What does Romans 16:27 mean?

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Romans 16:27

Explanation

Romans 16:27 concludes the letter of Paul to the Romans with a doxology—a short hymn of praise to God. The verse recognizes God as the only wise and proclaims His glory through Jesus Christ forever. It suggests that all wisdom and all ability to discern right from wrong, truth from deception, come from God alone. Furthermore, the invocation of Jesus Christ signifies that the glory given to God is facilitated through Christ—both as the mediator of God’s wisdom and as the one who redeems humanity. The “Amen” at the end of the verse affirms the truth of the statement, signifying agreement and conviction from the speaker and likely the intended readers.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul in approximately 57 A.D. to the church in Rome before he had visited them. The community in Rome was a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul wrote this epistle to present a systematic exposition of the Gospel and to address issues that were arising between Jewish and Gentile believers. The final chapter contains personal greetings, warnings about divisive persons, and praises God in response to the revelation of the Gospel through Jesus Christ. This verse sums up the grand themes of the letter: wisdom, the glory of God, and the eternal lordship of Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Romans 16:27 underlines several key Christian doctrines:

• The wisdom of God: Christian theologians often emphasize God’s infinite wisdom compared to human wisdom, which is finite and sometimes corrupt.
• Doxology: This is a traditional Christian expression of worship that acknowledges God’s glory, and it has been incorporated into many worship practices.
• Christology: The mention of Jesus Christ touches on Christ’s divine role as the mediator through whom God’s wisdom and glory are manifested.

Different denominations have somewhat different interpretations of the immediate context and implications of this declaration regarding God’s wisdom and the role of Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to:

• Recognize the sovereignty of God’s wisdom over human understanding.
• Give glory to God, not just in worship settings, but in all aspects of life.
• View Jesus Christ as central to their relationship with God and as the conduit for God’s glory and wisdom.
• Practice humility, acknowledging that true wisdom and the ability to discern right from wrong come from God.

Cross-References

• Jude 1:25: “To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
• Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
• 1 Timothy 1:17: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Language Study

In the original Greek language, “To God only wise” translates to “μόνῳ σοφῷ Θεῷ” (monō Sophō Theō). The term “σοφῷ” (Sophō) means “wise,” and it is related to God’s ultimate and perfect wisdom. “Glory” is translated from “δόξα” (doxa), which refers to the magnificent honor, praise, and worship due to God. The Greek word “διὰ” (dia) means through or by and indicates that it is through Jesus Christ that this glory is channeled. “Amen” is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for “truly” or “so be it,” signifying affirmation of belief.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient myths, wisdom is often attributed to a variety of deities and can be sought or learned by humans. In Greek mythology, for example, Athena was the goddess of wisdom. However, in the Judeo-Christian framework, God is the singular source of all wisdom, contrasting with a pantheon of wisdom deities. Similarly, other religions have different understandings of wisdom and its sources—some see it as accessible through enlightenment or as an attribute that deities may share with humans.

Scientific Perspectives

Science often explores the how of creation, while religion explores the why. The purported wisdom of God encompasses not just information and laws governing the physical world (the realm of science) but also moral and spiritual truths. While science values empirical evidence and reason, religious wisdom as mentioned in this verse encapsulates a deeper, spiritual understanding that might be considered beyond empirical measurement.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various insights on Romans 16:27:

• John Stott, an Anglican cleric, might point to this verse as a celebration of God’s revealed mystery now made known through Scripture and the Gospel.
• F.F. Bruce, a Biblical scholar, might emphasize the unsearchable riches of Christ and the wisdom of God manifest in the redemption plan.
• N.T. Wright, a New Testament scholar, would likely focus on the doxological nature of Paul’s writings and how this verse serves as a fitting end to the profound theological letter of Romans, which outlines the plan of salvation and God’s righteousness revealed through faith. Wright may also talk about how Paul is quick to give glory to God for the revelation of this plan through Christ.
• Matthew Henry, a nonconformist minister and author of commentaries on the whole Bible, would probably highlight the infinite wisdom of God in the work of our redemption by Jesus Christ as a cause for eternal praise.