Series Theme: Romans: The Gospel of God’s Righteousness, Grace, and Transforming Power.
Primary Scripture: Romans 16:1–27
Key Verse: Romans 16:16 (KJV)
“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.”
Theme: God accomplishes His work through faithful believers who serve together, encourage one another, protect the truth, and give glory to Jesus Christ.
Central Truth: Every Christian has a place in God’s work, and every act of faithful service matters to Him.
Sermon Prep: Romans 16 Study
Sermon Slide Deck: CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD
Sermon Length: Approximately 30 minutes
1. Suggested Order of Worship
- Welcome and Announcements
- Opening Prayer
- Congregational Hymn — To God Be the Glory
- Scripture Reading — Romans 16:1–7, 17–20
- Congregational Hymn — The Family of God
- Offertory Scripture and Prayer
- Receiving of Tithes and Offerings
- Special Music or Congregational Hymn — We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes
- Prayer Before the Sermon
- Sermon — Faithful Servants and Lasting Fellowship
- Invitation Hymn — I Surrender All
- Invitation Prayer
- Benediction
2. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You this morning with grateful hearts, praising You for Your goodness, mercy, and faithfulness.
Thank You for the privilege of gathering together as Your people.
You have called us out of darkness and into the wonderful light of Jesus Christ.
Through His death and resurrection, You have forgiven our sins, given us eternal life, and made us members of Your family.
Lord, as we gather today, remind us that every believer has a place in Your kingdom.
Some serve in ways that everyone can see.
Others serve quietly, faithfully performing tasks that often go unnoticed.
Yet You see every act of kindness, every prayer offered, every gift given, and every sacrifice made in Your name.
Help us appreciate those who serve among us.
Teach us to encourage one another, strengthen our fellowship, and work together for the advancement of the Gospel.
Bless those who are struggling with sickness, grief, discouragement, or financial difficulty.
Comfort those who are hurting.
Strengthen those who are weary.
And draw those who do not know Jesus Christ into a saving relationship with Him.
May everything we say and do today bring honor and glory to Your holy name.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
3. Offertory Scripture and Prayer
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Offertory Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the many blessings You have given us.
You have provided for our needs, sustained us through difficult seasons, and surrounded us with people who encourage and strengthen our faith.
As we receive our tithes and offerings this morning, help us give with grateful and willing hearts.
May these gifts support the ministry of this church, provide assistance to those in need, strengthen our fellowship, and carry the message of salvation to our community and beyond.
Lord, remind us that faithful service involves more than financial giving.
You have entrusted us with time, talents, abilities, opportunities, and relationships.
Help us use everything You have given us for Your glory.
And may we never forget that no act of service performed in the name of Jesus Christ is insignificant.
In His name we pray.
Amen.
4. Prayer Before the Sermon
Father,
As we open the final chapter of Romans, we thank You for the wonderful truths You have taught us throughout this letter.
You have reminded us of the seriousness of sin, the necessity of salvation, the righteousness that comes through faith, and the transforming power of Your grace.
You have instructed us concerning worship, Christian love, unity, holiness, and service.
Now, as we consider Paul’s final greetings, help us recognize the importance of faithful believers who work together in the ministry of the Gospel.
Teach us to value one another.
Help us remain faithful to the truth of Your Word.
And encourage us to serve You with renewed commitment.
May Your Holy Spirit guide our understanding and apply these truths to our hearts.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
5. Sermon Manuscript
Faithful Servants and Lasting Fellowship
Romans 16:1–27
Introduction: The People Behind the Ministry
When we think about the great figures of the Bible, certain names immediately come to mind.
Abraham.
Moses.
David.
Peter.
Paul.
These are familiar names.
We know their stories.
We remember their accomplishments.
And we recognize the important roles they played in God’s plan.
But have you ever stopped to consider how many faithful people worked quietly behind the scenes?
People whose names are mentioned only once or twice in Scripture.
People who never preached to thousands.
People who never wrote a book of the Bible.
People who never performed a miracle.
Yet they faithfully served the Lord.
Romans chapter 16 introduces us to many such people.
Now, I will admit something.
When we come to a chapter filled with unfamiliar names, we may be tempted to skip over it.
After all, some of these names are difficult to pronounce.
And we may wonder what practical value a list of ancient greetings could have for Christians today.
But remember something important.
The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to include these names.
They are part of God’s Word.
And they teach us something valuable about the Christian life.
As we have studied Romans, we have encountered some of the greatest theological truths in Scripture.
Paul explained the universal problem of sin.
He taught that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
He described the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
He explained God’s faithfulness to His promises.
And he instructed believers concerning worship, love, holiness, unity, and Christian service.
Now, as he concludes the letter, Paul reminds us that the Gospel is not merely a collection of doctrines.
It is a message that transforms real people.
People with names.
Families.
Responsibilities.
Relationships.
And opportunities to serve.
Romans 16 reveals the people behind the ministry.
And through their example, we discover five important truths about faithful Christian service.
I. Every Believer Has a Place in God’s Work (Romans 16:1–2)
Paul begins by introducing a Christian woman named Phoebe.
Romans 16:1 says:
“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:”
Phoebe was associated with the church at Cenchrea, a port near Corinth.
Paul describes her as a servant of the church.
The Greek word he uses is diakonos, a word that can refer to a servant or minister and is also used in connection with the office of deacon.
Christians differ over whether Phoebe held a formally recognized church office.
But one thing is certain.
She was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
Phoebe’s Faithful Service
Paul continues in verse 2:
“That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.”
The word succourer refers to someone who provides assistance or support.
Phoebe had helped many people.
Including Paul himself.
She was known for her generosity, hospitality, and willingness to serve.
Many scholars believe Phoebe may have carried Paul’s letter to Rome, although Scripture does not explicitly identify her as its courier.
If she did, think about the significance of that responsibility.
She would have been entrusted with one of the most important letters ever written.
But even apart from that possibility, Paul clearly considered her service worthy of recognition.
God Uses Ordinary People
Phoebe reminds us that ministry is not limited to preachers and missionaries.
God uses ordinary Christians who faithfully serve Him.
Some teach Sunday school.
Some visit the sick.
Some prepare meals for grieving families.
Some maintain church facilities.
Some encourage discouraged believers.
Some give generously to support the work of the Gospel.
And some spend hours in prayer for people who may never know their names.
Every one of those acts of service matters.
Illustration: The Unseen Foundation
Imagine visiting a beautiful building.
You admire the walls.
The windows.
The roof.
The decorations.
But there is one part of the building you cannot see.
The foundation.
Without it, the entire structure would eventually collapse.
The foundation does not attract much attention.
But it is essential.
Many faithful Christians serve in similar ways.
Their work may not be highly visible.
But the church depends upon their faithfulness.
Application
Never underestimate the importance of your service.
You may feel that you have little to offer.
Perhaps your health limits what you can do.
Maybe you cannot participate in the activities you once enjoyed.
But you can still pray.
You can encourage someone.
You can make a telephone call.
You can write a note.
You can share a word of Scripture.
You can demonstrate the love of Christ.
God does not measure the value of our service by how much attention it receives. He values faithfulness.
II. The Gospel Creates a Family of Faithful Servants (Romans 16:3–16)
Paul now begins greeting individual believers.
And what a remarkable group of people we find!
He mentions men and women.
Jewish and Gentile believers.
People from different backgrounds.
People who served in different ways.
Yet they were united through their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Priscilla and Aquila: Faithful Partners
Romans 16:3–4 says:
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:”
“Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”
Priscilla and Aquila were a married couple who served alongside Paul.
We first meet them in Acts 18.
They were tentmakers, as Paul was.
They welcomed him into their home and worked with him.
Later, they helped instruct Apollos more accurately in the way of God.
They also hosted a congregation in their home.
Paul says they had risked their lives for him.
What a testimony!
They were not merely casual acquaintances.
They were faithful partners in the Gospel.
The Church in Their House
Romans 16:5 says:
“Likewise greet the church that is in their house.”
Remember that the early Christians did not always have dedicated church buildings.
Many congregations gathered in private homes.
Priscilla and Aquila opened their home for Christian fellowship and worship.
Their hospitality became an important part of their ministry.
A Long List of Faithful People
Paul continues greeting believers such as Epaenetus, Mary, Andronicus, Junia, Amplias, Urbane, Stachys, Apelles, and many others.
Some are described as beloved.
Some are praised for their labor.
Others are recognized for their faithfulness.
Romans 16:6 says:
“Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.”
Notice that phrase.
“Much labour.”
Mary worked hard in Christian service.
We do not know the details of everything she did.
But Paul remembered her faithfulness.
And her service became part of the inspired record of Scripture.
A Beautiful Picture of Christian Fellowship
Paul’s greetings demonstrate that the church is not merely an institution.
It is a family.
A family made up of people who belong to Jesus Christ.
Some are young.
Others are old.
Some are wealthy.
Others have very little.
Some possess remarkable abilities.
Others serve in quiet and ordinary ways.
But every believer matters.
Illustration: The Family Reunion
Think about a family reunion.
Different generations gather together.
Grandparents.
Parents.
Children.
Cousins.
Some family members live nearby.
Others have traveled long distances.
They may have different occupations, personalities, and interests.
But they share a family relationship.
The church is a spiritual family.
Our backgrounds may differ.
Our personalities may differ.
Our abilities may differ.
But we share one Savior.
And we belong to one another in Christ.
Application
Do you appreciate the people who serve alongside you?
Do you thank those who work faithfully behind the scenes?
Do you encourage the people who teach, sing, pray, give, clean, organize, and minister?
Sometimes we become so accustomed to the service of others that we forget to express gratitude.
Paul did not forget.
He took time to recognize the people who had helped him.
And we should do the same.
A healthy church is not built around one gifted individual. It is strengthened by many faithful believers serving together.
III. The Church Must Guard Against Division and False Teaching (Romans 16:17–20)
After greeting so many faithful believers, Paul changes his tone.
He issues a warning.
Romans 16:17 says:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
Paul understood that the church faced dangers from within as well as from outside.
Not everyone who claimed to speak for Christ was teaching the truth.
And not everyone who entered the fellowship had honorable motives.
The Danger of False Teaching
Paul warns against those who cause divisions contrary to apostolic doctrine.
Notice that he does not condemn every disagreement.
Throughout Romans 14 and 15, he encouraged patience toward believers who disagreed over matters of conscience.
But here he addresses something different.
He is concerned about teaching and conduct that undermine the truth of the Gospel and damage the church.
Smooth Words Can Be Deceptive
Romans 16:18 says:
“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.”
Paul warns that false teachers may use persuasive language.
They may appear sincere.
They may speak confidently.
They may tell people what they want to hear.
But their teaching leads people away from biblical truth.
That is why Christians must know the Scriptures.
We should not accept every religious message simply because it sounds appealing.
We must examine what is being taught.
Wise Concerning Good, Simple Concerning Evil
Romans 16:19 says:
“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”
Paul commends the Roman believers for their obedience.
But he wants them to remain discerning.
They should be knowledgeable about what is good.
And they should avoid becoming involved in evil.
Illustration: Counterfeit Money
People who are trained to identify counterfeit money spend considerable time studying genuine currency.
They become familiar with its appearance, texture, and security features.
Then, when something false appears, they are better prepared to recognize it.
Christians should approach biblical discernment in a similar way.
The more familiar we become with God’s Word, the better prepared we are to recognize teaching that contradicts it.
The God of Peace Will Triumph
Romans 16:20 says:
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
Paul reminds believers that Satan will not ultimately prevail.
God’s victory is certain.
The language recalls the promise of Genesis 3:15, where the serpent’s defeat is anticipated.
Christ has secured the decisive victory through His death and resurrection.
And God’s people can remain confident in His ultimate triumph.
Application
We should protect the unity of the church.
But unity must be grounded in biblical truth.
We should love one another.
But love does not require us to ignore destructive false teaching.
We should be gracious.
But grace does not mean abandoning discernment.
A faithful church must be both loving and discerning—welcoming people while remaining committed to the truth of God’s Word.
IV. Christian Ministry Depends Upon Fellowship and Cooperation (Romans 16:21–24)
Paul now includes greetings from several of his companions.
Romans 16:21 says:
“Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.”
Timothy was one of Paul’s closest ministry partners.
Paul had invested considerable time in teaching and mentoring him.
Timothy later served churches and helped strengthen believers.
But he was not the only person working with Paul.
Several others are mentioned.
Tertius: The Man Who Wrote the Letter
Romans 16:22 says:
“I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.”
That is an interesting statement.
Paul was the inspired author of Romans, but Tertius served as the person who physically wrote down the letter.
In the ancient world, it was common for an author to dictate a letter to a secretary, sometimes called an amanuensis.
Tertius performed that role.
His name appears only here in the New Testament.
Yet he participated in producing one of the most influential letters in Christian history.
Gaius: The Hospitable Believer
Romans 16:23 says:
“Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you.”
Gaius provided hospitality to Paul.
And apparently, his home or resources also supported the fellowship of believers.
Again, we see the importance of ordinary acts of service.
Hospitality.
Encouragement.
Financial assistance.
Practical support.
These ministries helped the Gospel advance.
Illustration: The Orchestra
Imagine an orchestra preparing for a performance.
There are violinists.
Trumpet players.
Flutists.
Percussionists.
And many other musicians.
Each instrument contributes something different.
But no single instrument can reproduce the full sound of the orchestra.
The beauty comes when everyone works together.
Christian ministry functions in a similar way.
Some preach.
Some teach.
Some organize.
Some encourage.
Some provide hospitality.
Some give.
Some pray.
And every contribution matters.
Application
We should never imagine that ministry belongs exclusively to the pastor.
Every believer has opportunities to serve.
Every member can contribute to the health of the congregation.
And every act of faithful service can become part of God’s larger purpose.
The church is strongest when its members work together.
God accomplishes extraordinary things through ordinary believers who faithfully cooperate in His work.
V. All Glory Belongs to God Through Jesus Christ (Romans 16:25–27)
Paul concludes his letter with a magnificent expression of praise.
After sixteen chapters of theology, instruction, encouragement, and personal greetings, he directs our attention to God.
Romans 16:25 begins:
“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ…”
Paul reminds us that God is the One who establishes believers.
The word stablish means to strengthen or make firm.
God Strengthens His People
Throughout Romans, Paul has explained that salvation is God’s work.
We cannot save ourselves.
We cannot make ourselves righteous through good works.
We cannot overcome sin through human effort alone.
We need God’s grace.
And the same God who saves us is able to strengthen us.
He establishes us through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Mystery Revealed
Paul also refers to the revelation of a mystery that had been kept secret but was now made known.
In the New Testament, a mystery is not necessarily something impossible to understand.
It is a truth that God has revealed in His appointed time.
Paul explains that God’s saving purpose in Jesus Christ is now being proclaimed among the nations.
The Gospel is not restricted to one people.
It is good news for the world.
The Obedience of Faith
Romans 16:26 speaks of the Gospel being made known to all nations:
“…for the obedience of faith:”
That phrase reminds us of the opening chapter of Romans.
In Romans 1:5, Paul also speaks of the obedience of faith among the nations.
The letter begins and ends with the same great purpose.
God calls people from every nation to respond to Jesus Christ in faith.
And genuine faith produces obedience.
The Final Doxology
Romans 16:27 says:
“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
What a fitting conclusion!
After explaining the depths of God’s grace, Paul ends in worship.
He does not congratulate himself.
He does not praise his own accomplishments.
He gives glory to God.
Illustration: The Finished Building
Imagine a group of workers completing a beautiful building.
Carpenters.
Electricians.
Plumbers.
Painters.
Roofers.
Each person contributed important work.
But when the building is completed, the workers recognize that they participated in something larger than themselves.
In Christian ministry, we also participate in something greater than any individual accomplishment.
God is building His church.
He is saving sinners.
He is transforming lives.
He is gathering people from every nation.
And when the work is completed, all glory will belong to Him.
Application
As we conclude our study of Romans, let us remember the central message of this great letter.
We are sinners in need of salvation.
God has provided salvation through Jesus Christ.
We receive that salvation by grace through faith.
The Holy Spirit transforms our lives.
And we are called to live in obedience, love, unity, and faithful service.
But through it all, the glory belongs to God.
Not to us.
Not to our church.
Not to our accomplishments.
To God alone.
The greatest purpose of Christian service is not to make our names known, but to make the name of Jesus Christ known.
Conclusion: Will Your Life Be Remembered for Faithfulness?
As we come to the end of Romans, I want to return to the people Paul mentioned in this final chapter.
Phoebe.
Priscilla.
Aquila.
Mary.
Timothy.
Tertius.
Gaius.
And many others.
Most of these people are not widely remembered outside the pages of Scripture.
We know very little about their personal lives.
We do not know all their accomplishments.
We do not know the difficulties they faced.
But we know that they served Jesus Christ.
And their faithfulness mattered.
Now, let me ask you something.
What will people remember about your life?
Will they remember your possessions?
Your accomplishments?
Your position?
Your opinions?
Or will they remember your faithfulness to Jesus Christ?
Will they remember that you loved people?
That you encouraged those who were struggling?
That you served without demanding recognition?
That you stood firmly upon the truth of God’s Word?
That you helped others come to know Jesus Christ?
Those are the things that truly matter.
One day, every earthly accomplishment will fade.
But the work God accomplishes through faithful service has eternal significance.
As we conclude our study of Romans, remember the five truths from this chapter.
First, every believer has a place in God’s work.
Second, the Gospel creates a family of faithful servants.
Third, the church must guard against division and false teaching.
Fourth, Christian ministry depends upon fellowship and cooperation.
And fifth, all glory belongs to God through Jesus Christ.
Now, there is one final question.
Do you belong to Jesus Christ?
You can attend church.
You can participate in religious activities.
You can admire the teachings of Scripture.
But none of those things can save you.
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
He died upon the cross for your sins.
He rose from the grave.
And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to everyone who turns to Him in repentance and faith.
If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, I invite you to come to Him today.
And for those of us who already know Him, let us renew our commitment to faithful service.
You may never become famous.
Your name may never appear in a history book.
You may never receive public recognition for the things you do.
But God sees.
God knows.
And God remembers.
Let us live so that when our earthly journey is finished, we may hear the words of our Lord:
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
And let us join Paul in declaring:
“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” (Romans 16:27)
Amen.
6. Closing Invitation
As we prepare to sing I Surrender All, I want to invite you to respond to what God has spoken to your heart.
Perhaps you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
The greatest decision you will ever make is to turn from your sin and place your faith in Him.
You cannot earn salvation through church membership, good works, or religious traditions.
But Jesus Christ has provided everything necessary for your salvation through His death and resurrection.
Come to Him today.
Perhaps you are already a Christian, but God has reminded you that you have been neglecting opportunities to serve.
Maybe you have been waiting for someone to recognize your abilities.
Perhaps you have become discouraged because your efforts seem unnoticed.
Remember that God sees every act of faithful service.
Or perhaps God is calling you to become more involved in the fellowship and ministry of the church.
Whatever the Lord is speaking to your heart, respond to Him in faith and obedience.
7. Invitation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wonderful truths You have taught us through the book of Romans.
You have reminded us of our need for salvation, the greatness of Your grace, and the transforming power of the Gospel.
As we conclude this study, help us put these truths into practice.
Teach us to serve faithfully.
Help us appreciate those who work quietly behind the scenes.
Give us wisdom to recognize false teaching and courage to stand firmly upon Your Word.
Strengthen our fellowship and unite our hearts in the mission of the Gospel.
And remind us that all glory belongs to You.
For anyone who has never trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, I pray that today would be the day of salvation.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
8. Benediction
Romans 16:25, 27 (KJV)
“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ…”
“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
May the Lord strengthen your faith, guide your steps, and fill your hearts with His grace.
Go into the world as faithful servants of Jesus Christ, encouraging one another, standing firmly upon the truth of God’s Word, and proclaiming the Gospel through your words and actions.
And may all glory and honor belong to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
9. Sermon Outline for the Bulletin
Faithful Servants and Lasting Fellowship: The People Behind the Ministry
Central Truth: Every Christian has a place in God’s work, and every act of faithful service matters to Him.
| Sermon Point | Scripture |
| I. Every Believer Has a Place in God’s Work | Romans 16:1–2 |
| II. The Gospel Creates a Family of Faithful Servants | Romans 16:3–16 |
| III. The Church Must Guard Against Division and False Teaching | Romans 16:17–20 |
| IV. Christian Ministry Depends Upon Fellowship and Cooperation | Romans 16:21–24 |
| V. All Glory Belongs to God Through Jesus Christ | Romans 16:25–27 |
Take-Home Truth: God uses ordinary believers who faithfully serve Him, strengthen His church, and proclaim His Gospel.
10. Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Paul’s commendation of Phoebe teach us about faithful Christian service?
- Why did Paul take time to mention so many individual believers?
- What can we learn from the ministry partnership of Priscilla and Aquila?
- How can churches better recognize and encourage members who serve quietly behind the scenes?
- What is the difference between legitimate Christian disagreement and division caused by false teaching?
- Why is biblical discernment essential for maintaining a healthy church?
- What does the example of Tertius teach us about the importance of seemingly ordinary ministry tasks?
- How can members of a local church work together more effectively in Christian service?
- Why does Paul conclude Romans by giving glory to God?
- What lessons from our study of Romans have most challenged or encouraged your faith?
11. Pastoral Teaching Notes
Romans 16 provides a fitting conclusion to Paul’s great letter.
After presenting the doctrines of salvation and the practical responsibilities of Christian living, Paul reminds us that the Gospel transforms real people who serve together in the church.
Several matters deserve attention.
First, Phoebe’s role should be explained carefully. Paul calls her a diakonos of the church at Cenchrea. The term can mean servant or minister and is also associated with the office of deacon. Christians differ concerning whether Phoebe held a formal church office. Regardless of that question, Paul clearly recognizes her faithful and valuable ministry.
Second, the personal greetings reveal the diversity of the early church. Paul mentions men and women, Jews and Gentiles, and believers from different social backgrounds. Their unity rested upon their shared faith in Jesus Christ.
Third, Priscilla and Aquila demonstrate the importance of partnership in ministry. Their service included hospitality, instruction, and support for the work of the Gospel.
Fourth, Paul’s warning against false teaching must be understood in context. Romans 14–15 encourages patience concerning disputable matters. Romans 16:17–20 addresses those who create divisions contrary to apostolic doctrine. The church must distinguish between differences of conscience and destructive departures from biblical truth.
Fifth, Tertius illustrates the importance of supporting roles in ministry. Although Paul was the inspired author of Romans, Tertius physically wrote the letter. His brief greeting reminds us that God uses many people to accomplish His purposes.
Sixth, Romans 16:25–27 provides a theological conclusion to the entire letter. The Gospel reveals God’s saving purpose through Jesus Christ and calls people from all nations to the obedience of faith. The letter ends where it began—with the glory of God and the proclamation of Jesus Christ.
Seventh, note that some ancient manuscripts and Bible translations handle the placement of Romans 16:24–27 differently. The KJV includes verse 24, while many modern translations omit it from the main text because of manuscript differences. The doxology is also placed differently in some manuscript traditions. These textual variations do not alter the central theological message of the passage.
A memorable sentence for the sermon:
You may never be famous in the eyes of the world, but faithful service to Jesus Christ is never forgotten by God.
A fitting conclusion to the entire Romans sermon series:
Romans begins by showing us that all have sinned and ends by reminding us that all glory belongs to God. Between those truths stands the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ—the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.