Romans 16:25-26 - Paul's Concluding Doxology

Romans 16:25-26 - 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—

Message: Paul's Concluding Doxology; A picture through time.

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome.

What the Lord is Saying:

Paul now offers his final words to these Roman Christians. And in some ways the ending looks like the beginning. Romans 1 started with: 

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, ⁶ including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
⁷ To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's words in the doxology focus on this message of Jesus and the Gospel of God. It is not a new message, but an ongoing message. It was around before; it was woven through the message of the prophets; it wasn't always known with clarity as there was a mystery, but it was prophesied and we knew from God that He kept his promises. 

God promised beforehand the Gospel of God is the message in the first 2 verses. Now here, God strengthens his people according to the gospel and the preaching of Jesus. Paul makes it clear that this is not a new message and God is the one strengthening us. What a special encouragement this is for us, that God strengthens us.

And this promise was "through his prophets in the holy Scriptures" and in verse 25, "according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages." The prophets set the tone but the mystery of Christ and his power was kept secret. 

Tabletalk, December 30, 2014: 

Under the old covenant, the truth of justification in Christ alone was taught in types and shadows, but now with the advent of Jesus and the Apostolic proclamation of the gospel, what was always there in the prophets is now seen with full clarity. 

This is a message to all nations, to all people. And the purpose is "the obedience of faith." The purpose is that we have faith and that faith results in obedience. We bring glory to God because of faith and through our obedience.  We are to trust in Him alone and then serve Him in gratitude for his provision of salvation to our souls.


Promise: God's message is woven throughout history.