Romans 16 - Capitol Commission

 

Practical Virtues   

 8 May 2012 

RON J. BIGALKE, PASTOR/MISSIONARY, CAPITOL COMMISSION, 912.659.4212 

Bible Study Title 

 

Ron J. Bigalke , PhD  / PO Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326‐0244 / www.capitolcom.org / [email protected] 

 

CAPITOL  BIBLE STUDY   ( month ly schedule)      

• 2  TUESDAY, 8 MAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP  ND

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Tuesday, 8 May 2012 Romans 16 – “Practical Virtues”

be a builder, servant, shepherd, and to do the work of an apostle is regarded as the normal Christian life. Even when Paul mentioned himself as an example for other Christians to follow, his exhortation was related to the example of the Lord Jesus Christ who he was following (1 Cor 4:16; 11:1; Phil 3:17; 4:9; 1 Thess 1:6; 2 Thess 3:9). The final section of Romans indicates the motivations, priorities, and values of a great Christian leader, which become a model of authentic Christian faith. In the life of the Apostle Paul, we witness an individual wholly committed to the gospel as “the power of God for salvation, to everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). The practical virtues revealed herein tell us how to relate toward God, how to be properly motivated, and not to neglect grace toward others.

A COMMENDATION  Exceptional leaders do not ask those they lead to do something that they have not first already accomplished themselves. The Apostle Paul, for example, chose to demonstrate personally how he lived sacrificially (Matt 10:38) to encourage the church in Rome—and believers in all the churches that he planted (started)—to do the same. Matthew 10:38 – [Jesus said,] “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. The motivation of the Apostle is evident in the final section of the letter to the believers in Rome (15:14—16:27). Of course, a great leader never boasts with regard to self; therefore, the Apostle Paul indicated four aspects of his life to represent priorities that every believer in Jesus Christ should desire. Paul was a builder, a servant, a shepherd, and an apostle.

(16:1-2) Romans concludes with a series of greetings to specific individuals, which demonstrates that the Bible was given to help ordinary people, such as those who were named (as opposed to being written merely for theologians). The letter also includes a final warning and benediction. Romans 16 begins with a sincere commendation, which recommends Phoebe to the church at Rome. Phoebe was “a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea” (a seaport town near Corinth). Under inspiration of the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Tim 3:16-17), Paul likely wrote Romans while he was in Cenchrea, and Phoebe apparently carried Paul’s letter to Rome. Travelers often carried letters of commendation or introduction in the ancient world (cf. Acts 18:27; 2 Cor 3:1). The fact that Paul entrusted Phoebe with such an important document indicates that he respected and trusted her implicitly. Phoebe is identified as “a servant.” The Greek word, diavkono" //

1 Corinthians 3:11 – For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. The “foundation” of the believer’s life is Jesus Christ. Building upon Him—which is the only manner to have one’s life extend into eternity—occurs by mediating the pure gospel of grace. Serving others demonstrates the love of God upon which the gospel is based. Shepherding others means developing genuine and effective relationships that endure. The vision of an apostle causes one to witness the truth of God’s Word proclaimed and received where it has not been the experience previously. The motivations that are mentioned in Romans 15:14—16:27 are not mere academic initiatives that were imagined by the Apostle Paul to maintain a comfortable life of ease. The priorities that Scripture commends are those that the Apostle Paul had accomplished, and was in the process of accomplishing, as he wrote the Book of Romans. To

diakonos, translated “servant” can also be translated as deacon. Here in

Romans 16:1, the word has the idea of one who renders service (cf. Matt 20:26; 22:13; John 2:5, 9), as opposed to an official office. Since no traveling companions are mentioned in verses 1-2, Phoebe probably traveled alone, which would indicate that she was a wealthy woman, and others (servants) could help her in traveling. Life is never to be a lone venture. THE MEANING OF CANONICITY  It is common to encounter suggestions that the original form of many New Testament epistles differed entirely from what now constitutes the canon of Scripture. Many erroneously believe that certain letters written by the Apostle Paul were edited and recomposed from several epistles, and through this process they now appear in our Bible as single units. The suggestion is difficult to reconcile with the doctrine of the full (plenary) inspiration of Scripture, since the theory would mean that God revealed His Word in a confused and disorderly manner.

 

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Those who affirm the theory that Romans appears in our Bible as an edited work believe that it originally ended at either chapter 14 or 15, and therefore, chapter 16 was not a component of the original letter; rather, it was a component of another letter that was sent to an entirely different location, such as Ephesus. The length of the greeting in chapter 16 is actually a good indication that it was intended for the church at Rome. The Apostle Paul never sent long greeting lists to local churches that he visited personally. The only letters that have lengthy greetings from Paul are Romans and Colossians, both of which were cities he had not visited. To assert, as many do, that Romans 16 was originally part of a letter that was first sent to Ephesus would ruin the unity of the epistle. There is no need to doubt whether Romans 16, in addition to the first fifteen chapters, was addressed to the church at Rome. The term “canon” is derived from the Greek word, kanwvn // kanwn, which is translated “rule” or “standard” (cf. 2 Cor 10:13, 15, 16; Gal 6:16; Phil 3:16). When the term is applied to the 66 books of Scripture, it means a certain standard is satisfied that differentiates them from all other writings. Canonicity does not mean that the church gave the Bible to the world or that the Bible was not God’s Word prior to the individual books becoming a part of the canon. Canonization is simply an official recognition of those 66 books that have always been God’s Word; it refers to recognition and collection of the inspired, authoritative books that are Holy Scripture. The Holy Spirit used the process of canonization to impress upon God’s people those books that were actually inspired by Him, which was accomplished through both objective criteria and subjective reasoning.

A GREETING TO FRIENDS  (16:3-16) A long list of men and women who were involved in the church at Rome are identified in verses 3-16. The people mentioned are those who Paul met elsewhere in his journeys. Although he did not know each of the members of the Roman church, he was well acquainted with many of them. Several principles can be gleaned from these verses. First, Paul was grateful for the favors he received, whether large or small. He never forgot a favor or friend. Second, there is a strategic need for women to labor faithfully in the work of ministry. Third, it is possible to influence places that we have never visited personally (Paul had not visited Rome yet, when he wrote the letter). We can influence others who will serve in geographical locations that we may never be privileged to visit.

and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (v. 18). False teachers come in “sheep’s clothing,” that is, they appear harmless, innocent, and sincere. To come in “sheep’s clothing” is to assume the appearance of innocence and sanctity, yet their hearts are evil (cf. Matt 7:15). If a Christian will be obedient to Scripture, there is no need to fear any defection from the faith; nevertheless, all Christians need “to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil” (Rom 16:19).

A GREETING FROM FRIENDS  (16:21-24) The verses here are a series of greetings from those who accompanied the Apostle Paul. Three of those mentioned—Timothy, Sosipater, and Gaius—were traveling partners of the Apostle Paul (cf. Acts 20:4). Tertius evidently served as Paul’s secretary (amanuensis) in the writing of the letter to the Romans. We know little with regard to the others. Nevertheless, the conclusion of those named is an illustration of Romans 1:16. The variety of individuals mentioned demonstrates the effectiveness of the gospel; it can reach people in all “walks of life.”

THE  VARIETY  OF  INDIVIDUALS  MENTIONED  DEMONSTRATES  THE  EFFECTIVENESS  OF  THE  GOSPEL;  IT  CAN  REACH  PEOPLE  IN  ALL  “WALKS OF LIFE.”   

A DOXOLOGY  (16:25-27) The themes stated here are found in the opening verses of Romans. Mention is made that the gospel of Jesus Christ is based upon the Old Testament. The “mystery” of this gospel is now made known to all nations so that all people everywhere might respond to God in the “obedience of faith.” The doxology is an appropriate end to the epistle for all glory is to God for the gospel, which is the proclamation of Jesus Christ. The gospel is what stabilizes the Christian faith. As the gospel works in my life and your life through the power of the Holy Spirit, it has the power to change hearts and minds, and to make new people mature in faith toward God. The practical virtues stated throughout this chapter emphasize what should be the ambition of our lives. Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor to provide ongoing Bible studies to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with me, or contact me by email or phone (912.659.4212). We are praying for you personally throughout the day and week (1 Tim 2:1-4).

A WARNING TO ALL 

 

(16:17-20) Perhaps as he thinks with regard to those whom he had just mentioned and other loved ones, the Apostle cannot resist a final appeal of paternal advice. Christians are to watch for “those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned” (Rom 16:16). The specific nature of the false teachings is not provided; rather, the erroneous teachings are identified by the fact that they differ from the teaching that the Christians had already learned by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The false teachers were all the more dangerous because with “smooth lunch  sponsored by 

ABOUT CAPITOL COMMISSION  Capitol Commission state directors are pastors/missionaries who teach weekly verse-byverse Bible studies for the entire Capitol community. State directors also meet personally with many government leaders to proclaim God’s grace in salvation, to encourage our leaders, pray with them, and provide biblical counsel. The mission of Capitol Commission is to reach Capitol communities for Christ—one person at a time, to disciple them, and to prepare them for a lifetime of ministry, wherever God chooses to place them. Capitol Commission is a charitable and religious nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Capitol Commission is supported by the generous gifts of businesses, churches, and individuals. Capitol Commission is not state-funded; rather, those with a heart for the Capitol community fund it. Please join us in this ministry!

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