Romans Chapter 16: Greetings.
Paul bigness the conclusion of this epistle by first providing commendation for a servant of the Lord [Phoebe]. That they may provide her support in her ministry to the Lord. She may be on her way to Rome.
Greeting to those who are in Rome: He first makes mention to Priscilla and Aquila, who had laboured with him whom he first encountered in Corinth. Making mention of the risk they took on his behalf, to whom he is indebted. Not only him, but because of their risk the churches of the Gentiles also greatly benefited, [on the account he is made able to continue to render service to Gentiles.] And also the service they rendered while in exile from Rome, the churches they served in Corinth not lest of all they helped to straighten out Apollos [in the things of Christ] who famously went preaching through the region. Paul gives commendation to all they have done, making mention of the indebtedness of the Gentiles church. To greet them and the church that is in their house.
The epistle is addressed to the church in Rome, And follows it with the list of people to whom he wants greeting to be extended to. That they may be an element of separation to which Paul is alluding, and seeking to restore unity in the faith.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
The essence and purpose of the epistle:
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
Keep note of false teachers, who seek to divide, cause offence and oppose the truth. By propagate false concepts that seek to draw separation between Jew and Gentile. e.g. “we are now God’s people, or He has rejected the Jews.” And instigate anything that may be a cause of offence. This is the issue that he is addressing, throughout the epistle he has so laboured to show unity, in sin to salvation, for both Jew and Gentiles. And rightly warns against such boastful attitude, that it is through God’s mercy they have believed. And the condition of the unbelieving Jews, may have been a benefit for the Gentiles but is not a cause for mocking.
This advice he gives to them on the account that “their obedience is widely known.” That they readily accept what is taught in submission. And these people who are not serving Christ but their own interests, therefore will seek to take advantage of them. “That by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; [but] I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will soon crash Satan under your feet shortly.
Though he applauds them for this quality of obedience, yet he urges them caution. That what this people seek to impart to them is something that is evil, division and cause of offence [in opposition to the truth of the word.] Therefore, do not give ear to them, avoid them and seek to be filled with what is good.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Salutation, from those who are with Paul: These people are the ones that were with Paul in Macedonia after he left Ephesus, determining to go to Jerusalem then on to Rome. Timothy my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason and Soispater, my country, Tertius who wrote the epistle, And Gaius, the host and the host of the whole church. Erastus the treasurer, Quarters a brother. Gaius who was Paul’s travel companion while he was in Ephesus, is listed as host. He is a Macedonian from Derbe. When he purposed to go to Jerusalem, he done so by the way of Macedonian and spent some time there. At which point he wrote this epistle.
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made know to all nations, according to the commandments of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith.— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
This mystery is the gentiles are made partakers of the salvation that is in Christ. As Paul defines it in his letter to Ephesians saying how God has made this mystery known to him through revelation: That the gentles should be fellow heirs of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. Ephesians 3:6
Indeed He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Isaiah 49:6
Bread Bait. 
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