READ: Rom. 16:25–27: 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 kept secret since the world began but now made manifest … to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
In the closing of the letter Paul gives, as it were, a brief summary of all he has written. He confirms the certainty of God’s promises that the Gentiles may share in the salvation already made known to Abraham.
It is the salvation by which Christ will save and preserve those whom the Father has given Him. Only by grace, not by the law. Thus Paul wrote in Rom. 3:21–31, concluding: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. In their own strength they cannot hold fast to this gospel, but God Himself will support them in it.
Paul again points to the mystery, the hidden purpose of God, made known and executed after Christ’s ascension: namely that the salvation of the gospel is for Jews and Gentiles (cf. Rom. 11:25–36). For this obedience of faith is required. With that purpose He sent out His apostles to carry out His command.
This glorious mystery has now fully become visible as proof of God’s divine wisdom, which Jesus Christ has brought into reality. God is “alone wise”: here happens what “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9). Therefore the congregation is called to give this alone wise God continual praise and glory.
That praise will be continued eternally by the great multitude which no one can number, from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues (Rev. 7:9). Thus this conclusion fits the exclamation of Paul in Rom. 11:36: For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Why is it for us still a “mystery” (vs.25)?
Singing: Ps. 145:1,5