A Window into Paul’s Mind Set! Romans 15:14-33 & Romans 16:1-16

The letter to the Romans is Paul’s attempt to explain, expound, and interpret the gospel: the message of what God has done in Christ. For fifteen and a half chapters, Paul has taken the time to explain his understanding of what God has accomplished through the death of Jesus for us. In the last 4 ½ chapters, Paul has expounded upon the appropriate response expected from anyone who puts faith in Christ. Now, in the closing 1 and ½ chapters,1 Paul concludes his lengthy letter. Some readers view the material that is found in these chapters as merely an appendage to the really important stuff that Paul has already mentioned in the body of his letter. To some extent it is! Yet, upon careful and reflective reading upon these last two chapters, the careful reader will find that the thoughts contained in these final verses, fittingly conclude this long, challenging, and profound presentation of his gospel. Generally speaking, any conclusion2 ought to do the following: 1) tie up loose ends, 2) remind the reader of key points previously made, and 3) drive home to the reader some lasting impression. Paul, in these closing verses of his letter, has done all three ends at least to some degree. For in these closing verses, Paul reminds his original readers once again the reason for why he wrote this letter to them and why he for many years longed to visit. Paul secondly ties up the “loose end” of soon being able to visit these Christians in Rome. Paul had mentioned in his introduction3 of the letter that he has for many years longed to visit them. Now in his conclusion, Paul declares that his satisfaction of his longing to visit to them is about to happen. Paul in his conclusion also provides significant details concerning the purpose for his visit. Finally, in the last chapter (ch. 16), Paul effectively begins the final wrap up of his letter by extending a warm greeting to two-four named individuals living in Rome. Perhaps anyone quickly reading this concluding section might acknowledge that Paul adequately concluded his lengthy letter; yet, he did not leave us with any lasting impression to ponder! Not true! A careful examination and reflection of these two chapters can provide insight into Paul’s self understanding of his calling and his understanding of the work or ministry that God called him to! This understanding of Paul’s consciousness of both the work that God called him to and how Paul viewed his work not only helps us appreciate Paul’s work; but this understanding of Paul’s mindset can also help shape our own understanding of how we can and should approach our own work and or for that matter anything that we do and say each and every day. Overall, I see this concluding section is divided into three subunits. The first subunit (C15:14-22) is centered upon Paul explaining why he wrote to them. In the second subunit (C 15:.23- 33) Paul explains his upcoming plans to visit them in Rome! In the third subunit (C16:1-16), Paul extends personal greetings to a fairly large group of individuals in Rome and he commends Phoebe to them.

I. Explanation for writing to them and why he has been hindered from visiting them. (vs.14- 22). Paul begins concluding his letter with verse14 of chapter 15. Paul provides a brief explanation for why he wrote this letter to them. This letter which by Paul’s own admission contained some “bold statements” concerning how these Christians in Rome ought to live and some

1 The conclusion of this letter extends from chapter 15:14-16:27 constituting a hefty forty seven verses.

2 Chapter 1: 10,13 bold statements concerning the content of the message of what God had done through Christ. Why did Paul write so boldly? Did Paul consider his Roman readers to be non Christians or perhaps guilty of believing some dangerous false teaching concerning Jesus? I do not think so! Or did Paul consider that these Roman Christians were not well grounded in their faith? Did they lack a mature understanding of the gospel? I really do not think so! So on what basis can I say this? Paul in the very first verse of this section expresses Paul’s estimation and commendation of the maturity and the understanding of their faith that he has of the church in Rome. “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct one another.” (vs.14) So if this is the case, why then did Paul write to them so boldly/or frankly on certain points concerning the gospel and how they ought to be living? Paul gives us his short answer in verse 15! “I have written you so boldly on some points as if to remind you of them again…” (NIV) The English Standard version expresses the underlined clause as “by way of a reminder”. Point: Paul wrote boldly on some points in his letter so as to remind these believers of key points concerning Christ that they should already be familiar with. While this reason for Paul writing to them is certainly true, it is not the whole reason or even the most important reason for his letter. Therefore, again the question is why did Paul write this letter? My answer is a twofold reason: First. Paul wrote this letter in order to express the fulfillment of his intention to visit them. While he had longed to visit them for many years, now at last his desire will come to pass. Secondly, Paul wrote with a keen sense of his obligation that originated out of God calling to be an apostle to them. Let us take a closer look at these two points. The first and most basic reason for Paul writing them so boldly and so extensively concerning his gospel is due to the fact that his long intended plan visit these believers in Rome is finally going to happen. After having been hindered from seeing them for so many years4 Paul is now going to be able to visit them. Now, I fully recognize that the actual discussion of this planned visit to Rome, Paul delays in discussing until the second section of his conclusion beginning with verse 23.While the expression of intentions to visit them remains unstated and clearly in the background of Paul while writing this first section;5 the careful reader can discover that this first section is indeed preparatory for understanding both the reason for why Paul wrote so boldly to them and eventually why he needed to say what he said so extensively in explaining his gospel? So Paul postpones discussing the specific details of his planned trip to Rome until the second section. So what then is the focus of this first section of nine verses? The main subject of this first section of Paul’s conclusion is a statement of Paul consciousness of his work and calling to be an apostle to Gentiles. Several English translations have as their heading for this section as: “Paul the minister to the Gentiles.”6 So let us take a look at this section and see what Paul has to say about his ministry and consider why Paul includes this information of his role and calling to us in his conclusion to his letter? Take a look at verse 15 again. Paul states that he wrote them so boldly at various points of his letter was “because of the grace God gave (him) to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.” (vs.15b-16a) This statement by Paul is key to understanding why Paul said what he said and why he wanted to visit them. What is Paul saying? Paul uses the word “grace” as a

4 See chapter 15: 22 and 24 along with Paul expressing the same longing in his introduction in ch. 1: 11-13. 5 A close look at the final verse of this first section (vs.22) discloses once again that Paul has been hindered from visiting them in the past. This may or may not be the case forever. Verse 23 marks a decisive shift or turnaround in events which enables Paul to visit them. 6 ESV and NIV translations. shorthand expression for saying God’s gracious call or appointment to be a minister (servant) of Christ. This is how Paul conveyed his calling in his introduction to this letter. Recall, Paul said right from the very start of this letter: “Paul a servant of Christ Jesus called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel” Paul then in just a few verses latter of chapter one said: “For his name sake we received grace and apostleship to call a people from among the Gentiles.” (C1:1, 5) Now in his conclusion, Paul in my view is saying roughly the same thing about God having called him to be an apostle by which he introduced himself and his calling in his letter.Paul is fully conscious that he has been called and appointed by Jesus for his role as an apostle to the Gentiles. And Rome is part of that calling. But here in his conclusion the emphasis on being called is on the fact that Paul fully realizes it is totally “by grace” and therefore nothing that Paul had sought nor merited. A major part of the obligation of being an apostle that Paul senses is his responsibility to “to proclaim the gospel to Gentiles” (vs. 16) This echoes what Paul has said in his introduction to this letter. “I am eager to preach the gospel to those in Rome.”(Ch.1:15) But, as I have already mentioned earlier in this lesson, Paul has acknowledged that these Christians already are familiar with the gospel. Paul in his introduction, in fact has testified that their faith being made known around the world,7but here in his conclusion, Paul states that they are fully capable of instructing others. If this is a true assessment of their maturity as Christians, then why does he so extensively go into detail concerning his gospel? I think there are at least three possible reasons. First: He wants to make these Christians even stronger. He wants to build them up. (Ch.1:11) Recall, what Paul said in chapter one concerning how he hoped to accomplish this: “For I long to see you , that I may impart some spiritual gift to strengthen you.” (Ch.1:11) In my understanding, Paul would strengthen them by his gifts of teaching, preaching, and exhortation. This goes nicely with what Paul is saying in his conclusion that he has written them “boldly on some points in order to remind them of what they already know. But why? Exactly the same reason that Paul gave in his introduction for why he wanted to come to visit them. He desired to share his understanding of the gospel in order “to make them strong.” (ch.1:11) Secondly: He eagerly desires their support. Paul was going to visit Rome. But we will see in the following second section of his conclusion that it would only be a stopover before going on to Spain. The second section will reveal that he sought their help and support for his ministry to Spain. [See next section]. Thirdly: Paul sees his work in proclaiming the gospel-his ministry- as an act of worship. Paul has not said this about his work and calling before. I maintain that in this first section of his conclusion, Paul eagerly desires his readers to glimpse the basis for his desire to visit them. This passage discloses how Paul understood his calling and work. Verse 16 is key in showing that Paul saw himself fulfilling the role of a priest making his work an offering as an act of worship to God. In verse 16, Paul begins this verse saying that God gave him grace (or called ) him to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. This core statement is followed by two explanatory statements. The first statement explains what service or ministry God gave Paul. The second statement explains or sets forth the purpose that stemmed from his service or work. Paul saw himself not merely as Christ’ minister- Christ’s servant- but understood his work as “priestly work” doing a priestly duty. Point: What Paul did as a minister- his work as an apostle-was seen by him as an act of worship that he strongly desired would be pleasing to God. This is the same mindset that Paul advocated all Christians should adopt daily in everything that they did as an acceptable offering-

7 Romans 1:8 something that God would be please with.(Ch.12:1-2) After this amazing disclosure by Paul concerning how he viewed his calling as an offering to God, Paul continues to supplement what he has already shared with us on how views his work or service for Christ. Verse 17 in fact signals to us that the main subject of these verses is indeed Paul’s work or service for Christ.”Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.” (NIV) So the very first thing that Paul wants us to see about his service-ministry- work for God is perhaps surprising! Paul boasts about what he has accomplished! It is worth noting the ESV translates this verse appropriately as “I have reason to be proud of my work for God” We should then ask what Paul has in mind for his reason to boast. Paul in verse 19, Paul states that he has worked “in bringing the Gentiles to obedience-by word and deed” and that he has fulfilled this task “all the way from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum ( Albania). This is a very large area for anyone to travel let alone preach. Paul claims to have fulfilled his task. This leads to the second insight concerning Paul’s work from this section. Paul ministry was governed by a priority principle. “He made it his ambition to preach the gospel not where Christ was already named. (vs.20) This statement is a key reason which has hindered Paul from coming to visit Rome in the past. The church already existed. The gospel already had been proclaimed in Rome. Finally a third and final insight into Paul’s work or ministry for Christ can be seen in his acknowledgement of the main reason for Paul boasting about his work is due to the fact that Paul’s boasting is specifically boasting or giving Christ the honor/praise for what He was able to do in and through Paul words and deeds. Paul clearly recognizes that it is both Christ “working through the words and deeds that he accomplished.” (Vs.18) Paul further recognizes that the Holy Spirit was at work in his ministry “by signs and wonders”.

II. Paul clarifies his plans to visit Rome as well as seeking their support. (vs.23-33). Please keep in mind this is Paul’s conclusion to his letter. Remember, one function governing a conclusion is to tie up loose ends. This second section functions in this way. The main subject of the eleven verses concerns Paul’s impending travel plans. Paul plans on making a long journey by sea travelling from Corinth( Achaia –Southern Greece) to Jerusalem then to Rome and then on to Spain. This journey would encompass a 3000 mile journey8 involving months at sea. Paul shares this “planned trip” with them for two reasons: First: To inform them that he Paul-the apostle to the Gentiles was finally about to fulfill his longing to visit them. Second: Paul needed their support. He was eager that these Roman Christians would support his trip by prayer and that once in Rome they would together help support Paul in his new apostolic work of bringing and proclaiming the gospel to Spain. How do these details regarding his impending trip tie up loose ends? Paul ties up two loose ends that the careful reader have been puzzled about. First: the purpose for writing the letter. Second: How the Roman church fits into Paul’s plans to go to Spain. A. The primary reason for visiting Rome. This second section of Paul’s conclusion is focused on Paul’s travel plans. It helps us discover perhaps the primary reason for Paul writing this letter to the Roman church in the first place. Remember, Paul had no part in the establishment of this church. He had never previously been to Rome. Paul knew several friends and people who worked hard for the gospel with the Christian community at Rome. And he has not visited them during his long ministry up to this point, because the gospel had already been proclaimed in Rome. Moreover, a church had been established in Rome. So why now? Why is Paul departing from his

8 Stott, John Romans Inter Varsity Press 1994 p.384 practice of not visiting and proclaiming the gospel where Christ has already been made known. This section detailing Paul’s travel plans give us perhaps the single most compelling reason for Paul visiting Rome: Rome is a stop over city on his way to Spain. Yes, Paul will stop in Rome. He will spend time with the Christians there. He will preach. He will teach and instruct the church in the gospel. But, this is all secondary to his main mission which is to go on to Spain, in order to proclaim the gospel to a people who have not yet heard the gospel. B. Paul needs and seeks the support of the Christians at Rome. The section of Paul’s conclusion of this letter strongly indicates a major reason for Paul stopping over in Rome as he made his way to passing on to Spain. Paul needs and welcomes their support. “when I go to Spain, I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.” (vs24,28) What kind of support? Paul does not say. But, in these closing verses Paul-the great apostle strongly seeks their prayer support. Phoebe who is mentioned in the next chapter supported Paul financially in his ministry there. But in addition to the prayer and financial support, Paul as seen from this letter in both the introduction and conclusion sought to be encouraged by the faith and the relationships that he enjoyed with the Roman believers. Schreiner in his comments on this passage said that Paul wrote this letter so as remove any doubts that these believers might have toward Paul and Paul’ s proclamation of the gospel. For Paul could only count on the support of these Roman Christians as long they did not have doubts. Paul hoped that this letter (with its exposition of his gospel) would be the means by which they would rally around Paul and support his work to Spain.9

III. Phoebe’s commendation & Greetings to Dozens of Roman Christians (Ch. 16:1-16) This third and not quite final section helps conclude Paul’ letter. There is still one fourth and final section of this conclusion that Mary will cover next week. This third section of Paul’s conclusion is routinely skipped over by most readers. But this section unlike the first two sections of Paul’s conclusion, functions not so much as tie up loose ends, nor to remind us of key ideas that Paul has already discussed, but functions to leave an impression of Paul’s mind and heart. For we should all wonder and imagine: “what kind of person is this man called Paul who would pen these pithy greetings and commendations? Let us briefly look at Paul’s commendation of Phoebe and then his extensive set of greetings and see what kind of impression we should take from this section. A. Paul commendation of Phoebe. (Ch. 16:1-2) Stott in his comments on Phoebe writes: “It seems very likely that Phoebe was entrusted with the responsible task of carrying Paul’s letter to its destination in Rome.”10 This is most certainly true. But, who then is this woman named Phoebe? She was a Christian from Corinth.11 But she was more! She is described as being a deacon in the church at Cenchrea. She is also described as being a benefactor (patron) to many people including Paul. How? Most commentators understand that the help she gave Paul was financial! She was a wealthy woman. Schreiner12 comments concerning Phoebe that she was probably making the trip to Rome for commercial reasons and not just to serve as Paul’s entrusted courier. Paul in the first two verse of chapter 16 commends Phoebe to the Roman recipients of his letter hoping to ensure that she is received well in Rome and given whatever hospitality she might need. B. Paul’s Greetings to believers in Rome. (Ch. 16:3-16) These greetings are both

9 Schreiner , Thomas R. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the N.T. 1998 p761 10 Stott p. 392 11 According to Stott Cenchrea was Corinth’s eastern port. It was a section of the city of Corinth. Stott p. 393 12 Schreiner p.786-7 personal and purposeful! Both Schreiner and Stott helped make many of these names come to life. Overall, these greetings serve several functions. First: A number of these greetings express Paul’s affection, friendship, and love for the people so named. Second: A number of these greeting express appreciation and recognition for the work or service that people rendered for the gospel. Third: Overall, this lengthy list of greetings to persons that Paul personally knew and to some who were well known members of the Roman churches “Paul was indirectly commending his gospel.13 1) Paul expresses love for many of these believers by name. Schreiner comments on these greetings by saying “the main purpose of these greetings should not be shoved into the background. The greetings express the love that was the mark of the early Christian community.” Genuine love and appreciation of so many of these individuals seems to permeate this list of individuals. Priscilla and Aquila are recognize for not just being his co-workers but for having “risked their lives for me.” (v.3) Or Epenetus who is described initially as “my dear friend in the Lord” (v.5) Or Ampliatus is also greeted by that endearing expression. “my dear friend in the Lord” (v.8) Persis- a woman- is greeted in this way too. (v.12)Rufus’ mother is greeted by Paul with Paul recognizing her as “being a mother to me.(v.13). 2) Paul in several of these greetings recognizes those who have worked or labored for Christ and advancing his kingdom. Priscilla and Aquila who seemed to be Paul’s friends are recognized as co-workers in Christ. Doing what? We do not know. In the eighteenth chapter of the book of Acts, this couple, originally having Jewish background, worked with Paul in Corinth. They shared the trade of making tents in order to raise money. Andronicus and Junia also fellow Jews were co-workers with Paul. In his greeting to them they are described as being “outstanding among the apostles or missionaries.”Perhaps one notable expression that Paul uses in his greetings is the expression: “they worked very hard in the Lord”! What is interesting is that four women- Mary(v.4), Trephena and Tryphosa (v.12) and Persis (v.13) are all described in this way! The expression conveys strenuous effort in doing something. These women did just that for the gospel. Paul makes the effort to recognize their contribution to the gospel. What should we conclude then? Paul certainly knew many of these people so greeted. Many of these individuals are genuinely loved and appreciated by Paul. Some of the people do not have any comment after they are named.(v. 14-15).Perhaps, Paul did not really know them personally as well as he certainly did the others. But, those in the list that Paul so named and that Paul knew personally also knew Paul and the gospel that Paul stood for. This select group of individuals who were already in Rome, Paul could count on to stand with him and support him and the gospel that he preached. Hopefully, this letter will have achieved its preparatory purpose of rallying the Roman believers first to unity among themselves and then to support Paul and his mission to Spain.

13 Schreiner p.792