Killearn DTS: Romans 15:14--16:27

In verse 14 of chapter 15, Paul begins winding down his letter to the church at Rome by paying the Christians in Rome the compliment of saying that they are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Wesley notes that they are full of goodness because of being born again in Christ and are complete in knowledge through long experience in the things of God. Paul states that he wrote boldly to the church at times in his letter because that is what God has called Paul to do—to be a minister of Jesus to the Gentiles and proclaim the gospel to them and thus aid in their becoming acceptable to God and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (v. 15-16). Calvin notes that in order to instruct someone with boldness and offer correction a person needs to be both kind and to have skill in offering useful advice. The latter is obviously necessary, for advice that consistently does not prosper a person will be quickly discarded. The former is necessary both because only a kind person will look to aid those around them, and kindness when giving the advice or correction will make the hearer more inclined to listen. Because of his calling to the Gentiles and the work God is performing in many of them through Christ and the Spirit, Paul glories in the person of Christ in his service to God. (v. 17). Paul’s focus on the person and works of Christ is so great that he wants only to speak of what Christ has done through Paul in leading the Gentiles to obey God by Paul’s works, often accompanied by signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. In obeying his calling, Paul traveled from Jerusalem to Illyricum (near present day Serbia) preaching the Gospel. (v. 18-19). Calvin points out that this passage shows that the purpose of signs and miracles is to serve as a display and testimony to the divine power of God and thus lead us to admire and adore God.

Paul declares that since being converted, his desire has always been to preach the gospel in areas where Christ was not known, so that he would not be building on the foundation of others. (v. 20). This desire is explained with a quote from Isa 52:15, which states that “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will not understand.” Thus it appears that Paul is not so much motivated by ambition, but rather to share the gospel with those who have not heard it. It is because of this desire, Paul explains, that he has often been hindered from visiting the church at Rome in person. (v. 22). However, now that he has fully proclaimed the gospel in that region, he plans to visit with the church at Rome on his way to Spain. (v. 23-24). However, Paul must first return to Jerusalem to present a gift from the churches at Macedonia and Achaia for the poor of the city. (v. 25-26). The believers in these gentile cities were happy to do it, as a way of repaying the Jews for the privilege God has given them to share in the spiritual heritage of the Jewish faith. (v. 27). Once this task is done, Paul will come and visit Rome in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. (v. 28-29). As Calvin notes, Paul is confident that his visit to the Romans will yield spiritual blessings to the church there.

Paul asks the Romans to join in his ministry by praying to God for him, that he will be rescued from unbelievers when he journeys back to Jerusalem, and that his service once there will be acceptable to the saints (believers) there. (v. 30-31). As Calvin notes, if Paul was willing to ask for the prayers of others to aid him, we would be stupid not to do the same in our lives. Paul asks for these prayers so that by God’s will he will come to Rome with joy and will join with the church there in being refreshed. (v. 32). Paul concludes his request for prayer with a quick prayer for the church at Rome, that God will be with them. (v. 33).

Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings that he asks will be passed along to individuals and households in Rome. He begins these by asking that the church receive Phoebe, a deaconess from the church in Cenchrea (port city near Corinth). He commends Phoebe to them, saying that she has been a great help to many people, including Paul himself and asks the church to help her if need be. (v. 1-2). Wesley and Calvin both state that it is Phoebe who is delivering this letter to the Romans. Paul asks for many people to be greeted, including a large number of women believers. Of note are Priscilla and Aquilla (husband and wife, see Acts 18:2), fellow tentmakers who risked their lives for Paul, and Andronicus and Junicas who were in prison with Paul. (v. 3-15). Paul states that all the churches of Christ send their greetings to the church at Rome. (v. 16).

Paul warns the Romans to watch out for persons who cause divisions and place obstacles that are contrary to the instruction in the gospel that they have learned. Paul is quite blunt that such persons are to be avoided because they do not serve the Lord Christ, but rather themselves and their appetites. The false teachers use smooth talk and flattery to deceive the minds of the naïve. (v. 17-18). Calvin is correct in noting that a false prophet can be identified by the fact they concern for themselves first and foremost, rather than for Christ and the good of others. Paul warned about false teachers numerous times, including in Galatians 1:8 and 1 Tim 1:3. Paul states that everyone has heard about the obedience to Christ shown by the saints at Rome, and that he is full of joy over their obedience. Nevertheless, he wants them to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. (v. 19). Paul concludes with en exhortation that God will soon crush Stan under their feet and praying that the grace of “our Lord Jesus be with you.” (v. 20) He passes on greetings of others with him, including Timothy. (v. 21-24). Paul ends with a benediction of praise to God. God, who is able to establish the believer through the gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ. God, who has revealed the mystery of his purpose of redeeming mankind through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who commanded that these events be prophesied for the purpose of bringing all nations to believe and obey God. That this only wise God be glorified forever through Jesus Christ. (v. 25-27).

Further Evidence Of The Need For A New Spacecraft

If the fact that the shuttle continues to have debris rain from it is not enough to convince you of the need for a new spacecraft (one is in development) and to scrap the shuttle ASAP, read how they plan to repair the bottom of the spacecraft:

(By PAM EASTON, Associated Press Writer)

NASA says the protruding material on Discovery's belly could cause dangerous overheating during re-entry and lead to another Columbia-type disaster.

The agency planned to put astronaut Stephen Robinson on the end of the space station's 58-foot robotic arm Wednesday for the improvised maneuver. Astronauts inside the station will maneuver the arm so Robinson can reach the shuttle's belly. Once there, he'll tug out the ceramic-fabric filler with his gloved hands.

If that doesn't work, he'll use a makeshift hacksaw to cut away the material, which is sticking out about an inch from two spots near Discovery's nose. The saw was improvised out of a blade, plastic ties, duct tape, Velcro and other items aboard the space station. "I am pretty comfortable with using tools very carefully," Robinson said early Tuesday during a crew news conference. "But no doubt about it, this is going to be a very delicate task. But as I say, a simple one." The protruding bits of gap filler are small — one is about the thickness of an index card and the other is the size of three index cards bonded together.

"There won't be any yanking going on at all," Robinson said. "It will be a gentle pull with my hand. If that doesn't work, I have some forceps. I will give it a slightly more than gentle pull. If that doesn't work, I saw it off with a hacksaw."

See the whole article here