Canvas No 15
Romans 15:14-33 and 16:1-27
The Roman epistle draws to a conclusion in a section in which the writer tells of the purpose and desire of his heart in the furtherance of the Gospel. He was purposing to travel to Spain, in those days Spain was on the very edge of the world. It was on the edge of the map, it was a place on the uttermost limits.
Paul's missionary plans were to preach the Gospel to all men even in far away places. He had a great vision based on the command of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew28: 18-20) "And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen". Paul was obedient to both voice and vision. He was able to say, "I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ" (15:19).
Included in his travel from Corinth was a visit to Rome and also Jerusalem. Here again we notice Paul involved in great and strategic cities of the day. Paul was ever practical he was totally aware of the importance of time and place and possibility in his Evangelistic Ministries. He desired greatly the fellowship with like-minded believers in the Saviour of men. It is much the same desire that fellow ministers and believers share today. Christians need to give and receive strength and encouragement in the work of the ministry.
Paul had gifts for the poorer believers at the Jerusalem Church, kindly and lovingly donated by richer brethren in Macedonia and Achaia. Gentile Christians giving to Jewish Christians. It pleased them to do so. Most Christian believers have a spirit of generosity for freely they have received and for that very reason they freely generously give in areas of need.
"I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ" (15:29) … "That I may come unto you with joy by the Will of God, and may you be refreshed. Now the God of Peace be with you all" (15: 32-33).
In Romans 16 we have a moving example of the importance of honouring woman who served faithfully in the church. Paul praised Phoebe a businesswoman as "a helper of many and of myself also" (16:1-2). He commended Priscilla and her husband Aquila, who risked their lives for Paul's sake (16:3-4). Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis "laboured in the Lord (16:12).
Paul mentioned at least eight women for commendation, and for whom he had great appreciation. Think of the women who are faithfully serving the Lord in your church and give them all a loving word of thanks and encouragement today.
A word of warning is also given "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (16:17-18).
How very human and appropriate for the man who did the actual writing of the letter on Paul's behalf, simply to add his own name along with all the others mentioned.
"I Tertius, wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord" (16:22). He sent a personal greeting. The secretary sent a salutation to the saints scattered abroad.
Also Gaius, whose home was the place in Corinth in which the letter was composed, and from where it commenced its journey, sends his greetings too.
Mysteries kept secret since the world begun are now made clear and manifest, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Available to all mankind, through faith, in the Saviour of men.
The letter is finished. Paul dictation ceases and Tertius put down his pen.
The Eternal work and purpose of God is now in open letterform.
A MASTERPIECE.
A LETTER OF LIVING TRUTH.