one of Paul’s traveling companions.

Application

We are finding out just how many people assisted the Apostle Paul in his ministry. Though he is the one we most often hear about and talk about, he couldn’t have done his work for God without many faithful helpers. This is true of every church ministry. God uses a few leaders and a lot of faithful helpers.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:20 – Crushing Blow

Posted on by Will

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Truth to Learn

Through Christ we will have victory over false teachers.

Behind the Words

The word “crush” is translated from suntribō, which is composed of sun, meaning “together” and tribō, meaning “to rub or to crush.” Thus, suntribō literally means “to crush together.” It is a picture of rubbing grains of wheat between the hands to separate the kernel from the chaff. Figuratively, it means to break the strength or power of someone.

Meaning Explained

Several verses back Paul said, “take note of those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.” Today, it seems that there are such false teachers everywhere we turn. In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew’s gospel, he documents a parable that Jesus told regarding the good seed that was sown and the tares that were sown among the good seed. Jesus explained to his disciples that the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom of God and that the tares represent the children of the Devil. While they are growing together it is almost impossible to distinguish between the good seed and the tares. But when they are ready for harvesting, the fruit of the good seed is easily distinguished from the fruit of the tares. These tares are false believers.

These false believers often become false teachers, and in today’s verse we are told that God will crush Satan, the leader of these false teachers. Some believe that this is a fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 when God condemned Satan for tricking Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden:

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He will bruise your head, and you will bruise His heel. (Genesis 3:15)

Others, however, see this as a figurative picture of the church placing their feet on the neck of Satan the way that Joshua had the leaders of Israel do to the five kings of Canaan as Joshua killed them:

So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the commanders of the men of war who went with him, “Come here, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they came and put their feet on their necks. (Joshuah 10:24)

Either way, it is clear that Paul is telling us that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the God of peace, will eventually triumph over Satan, and we will forever be rid of him and the false teachers whom he empowers today.

Paul then finishes this teaching about false teachers with a brief benediction. It appears that Paul intended to end the letter here but then added a post script, after which he added this brief benediction again.

Application

While we are here in this world serving God and spreading the gospel message, we will encounter false teachers. Someday, however, our Lord will return and deliver a crushing blow to Satan and proclaim victory over all His enemies, and we will share in that victory, but God will receive all the praise!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:19 – Obedient and Wise

Posted on by Will

For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I rejoice on your behalf; but I want you to be wise as to what is good, and innocent concerning evil.

Truth to Learn

It is important for all Christians to be growing in our faith daily by reading and studying the Bible.

Behind the Words

“Obedience” is translated from the Greek noun hupakoē. This is a compound word made up of hupo, meaning “under or beneath” and a form of akouō, meaning “to listen or to hear.” It is a picture of a student listening under the teaching of an instructor. In common usage, it means “listening attentively” or “being obedient to a teacher or master.”

The expression “has become known” is from the verb aphikneomai, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and a form of hikanos, meaning “to arrive.” So, this word means “to arrive from or to reach a destination.” A literal translation of the opening part of this verse would be, “For your obedience reached to all.”

“Innocent” is translated from akeraios. This word is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” and the verb kerannumi, meaning “to mix.” Thus, akeraios means “without mixture,” that is, “without any deceit” or “innocent and pure.”

Meaning Explained

You will recall that Paul has just told the Christians at Rome to be on the lookout for people who cause division within the body of Christ and who cause others to stumble in their walk with the Lord. A classic example of this is the type of people who come to your door with pamphlets and other literature proclaiming them to have the truth about God when, in fact, they are spreading false doctrine.

Part of Paul’s concern for these Christians in Rome is based on the fact that they have a reputation for being attentive listeners and applying themselves to the teachings they learn. It is good for all Christians to want to learn more about God and how to have a closer walk with Him. But it is just as important to be able to discern between teachings that are truth and teachings that are deceptive. One kind of teaching builds up the body of Christ while the other tears it down and divides it. One sure way to identify these false teachers is that they often claim to have teaching and truth that most other Christians don’t have, sometimes in the form of additional books of Scripture.

Paul warned the Christians in Ephesus in a similar manner when he taught them about the spiritual gifts and the gifted people that God provides in each church so:

that we should no longer be infants, being tossed and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men in craftiness, with deceitful schemes, (Ephesians 4:14)

Instead of falling prey to such false teachers, Paul tells the Romans to be wise in what is good and to be innocent and pure concerning evil.

Application

There are some Christians who want to learn everything they can about false religions. Instead of that, Paul says we should learn all we can about true faith in God. The best way for us to do that is to read and study His Holy Word. Let’s commit to seeking a deeper relationship with God by spending time each and every day reading and studying the Bible.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:18 – Servants, Not Crusaders

Posted on by Will

For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the innocent.

Truth to Learn

Lack of submissiveness can cause harm to the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The word translated “serve” is douleuō, the verb form of doulos, meaning “a slave, one whose will is totally submitted to his master/owner.”

“Belly” is from the Greek noun koilia, which refers to “a cavity.” This word is often used in reference to “the womb” or “the belly.” Allegorically, it is used as a reference to the sensuality of food, drink, and personal gratification.

“Smooth words” is the translation of the Greek word chrēstologia, which is a compound of chrēstos, meaning “easy, good, or kind” and legō, meaning “to relate something in words, a discourse.” Thus chrēstologia refers to “a polite discussion.” Today, we might refer to a person who does this as a “smooth talker.”

The words “flattering speech” are from eulogia, which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and logos, meaning “a word or something said.” So, we see that eulogia is a reference to “an eloquent message.”

“Innocent” is translated from the Greek noun akakos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and kakos, meaning “bad.” Hence, akakos refers to someone “without guile;” that is, someone who is innocent or unsuspecting.

Meaning Explained

This verse is an extension of the previous one in which Paul warned the Christians in Rome to be on the lookout for people who cause divisions within the body of Christ or who do and say things that cause brothers or sisters in the Lord to stumble in their walk with God.

In today’s verse Paul characterizes such people as selfishly seeking to satisfy their own appetite (usually for power or revenge) instead of the good of the body of Christ. If you have been in any church for a long time, you have probably had encounters with this type of person. He or she talks a good game. These people are often very intelligent and can make a convincing argument as to why a certain thing should or should not be done.

When you encounter such a person, or even suspect that there is such a person in your congregation, ask yourself, Is this person primarily interested in the health of the body of Christ? Are they proposing something that will bring glory to God? Are their reasons and justifications for action based on a humble submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Or, are they more interested in getting their own way rather than submitting to the leadership of the church.

Too often such people are very charismatic and persuasive. And too often a church split is the result of their words and actions. Do you think that’s what God wants?

Application

Whether or not we like the decisions of the leadership of a local congregation, we are to submit ourselves to such leaders. Instead of stirring up dissention in the body, we need to get on our knees and humbly seek God’s guidance. And, we need to act as servants, not crusaders.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved