Romans 16 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland

<< Previous | Index | Next >>
                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                            Chapter Sixteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To be impressed with such Christians as Phoebe, Priscilla, and
   Aquila

2) To understand the warning against those who cause division

SUMMARY

In this last chapter, Paul closes with miscellaneous instructions, 
greetings, warnings, and a doxology.  Of particular note are his
comments concerning Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea (1-2).
Also, his greetings to Priscilla and Aquila remind us of how
instrumental this couple was in the spread of the gospel (3-5a).  The
remaining greetings from Paul remind us that there were many others who
contributed to the growth of the church in the first century (5b-16).

A final warning is given against those who would cause divisions and 
occasions of stumbling contrary to what Paul had taught in this epistle 
(17-18).  For above all else, Paul wanted to ensure their continued 
obedience in the gospel (19-20).

Paul's companions at Corinth add their greetings (21-24), and Paul 
closes this wonderful epistle with an expression of praise to God for 
the revelation of the gospel which was leading to the obedience of 
faith among all nations (25-27).

OUTLINE

I. CONCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS & FAREWELLS (1-24)

   A. COMMENDATION OF PHOEBE (1-2)
      1. A servant of the church in Cenchrea (1)
      2. To receive her in a worthy manner, helping her along (2)

   B. MISCELLANEOUS GREETINGS FROM PAUL (3-16)
      1. To Priscilla and Aquila (3-5a)
      2. To various others (5b-16)

   C. A FINAL WARNING (17-20)
      1. Against those who selfishly cause divisions and offenses
         (17-18)
      2. To continue in obedience, for God will give them victory
         (19-20)

   D. GREETINGS FROM PAUL'S COMPANIONS (21-24)
      1. From Timothy and others (21)
      2. From Tertius, Paul's "amanuensis" [personal scribe] (22)
      3. From brethren at Corinth (23-24)

II. PAUL'S DOXOLOGY (25-27)

   A. TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH YOU (25-26)
      1. According to the gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ (25a)
      2. According to the mystery once secret, but now revealed and 
         made known to all nations (25b-26)
         a. Made known by the prophetic Scriptures (26a)
         b. Made known for obedience to the faith (26b)

   B. TO GOD, ALONE WISE, BE GLORY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST FOREVER! (27)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - Concluding Instructions And Farewells (1-24)
   - Paul's Doxology (25-27)

2) How does Paul describe Phoebe? (1-2)
   - A servant of the church; a helper of Paul and of many

3) How does Paul describe Priscilla and Aquila? (3-4)
   - Fellow workers; who risked their necks for Paul's life

4) How does Paul describe those who cause division and offenses? (18)
   - They serve not the Lord, but their own belly

5) Is the "mystery" referred to in verse 25 still hidden? (25-26)
   - No, it has been revealed and made known through preaching and the
     Scriptures to all nations

6) What is the objective of the gospel according to verse 26?
   - Obedience to the faith
<< Previous | Index | Next >>
Home Page
Have A Bible Question? | Want A Free Bible Study Course? | Looking For A Church Near You?
Want To Talk With Someone By Phone? | Want To Discuss The Bible By Email?
Search The Outlines