Romans 16, Paul’s Final Instructions

And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Romans 16:17

In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul greeted twenty-eight individuals he had contact with in one way or another. Those greetings started with a couple who became very special to him.

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus.
They once risked their lives for me.
I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches.
Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Romans 16:3-5

But before he went into his greetings, he mentioned a person we had never heard of before. He commended this lady deacon, Phoebe, who led the church in Cenchrea.

Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. Romans 16:1

The Theme of the Book of Romans

For fifteen chapters, Paul wrote the most comprehensive theological study in the New Testament. In fact, in the first chapter, he told us the theme of this wonderful manuscript in two verses.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Romans 1:16-17

In Romans 16, he brought this great work to a close. But right in the middle of his greetings and salutations, the Holy Spirit prompted him once again. He said, “I have one more appeal.”

This appeal must have come on the heels of Paul’s theme for this book. He wasn’t ashamed of the gospel, but others might want his readers to become ashamed.

So, he said, watch out for those who try to cause division among you. They try to upset the things I’ve taught you. He admonished them not to be ashamed of the gospel but to look out for them.

Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. Romans 16:18

Paul’s teaching throughout this book included God’s grace for our salvation. Justification comes by faith, and God’s family includes all who call upon the name of Jesus.

However, he also wrote about the type of people he warned about in this final appeal in chapter one.

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Romans 1:18

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One More Reminder in Romans 16

This must have weighed heavily upon the apostle’s heart. His thinking may have gone to, let me remind you one more time of these people.

They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. Romans 1:19

Paul’s warnings to the Roman church about false teachers only came in the beginning and ending chapters. But he had much more to say about them in some of the other letters he wrote.

These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

Paul wrote these warnings in his letter to the Romans not because he didn’t have confidence in this church. No, he trusted them immensely, but it didn’t hurt to include this final warning.

But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. Romans 16:19

Paul’s warnings issued in chapter 16 dealt with the damage false teachers can do to the church. Throughout the book, he offers ways for individuals to stay on the right track.

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Romans 6:12
Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin.
Instead, give yourselves completely to God. Romans 6:13
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21

An Encouragement in Romans 16

At the conclusion of his final warning, the apostle made a very encouraging statement. It included the fate of Satan and our standing with God.

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20

Verse 20 and the concluding three verses should serve as a benediction for all who read them. Therefore, you and I can and should receive those encouraging words personally.

Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. Romans 16:25

God opened the gospel for all of us, and through it, we will receive strength.

But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen. Romans 16:26-27

Lord, we, too, say amen because you have revealed your plan to us Gentiles. Through Jesus, we give you all the glory!

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