“And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul’s magnificent letter finally comes to an end. He has done all the explaining he needed to do. He has done all the rebuking and exhorting his knowledge of the people of the Roman church demanded. He has shared his plans and goals with God’s people and urged them to participate in his ministry through prayer. So, finally, he signs off with a prayer and a final affirmation that his words were truth…”Amen”! Not a period at the end of his letter. Not an “over-and out” signal that his communication was complete. “Amen! What I have written is firm, sure, and the truth.”

Then, Paul adds a surprising postscript…a whole chapter of greetings, affirmations, and commendations. Even though the church at Rome was not a part of his ministry…yet…he knew many of the members by name, by character, and by function. In his typical “Paul” way, he did not forget to greet them with affection and to remember their ministry for the kingdom of God. 

There follows a long list of warm and personal greetings…and noticeably including the names of many women who served side-by-side with many men on equal footing in the church. Paul makes no apology from commending them and encouraging recognition and partnership with them in their faithful work for the Lord. 

It must have been quite an adjustment for Paul to make…to follow the example of his Master who had restored to women the dignity and respect with which, and the purpose for which they were originally created…in His treatment of them.  Culture had taught Paul that women were less than men…relegated to second-class humans and of less value and importance than men. 

Jesus had turned that notion on its head by giving women their rightful place in their world. Now Paul followed by acknowledging the women who played a major role in the fellowship and ministry of the church in Rome. 

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me….Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit… Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭6‬, ‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And so, there followed name after name of men and women whom Paul honoured and greeted with affection. 

Paul’s final words, in this letter, were words of warning against those who deliberately caused division in the fellowship. Since unity was the goal, division was a real danger to God’s people. 

“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What can do more damage in any fellowship than false teaching? No one can mess with the foundations of the faith without causing great harm to those who are drawn away. 

Paul has made clear, in his writings, that God has entrusted to His people everywhere and throughout time, a sacred deposit. It is a body of truth…to be guarded and kept intact…to be lived…and to be passed on to the next and every succeeding generation. He urged Timothy to “guard the deposit”, sometimes called “the faith”…the complete and all-inclusive body of teaching upon which we depend for life and godliness. 

No-one may add to or subtract from this package of truth without incurring serious consequences. 

“And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A final greeting and a prayer conclude this letter. Despite all the tests, trials, hardships, and battles in this life, Satan is already a defeated foe…and the followers of Jesus will have their  day when the devil is finally dispatched through the victory Jesus won for them. 

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”  

Romans 16:20 NLT

Paul’s Gentile readers had every reason to rejoice because their salvation was no afterthought.  God had them in His sights before time began. 

“Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Finally, letter to the Roman church comes to an end…for Paul and Tertius, Paul’s “ghost writer”…but not for every reader in every succeeding generation. The message lives on…the power of the gospel still works…ands only eternity will reveal the impact of Paul’s words to a congregation in Rome, written in the first century but still alive today.