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The Consequences of Salvation (6): Romans 16: Final Exhortations

E Baijal, Wick

In the final chapter of the book, Paul passes on greetings and gives final exhortations. There are helpful lessons to be learned from what Paul says to, and about, individual saints, before he gives a sober warning in closing. The chapter seems to divide up as follows:

Commendation and Greetings (vv.1-16)
Appeal and Warning (vv.17-20)
Salutations from Workers (vv.21-24)
Closing Blessing and Praise (vv.25-27).

Commendation and Greetings (vv.1-16)

One of Paul's reasons for writing the epistle was to introduce Phebe, a sister in the assembly at Cenchrea, to the church at Rome. The first two verses of the chapter are taken up with her commendation. Some practical lessons can be drawn. First, these verses illustrate the New Testament pattern of letters of commendation being provided by one assembly of saints, to another, when a believer is visiting or moving area. It is courteous and can allay concern (for while the people of God should be welcoming there ought always be a godly concern in the receiving assembly about whom it is accepting into its fellowship) if a letter is provided signed by saints known and trusted by the assembly being approached.

The present writer judges that there will be occasions when, despite a letter of commendation, the receiving assembly will still want to make enquiries of the saint presenting the letter before receiving an individual into the fellowship. The force and strength of the letter in this chapter was based on the fact that it bore Paul's name. If the saint is not known, overseeing brethren will likely wish to be sure of clear profession of salvation, baptism, and indeed willingness to adhere to the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2.42; this writer believes that fellowship in the local assembly is based on light as well as life) before it is recommended that the assembly receives someone, particularly, but not exclusively, if they are moving on a permanent basis. Furthermore, even if a letter of commendation is given then it is not a "ticket of admission". Each assembly is autonomous and it is conceivable that the receiving assembly may not be willing to receive, based on doctrinal or moral questions, even when a person is in fellowship elsewhere.

It is clear that this letter of commendation was not a pro-forma! It contained specific information about Phebe. Assembly testimony would be the richer if more saints were like her. There was much to commend: she was a servant to the assembly and had provided assistance in difficult times to many of the saints, including the apostle himself. Lifting the application, letters should be specific, and, particularly when saints are moving areas, should identify any particular gifts of abilities recognised by the commending assembly.

The reception requested was not just admission to the assembly gatherings. The Roman believers were to behave toward Phebe as was befitting saints.

The apostle then passes greetings (v.3) to Acquila and Priscilla. There are different lessons that can be picked up from this godly couple (cp. Acts 18.1-4). Here, the emphasis is on their joint exercise; they were Paul's fellow-workers and were willing to lay down their neck (lit.) for the apostle and the gospel, so that the Gentile assemblies, as a whole, owed a debt to them. They were also willing to use their home for a meeting place for the assembly (v.5). The work of God still requires couples today who are willing to be sacrificial in their outlook and life together. Such sacrifice ought to be valued by the saints at large.

The apostle then greets and praises a large number of other believers; leaving us amongst other things interesting biographical clues, such as him having relatives, saved before him, who were in the assembly at Rome (e.g. v.7).

Appeal and Warning (vv.17-20)

The apostle's final appeal in the book is that the saints might avoid false teachers who cause division by their instruction. Such men were and are to be avoided. These false teachers can be recognised by a number of traits that still apply today: (a) Their teaching is contrary to the apostles' doctrine; (b) the result of the teaching is that the saints are stumbled and divided; (c) the teaching is marked by deception, with compelling presentation masking falsehood; and (d) the reason for the teaching is the selfish interests of the false teachers. On the other hand, the apostle gives an example of wholesome teaching, declaring the whole counsel of God, building up the saints, and being willing to know self-sacrifice in doing so.

The apostle was glad to know of their simple and fundamental obedience. However, as is the mind of God today, he desired that they would be wise so as to recognise evil and false teaching.

Salutations from Workers; Closing Blessing and Praise (vv.21-27)

The Epistle concludes with the greetings of those with the apostle including Timothy and Tertius who acted as the apostle's scribe.

The book closes with praise; Paul identifies that God is able to stablish the assembly through the gospel he preached unto them, the mystery of the Gentiles being brought into blessing in the church now having been revealed (so that all nations are now blessed) (v.27).

Fittingly in a book taken up with glory of God's purpose, the last phrase ascribes glory to God for eternity through the person of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

As was observed in the first article in this series, an appreciation of God's purpose in salvation demands a response in the hearts of the saints. It should affect their response to God, their behaviour in the world, and their relationships with each other. These articles have attempted to emphasise that the epistle goes beyond chapter 11! Good if the doctrine of the book is appreciated - that is vital. However, better if, the doctrine having understood, it is used to practical effect in the lives of saints.

Concluded.

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