Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 16:25

"Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal," — Romans 16:25 (ASV)

Since Paul has already given his usual benediction of grace (v.20) found at the close of all his letters, we must seek some other explanation for the doxology here. Since Paul allowed other greetings after that benediction (vv.21– 23), he probably wanted to write another concluding thought—a magnificent doxology (an ascription of praise to God) that draws into itself words and concepts found in his earlier letters and gives special emphasis to the leading matters discussed in the preceding chapters. This one is lengthy, so much so that the final verse is separated from the rest by a dash in order to indicate a resumption of the thought with which the passage begins and to bring it to a proper conclusion.

The opening words in v.25 express confidence in God’s ability to do what is needful for the readers (cf. Ephesians 3:20;Jude 24). In the introduction (1:11) Paul had written that he was looking forward to his ministry at Rome as a means of strengthening the congregation. Here he acknowledges that ultimately only God can bring that result. As an instrument for establishing the saints, nothing can compare with the Gospel. Paul is not being egotistical or possessive in calling it “my gospel” (cf. 2:16; 2 Timothy 2:8). Doubtless the possessive pronoun points up the fact that in Paul’s case it came by direct revelation (1:1; cf. Galatians 1:12), though it was confirmed as to its historical content by leaders of the Jerusalem church (1 Corinthians 15:1–11). Another term for the Gospel is “the proclamation of Jesus Christ,” i.e., the preaching that has Jesus Christ as its message (cf. 1:2–3; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:21; 2:4; 15:14).

“Proclamation” follows upon “revelation,” and both stand in contrast to “the mystery hidden” (see also 1 Corinthians 2:7–10). Paul has his usual meaning to “mystery” here (GK 3696). What was hidden in God’s purpose ultimately becomes revealed and is the property of all his people. The mystery was hidden “for long ages past,” i.e., for “eternity past” (cf. 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2), by “the eternal God” (v.26), but has now been “revealed” and “made known through the prophetic writings.” This probably refers to the OT, even though that material was not necessarily understood as referring to Christ (see Lk 24:25-27, 44-45). and even the OT prophets themselves were puzzled by the messianic element in their own predictions (1 Peter 1:10–12). No doubt Paul is taking a backward glance at what he had set down at the beginning of the letter concerning the Gospel as promised by God through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures (1:2).

“The command of the eternal God” points to the Great Commission, which includes all the nations as embraced in the divine purpose (Matthew 28:19). This emphasis recalls what Paul said about his own commission (1:1, 5; cf. Colossians 1:25– 27; Titus 1:3). He had a special concern to reach Gentiles (11:13).

In the final verse, God is described under two terms. “Only” (cf. 1 Timothy 1:17) recalls the line of thought in 3:29–30; he is God of both the Jew and the Gentile. “Wise” (GK 5055) invites the reader to recall the outburst of praise to God in his wisdom (11:33) that brought to a close Paul’s long review of God’s dealings with Israel in relation to his purpose for the Gentiles. Wisdom is also allied to the hidden/revealed tension noted in v.25, as we gather also from 1 Corinthians 2:6–7. So the God whose eternal purpose has been described as hidden and then manifested in the Gospel of his Son, draws to himself through his Son the praise that will engross the saints through all the ages to come. The silence that for so long held the divine mystery has given way to vocal and unending praise. To God be glory forever!