What does Romans 16:25 mean?

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Romans 16:25

Explanation

Romans 16:25 speaks to the divine power and authority of God to establish or strengthen believers in their faith. This establishment is not based on human wisdom or effort but is aligned with the “gospel,” which Apostle Paul identifies as “my gospel,” signifying the particular message of salvation through Jesus Christ that he preached. The verse further refers to “the preaching of Jesus Christ,” which can be seen as synonymous with proclaiming the gospel message.

Also significant is the phrase “according to the revelation of the mystery,” which suggests that the message Paul preached had aspects that were once hidden but now disclosed. This “mystery” that was kept secret refers to the previously unrevealed plan of God to include Gentiles in salvation through Jesus Christ, which was not fully understood until revealed in the New Testament. The time span since the world began indicates the eternal scope of this plan; it was part of God’s intention from the very creation of the world.

Historical Context

Romans is one of the epistles written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome. This letter is generally dated around 56-58 AD, a time when Christianity was spreading across the Roman Empire. Paul, a Jewish Pharisee who became an apostle of Jesus Christ after encountering the risen Christ, played a significant role in the spread of Christianity, especially among the Gentiles.

At the time, there was a mystery about how God’s salvation would be fully manifest, particularly how the Gentiles fit into God’s plan, which was primarily understood through the lens of Jewish history and prophecy. Paul’s ministry helped to clarify this mystery.

Theological Insights

Theologically, several insights arise from Romans 16:25:

1. Divine Power: The verse implies that God is ultimately the one who strengthens and establishes believers, stressing God’s sovereignty in salvation.
2. Gospel Centricity: Paul emphasizes the importance of the gospel message as the foundation for faith and practice.
3. Progressive Revelation: The concept of the “mystery” that has now been revealed points to the idea that God discloses truth progressively over time.
4. Universal Plan of Salvation: It opens up the understanding that salvation is not exclusive to the Jews but is available to all peoples, highlighting the inclusivity of the gospel.

Practical Applications

1. Dependence on God: Believers are reminded to rely on God’s power rather than human strength or wisdom for their spiritual growth.
2. Importance of Doctrine: The centrality of the gospel in teaching encourages Christians to ground their faith in the core truths of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
3. Celebration of Diversity: The revelation of the mystery that includes Gentiles calls for embracing diversity within the Christian community.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 3:3-6: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
• 1 Corinthians 2:7: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Language Study

Key words in the original language (Greek) include:

1. “Ischus” (power): Refers to strength or ability, implying God’s capability to establish believers.
2. “Stērizō” (establish/stablish): Means to make stable, place firmly, set fast, or strengthen.
3. “Mystērion” (mystery): A secret or hidden truth, which in this context refers to something that was concealed but is now made manifest.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

1. Mystery Religions: At the time, there were several “mystery religions” that promised hidden knowledge. Paul uses the term “mystery” differently, referring to a truth now divulged to all.
2. Jewish Messianic Expectation: The verse contrasts with Jewish expectations of the Messiah, which focused primarily on Israel, not on a plan including all nations.

Scientific Perspectives

The reference to God’s eternal plan “since the world began” correlates with the notion that the physical and spiritual realms may possess constants and principles established from the inception of the universe. In light of modern cosmology, this suggests a timeless aspect of divine intentionality that transcends human history.

Commentaries

Commentaries often highlight the doxological nature of this verse as it leads into a praise of God’s wisdom and the profound nature of His revelatory work through the gospel. They elaborate on how Paul speaks of the “mystērion” as God’s longstanding plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body through Christ. It’s acknowledged as a remarkable expansion of the salvation narrative that postdates the covenants and prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures. Experts point out that while Paul refers to “my gospel,” he is not claiming a personalized message but is underscoring his role as an envoy of the universal gospel of Christ.