Romans 16:20 - Avoid Divisions
The God of peace
This phrase emphasizes God's nature as one who brings peace, contrasting with the chaos and conflict often associated with Satan. In the biblical context, peace (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness and harmony. This aligns with the Old Testament portrayal of God as a peacemaker, as seen in Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is called the "Prince of Peace." The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus offering peace to His followers (John 14:27).
will soon crush
The imagery of crushing is reminiscent of Genesis 3:15, where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head. This is often seen as the first messianic prophecy, foretelling the ultimate defeat of Satan through Jesus Christ. The word "soon" suggests an imminent action, reflecting the early Christian belief in the nearness of Christ's return and the final victory over evil.
Satan
Satan, meaning "adversary" or "accuser," is depicted throughout the Bible as the primary opponent of God and His people. In the New Testament, Satan is portrayed as a tempter (Matthew 4:1-11), a deceiver (2 Corinthians 11:14), and the ruler of this world (John 12:31). The promise of his defeat is a source of hope for believers, affirming that evil will not have the final word.
under your feet
This phrase indicates the participation of believers in the victory over Satan. It echoes Psalm 110:1, where God promises to make the enemies of the Messiah a footstool for His feet. In a cultural context, placing one's foot on the neck of a defeated enemy symbolized total conquest. This imagery reassures Christians of their role in God's triumph over evil, as they are united with Christ, who has already secured the victory.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
Grace is a central theme in Paul's writings, referring to the unmerited favor and love of God extended to humanity through Jesus Christ. This grace is foundational for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) and empowers believers to live godly lives (Titus 2:11-12). The mention of "our Lord Jesus Christ" underscores the personal relationship believers have with Jesus, who is both Savior and Lord.
be with you
This closing benediction is a common feature in Paul's letters, expressing a desire for God's presence and favor to accompany the recipients. It reflects the biblical understanding that God's grace is not a one-time event but an ongoing reality in the life of a believer. This assurance of divine presence provides comfort and strength, echoing Jesus' promise to be with His followers always (Matthew 28:20).
Persons / Places / Events
1. God of Peace
This title emphasizes God's nature as one who brings peace and reconciliation. It highlights His role in overcoming chaos and evil.
2. Satan
The adversary and accuser, representing evil and opposition to God's purposes. His defeat is assured by God's power.
3. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to the Romans, providing guidance and encouragement to the early church.
4. Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.
5. Jesus Christ
The source of grace and the one through whom victory over Satan is achieved.
Teaching Points
Assurance of Victory
Believers can have confidence in the ultimate triumph over evil because God Himself will crush Satan. This assurance should inspire hope and perseverance.
Role of Peace
God's identity as the "God of peace" underscores that true peace comes through His victory over evil. Believers are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God's nature.
Grace as Sustenance
The grace of Jesus is essential for believers as they await the fulfillment of God's promises. It empowers and sustains them in their spiritual journey.
Active Participation
While God promises victory, believers are called to actively resist evil and stand firm in faith, utilizing the spiritual resources God provides.
Community Encouragement
The promise of Satan's defeat is given to the church community, highlighting the importance of mutual encouragement and support in the faith journey.
(20) The God of peace.--We can well understand how the Apostle, in the midst of "fightings without and fears within," should look forward with joyous confidence to the time when both for him and his readers all this turmoil and conflict would give way to "peace." The reference seems to be to his near expectation of the Messiah's return, and with it the final victory of the faith. The Romans have not begun to feel the bitterness of divisions as yet; he foresees a time when they will do so. but beyond that he foresees a further time when all will be hushed and quelled, and the Great Adversary himself for ever overthrown.
Bruise.--With reference to Genesis 3:15.
The grace. . . .--The more correct reading of the benediction is simply. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you, the other words being omitted. The four principal Graeco-Latin Codices omit the benediction here altogether and insert it in Romans 16:24, where it also appears in the Received text, though wanting in MSS. of the best type.
Greek
The
Ὁ (Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
of peace
εἰρήνης (eirēnēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.
will soon crush
συντρίψει (syntripsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4937: From sun and the base of tribos; to crush completely, i.e. To shatter.
Satan
Σατανᾶν (Satanan)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4567: An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.
under
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).
your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
feet.
πόδας (podas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228: The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.
The
Ἡ (HĒ)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
grace
χάρις (charis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.
of our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
Christ
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
[be] with
μεθ’ (meth’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.
you.
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
Links
Romans 16:20 NIV
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Romans 16:20 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will quickly (Rom. Ro)