In Chapter 16 we see the culmination of Paul's ministry. His love for God and his intense interest in people come together here. There is no better picture in all the Bible, possibly in all literature, of genuine Christian fellowship, than this snapshot of believers in Corinth, as they send greetings to the Christians in Rome. This chapter contains the names of many people to whom Paul was writing. When we look over this chapter, we get a sense of how close these people were to Paul, even though they were hundreds of miles away. He calls them "beloved" and praises them for their faithful service to him and one another. It is amazing to think that Paul, an incredibly busy and productive missionary, always kept his focus on personal relationships. He knew of the church that met in the home of Priscilla and Aquila. He remembered his first convert in Asia. He recognized the work of the many men and women who served the Lord. One can sense the fatherly love that Paul had for these individuals. Paul's ministry was not driven by task, but by mutual love and respect for each of his brothers and sisters in Christ. Do we love other Christians like that? Especially Christians who are not quite like ourselves? Are we willing to forget our unessential differences and take hold of who we are in Christ? This is a fascinating picture of the New Testament church. In this church there was no difference between "Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) That concept is a radical change for the self-centered ethnic thinking of our day, let alone in the first century.

The first of the many people Paul mentions is Phoebe. It seems most likely that Phoebe was the bearer of the letter to the church in Rome. We are probably right to suppose that she is a single, and no doubt prominent, woman. Phoebe had been of great help to many people, even Paul. Now she was called to be an even greater servant to the church, for she was trusted to carry the words that have been a blessing to countless thousands throughout the ages.

In the first centuries none of the Christians worried about brotherhood. They simply ignored the differences dividing the rough Roman world and came together as followers of Jesus Christ. It was an actual oneness, above all human distinctions. The recorder of Paul's words was Tertius. Tertius is the name of a slave. The name itself means "three", indicating that Tertius was the number three slave probably in the household of Gaius. In verse 23 we have another slave, Quartus, number four, sending greetings along with Erastus, the prominent city director of public works. They were sending greetings to people they had probably never met but to whom they felt an attachment because of their common identity as believers in Christ. This group of believers had a common link which made them equal before their Creator. Each one understood that they were important enough for our Lord and Savior to give his life in exchange for them.

Before Paul closes his letter to the Romans, he gives them one last warning about "those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned." Divisiveness in the family of God, except over the truth of scripture, must be avoided. Instead we should listen to the words of 1 Peter 2:1-3, "therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander, of every kind. Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." Deception and divisiveness are not of the Lord. Paul tells us that these people will teach things contrary to the truth found in Scripture. In verse 19 we are instructed to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Paul links those who cause divisions with Satan, the father of lies and destroyer of relationships. (John 8:44) Satan, through our sinful desires, encourages pride, self-centeredness and greed. Never strive to understand evil. It is impossible to remain innocent of evil if you experiment with it or explore it. Many Christians have fallen into the mistake of trying to "understand the enemy." However, in their understanding they find themselves caught in the trap of sin. Scripture instructs us in James 4:2, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Our responsibility is not to understand our enemy but to cling to our Savior. It is God who will crush Satan under our feet as we submit to His leadership in our life.

In the garden of Eden the plan for God's victory is seen. Genesis 3:15 says, "and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring (seed) and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Every person since the creation of Adam and Eve was born by the seed of man, except Jesus. "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman." (Galatians 4:4) The conception of Jesus was not by the seed of man. It was between God and Mary, as told in Matthew 1:20-21, "What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will give Him the name Jesus, because He will save his people from their sin." The words of Genesis 3:15 tell us what God will do to Satan, "crush his head." In Romans 16:20 we see that it is the God of peace, Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who crushes Satan under our feet. This was accomplished upon the cross, with the prophetic words, "It is finished!" It continues to be accomplished in every generation as people are redeemed from sin and darkness by the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians need never to live in fear of Satan for we have the promise of Romans 16:20.

Do you ever marvel, as Paul did, at the grace of God, who reaches down from heaven to save sinners such as you and I? No one is worthy to receive this amazing gift of life, but God gives it freely to all who believe. He establishes us by His gospel. He desires that we, with grateful hearts, proclaim Jesus to all nations so that others would come to love, follow and obey. Why does God desire our obedience? Because He knows it is the highest "good" for us, becoming one with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Throughout the book of Romans we see Paul's desire to teach sound Christian theology. He knew that doctrine would only be effective as it is lived out in the minds, hearts, and actions of those who believe. God's grace is the theme of the book of Romans. It is the most important doctrine you can ever study. Paul understood that grace plus anything else is not the true gospel. Do you believe and trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Then live your life in abandonment to the truth of His Word and His promises for you. Do you desire to work for God? Don't be afraid. Give your heart in prayer to Him and He will direct you. God's will for Paul was to spread God's Word to the unbelieving world around Him. The entire epistle of Romans has been an unfolding of truths to meet that will.

The gospel is neither human in its origin nor its power. The gospel is the truth of God's love for all mankind. It is communicated to us through the power of His Word, revealed by His Spirit. It's origins are in God. It is accomplished by God, and has God's own glory as its goal. It is, as Paul says, a "mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him." God, through Paul, has revealed and explained this mystery throughout Romans. As the angel proclaimed in Bethlehem, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Nothing in all the world is greater than the gospel. In conclusion we join with Paul saying, "to the only wise God be glory, forever through Jesus Christ. Amen!"