Romans: Laying a Solid Foundation

Romans: Laying a Solid Foundation

The Bible Teacher's Commentary

Paul J. Bucknell

Romans 16 & Romans Review & Handout

COMMUNITY SPIRIT


Some say Paul looked down upon women. By just observing the comments he makes in chapter 16, how can we respond to them ?


• Phoebe (1)

• Priscilla (3)

• Mary (6)

• Rufus’ mother (13)

A. Remembering God’s People (Ro 16:5,6,8,10-11,13-16)

He did not mention everyone nor even perhaps everyone he knew. He included a great variety of people perhaps all from different house churches and perhaps reminding them of their common heritage with others even though differing in certain teachings (Ro 14) or backgrounds (eg. Jew-Gentile).


One would think that this theologian par excellence, this logician, master of argument, both being a driven and called man would be a little weak on the relational side of things. You know how it goes. One dives into purpose and doesn’t come out until it is accomplished. But Paul the apostle had a great affection and wonderful love for the Romans. One might attribute (though wrongly) that he was primarily trying to impress the Romans with his theology but this just does not match up with this last chapter and the personal concern portrayed here. Paul was not carried away with the teaching to such a degree that he lost sight for the purpose of the gospel and that was to reconcile man with God. (1)


B. Working With God’s People (Ro 16:1-2, 3-5, 7,9, 12)

APOSTLES?

Two Interpretations for Romans 16:7
• 'Well-known among the apostles' or
• 'Outstanding among the disciples.'

If with the later sense, the apostle has a wider meaning as in Acts 14:4, 14; 2 Cor 8:23; 1 Th 2:6.


Female Apostle? No.

1) The accentuation is with few exceptions clearly masculine.
2) Shortened form for Junianus.
3) Contradicts passages like I Cor. 14:34-35.
4) No passage even hints at female apostles.
Men & Women, pp. 131-132

  • Phoebe (1-2)

  • Priscilla and Aquila (3-5)

  • Andronicus and Junias (7)

  • Urbanus (9)

  • Tryphaena and Tryphosa (12)



C. Sheltering God’s People (Ro 16:17-20)


"Soon crushed" implies he still is at large able to hurt and wound.


D. Establishing God’s People (Ro 16:21-27

Strengthening according to God's Word,
not an experience or a trip to heaven.


25 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 which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen