Paul’s Remarkable Helpers
In Romans 16, Paul reveals his deep affection for those whom he had served, for those who had served him, and for those who served with him.
Outline
Introduction
I. Paul the Partner in Faith (Romans 15:14-15)
II. Paul the Priest (Romans 15:16)
III. Paul the Preacher (Romans 15:17-19)
IV. Paul the Pioneer (Romans 15:20-21)
Conclusion
Bible Text
Romans 15:14–21 (NKJV)
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,
16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—
19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,
21 but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.”
In Romans 16, Paul reveals his deep affection for those whom he had served, for those who had served him, and for those who served with him.
In Romans 15:22–32, Paul demonstrates six characteristics of his own ministry that should be evidenced in the life and ministry of every believer who is committed to doing God’s will.
In Romans 15:14-21 Paul gives a defense of his ministry, especially of his boldness in writing this letter to a church he did not found and had never visited. Except for a few individuals he had met elsewhere, he did not know the Christians in Rome. Yet he addresses them both warmly and forthrightly, as if they were close friends.