Kenny begins by emphasizing the significance of Romans chapter 16, which he considers the culmination of God's testimony expressed through a people for His own possession. He reflects on his personal journey of studying Romans, choosing it after Brother Kong's advice to read a book 50 times, and highlights its unique, comprehensive presentation of the gospel. Kenny underscores that this chapter, often overlooked, is a powerful explosion of God's love expressed in a diverse assembly of saints—Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free, men, women—all in Christ. He stresses that the names listed represent the living testimony of Jesus, illustrating God's heart for a people. Kenny points out Paul's deep love and intimate knowledge of these believers, despite never having visited Rome, showing that love for the church is central to God's will. He highlights Phoebe, a deaconess entrusted with delivering the epistle, exemplifying service and trust. The chapter also contains Paul's admonition against divisions, emphasizing unity and love, which Christ prayed for in John 17. Kenny concludes by affirming that only God can establish and keep believers, and that the gospel—Christ in us—is the divine mystery now revealed. His prayer is that God finds a people among us who love the church and testify of Jesus through our lives, for His glory.
Romans 16 as the climax of God's testimony expressed in a people for His possession
Personal reflection on studying Romans and its significance
The chapter as an explosion of names representing diverse saints in Christ
Paul’s love and intimate knowledge of believers, despite not visiting Rome
Examples of faithful servants: Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, and others
The importance of love for the church and unity among believers
Warning against divisions and the need for discernment and love
God’s ability to establish and keep believers through the gospel and Christ in us
Final encouragement to be a testimony of Jesus, loving the church for His glory
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. 11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. 12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.