PAUL'S DOXOLOGY (25-27)

Introduction:

Last week we began the final chapter of Romans, verses 1-24, in which we saw Paul’s intimate greetings of the people of the church at Rome, and from the people who were with him. We saw the beauty of unity and teamwork amidst the diversity of race, social status, and ethnicity when it comes to the gospel and the work that the Lord has commissioned for his people.

This morning, as we end our study in the book of Romans, it is fitting with all that has been said, and all that we have learned, that we end with a song of praise as we look at Paul’s Doxology.

Text: Romans 16:25-27

Romans 16:25–27 ESV

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

A. TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH YOU (25-26)

Note the connection between verses 25-26 and back in the beginning of Romans 1:1-5

Romans 1:1–5 ESV

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,

1. According to the gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ (25a)

(25a) Now to him (God) who is able (dynamai: [pre, mid/pass, par] - to become sufficient to meet the tsk) to strengthen (sterizo: [aor, act, inf] - to make more firm) you according (kata: [preposition] - in relation to) to my gospel - the gospel itself provides the strength

2. According to the mystery once secret, but now revealed and made known to all nations (25b-26)

(25b) the preaching of Jesus Christ, according (kata: [preposition] - in relation to) to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages - The gospel is a mystery (see note on 11:25) that has been kept secret but is now revealed. The gospel centers on Jesus Christ.

This mystery is the inclusion of all nations (gentiles) in the true Israel of God, brought about through the gospel, this is how Paul says it earlier in chapter 11:

Romans 11:25 ESV

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

a) Made known by the prophetic Scriptures (26a)

The prophetic writings are the OT Scriptures (see 1:2). The gospel is not only a mystery that has been revealed but also a prophecy that has been fulfilled.

b) Made known for obedience to the faith (26b)

obedience of faith. It is God’s will that this gospel go to all nations, so that all who are obedient because of their faith will be saved

B. TO GOD, ALONE WISE, BE GLORY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST FOREVER! (27)

(27) to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Paul now comes to the main point of the doxology. The God who has planned salvation history in this way is all wise, and he deserves glory forevermore. Romans could not end in a more fitting way, as God’s glory is to be the theme of Christians’ lives and the joy of their hearts.

Romans Doxology (16:25–27)

It was indeed through Jesus Christ (his departure from the realm of everlasting delight and honor, his self-sacrifice even unto death, death on a cross, victory over death and hell, etc.) that sinners were, are, and are going to be saved. And it is also “through Jesus Christ” that the redeemed ascribe never-ending praise to their Benefactor, God Triune. To him, therefore, be the glory forever