As we have studied the book of Romans, we have stooped low into the depths of the guilt of sin and depravity, and walked the summits of grace and mercy. We have seen God’s sovereign plan brought to bear upon the reality of our everyday lives.
Paul finally closes with greetings from those who join him in greeting the church in Rome. Again, some names are familiar to us, while others we know only from this passage. Coworkers, kinsmen, a treasurer, hosts, and Tertius, who wrote down Paul’s dictation, all greet us from the end of this letter.
We see again that Paul is not alone. Nor does he keep the gospel to himself. Just as he shares fellowship with these brothers, so he communicates the glorious gospel to us all.
Paul is not satisfied with being strengthened by the gospel himself, but desires that those who read his letter also be strengthened by it. At the beginning of Romans, Paul expressed his desire to strengthen the saints (Romans 1:11–12). Now, at its conclusion, he praises God, who is able to establish them through the gospel (Romans 16:25). His writing is not meant merely for our intellectual acceptance of what he has proclaimed. The gospel has been made known to bring about the obedience of faith among the nations (Romans 1:5; 16:26), an obedience produced by the grace and power of God.
After concluding his presentation, Paul does the only logical thing he can do after exploring the riches of God’s glorious plan: he praises the only wise God.
May we join Paul in fellowship, understanding, obedience, and praise, proclaiming together:
“To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:27)
-steve