Title: Paul's Message and Last Request
Commentary on Romans 106
Paul's Messages and Last Requests
Romans 16:1 - 27
Introduction: The book of Romans closes with Paul's greetings and final request to the Church of Rome. The book of Romans is a great Christian catechism that every Christian must read and study. Because the book of Romans treats the sentences in this doctrinal sense, it is hard to be interested in and difficult to digest. However, this book of Romans must be learned diligently from the servants of God in the church of God and applied to the practical life of Christians. Only then can you have confidence in salvation and live a life of hope in faith.
1. Phoebe's recommendation
From verses 1 to 16, the names of friends in Paul's gospel are called affectionately. The first person to appear by that name is a female saint named Phoebe. Paul calls him a sister. This sister Phoebe was a worker who delivered the Romans written by Paul from Corinth to Rome. He said he was a worker in the church of Cenchrea. Phoebe is a worker who has served the church here, and his service to the Church of God is largely divided into two parts. He said he was a protector of many people and mine. From this, you can see that Sister Phoebe took great care of Paul's gospel ministry and his life. Paul sent Phoebe to the church in Rome, admonishing him to receive him with proper courtesy in the Lord. We can't all focus on the Lord's work like Phoebe, or bear hard work. Therefore, others should be able to give proper treatment in the name of the Lord for the saints who work so hard in the Lord.
2. Saints of the Roman Church who received Paul's greetings
From verses 3 to 16, 21 saints are receiving Paul's greetings. The church in Rome was not founded by Paul, but there were many church members in Jerusalem or the church in Rome that Paul established during his evangelistic tour.
(1) First, Paul greeted Agla and Prisga. These are Paul's gospel co-workers who preached the gospel while burial with Paul in Corinth. These couples are praising that the couple worked together to help Paul in the gospel ministry and cooperated with a passionate love that would even sacrifice their necks if it was for Paul.
(2) Next, Paul told Ebenetus to say hello to Mary, who worked a lot for you. Ebenetus was a saint who was converted by Paul, and was said to be the first ripe fruit in Asia. Mary, whom Paul says worked very hard, is a ministerial worker.
(3) Next, Paul greeted Andronicus and Junia. They introduced that these two men were not only Paul's relatives, but that they were imprisoned with Paul for the sake of the gospel, and that they were famous even by the apostles.
(4) Paul told Ambolia to say hello. This Ambolia was said to be a saint who was especially loved by Paul in the Lord. It is a beautiful thing to be loved by the servant of the Lord. There is no one who draws near to God with his back on the servant of the Lord.
(5) Greet Urbano and Stachu, who are co-workers in Christ, and say hello to Abele, who is recognized in Christ. This Abelle was said to be a brother who was recognized in the Lord. It is important that our faith be recognized in Christ. It's hard to be accepted by everyone wherever you go. A person who always strives to live a life without shame before God can receive approval until the end.
(6) Paul also asked for greetings from the household of Aristophalus, Heridion, Paul's relative, and those of Nagissu's household who were in the Lord.
(7) Paul said in verse 13 to greet Rufus and his mother. Many people say that Rufus was the son of Simon the Cyrene who went up to Golgotha while carrying the cross of Jesus in his place (Mark 15:21). In addition to this, he conveyed to many saints to say hello.
3. Paul's Warning Against Offensives
In verse 19 Paul says, “I want you to be wise when you are good and foolish when you are evil.” To be good and wise means to learn good. To be foolish when it is evil means not to desire evil, do not compromise with evil, and do not approach evil.
Conclusion: Verses 25 to 27 are Paul's salutations. In verse 25 Paul said, “My gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ were hidden from time immemorial.” What was hidden is now revealed. The revelation of the gospel to Paul is amazing. Paul boldly expresses it with the words ‘my gospel’. We are people who have hope through this wonderful gospel. God will strengthen us by faith to the end. “To the wise God be glory through Jesus Christ for ever and ever.” Amen.