Romans 16 25

Romans 16:25 kjv

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,

Romans 16:25 nkjv

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

Romans 16:25 niv

Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,

Romans 16:25 esv

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

Romans 16:25 nlt

Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 25 Meaning

Romans 16:25 serves as a majestic doxology, a hymn of praise to God that climactically concludes Paul's epistle. It expresses profound confidence in God's immense power to establish and sustain believers. This divine steadfastness is achieved "according to" Paul's specific articulation of the Gospel and the preaching centered on Jesus Christ. Critically, this Gospel is presented as the revelation of a "mystery"—a divine truth, purposefully kept hidden by God for untold ages, but now fully unveiled. This unveiled mystery speaks of God's eternal plan for salvation, particularly encompassing both Jews and Gentiles on equal terms in Christ, thus empowering believers to remain firm in faith and practice as taught throughout the letter.

Romans 16 25 Context

Romans 16:25 is part of a magnificent three-verse doxology (verses 25-27) that formally concludes Paul's most theologically profound epistle. The preceding verses of chapter 16 consist mainly of personal greetings to believers in Rome and final exhortations. While some early manuscripts placed this doxology at the end of chapter 14 or 15, its current position acts as a powerful summation of the entire letter's theological thrust. Romans 1-11 lays out the universal need for righteousness, God's provision through faith in Christ, and the intricate plan involving both Jew and Gentile. Romans 12-15 then details the practical implications for Christian living. This concluding doxology grounds both the theological explanation and the ethical demands in God's own power, wisdom, and perfect timing. Historically, the audience faced internal tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers, and external pressures, which made Paul's emphasis on unity through the revealed mystery particularly salient.

Romans 16 25 Word analysis

• Now (δὲ - de): A connective particle here, often signaling a transition, conclusion, or a solemn emphasis, fitting for a concluding doxology.
• to him that is of power / to him who is able (τῷ δὲ δυναμένῳ - tō de dynamenō): Refers to God. "Able" (δυναμένῳ) is a present participle, highlighting God's continuous and inherent capacity and active power, an attribute of omnipotence, specifically his sovereign ability to effectively act and sustain.
• to stablish you / to strengthen you (ὑμᾶς στηρίξαι - hymas stērixai): "You" (plural) refers to the Roman believers. "Strengthen" (στηρίξαι) means to make firm, stable, steadfast, or to confirm. It signifies spiritual steadfastness and foundational stability in faith and Christian conduct.
• according to (κατὰ - kata): A preposition indicating the standard, basis, or principle upon which God strengthens believers.
• my gospel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου - to euangelion mou): "Gospel" means "good news." "My" emphasizes Paul's unique apostolic stewardship and specific articulation of this good news, rooted in his revelation from Christ. It includes the message of justification by faith for both Jews and Gentiles.
• and the preaching of Jesus Christ (καὶ τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - kai to kērygma Iēsou Christou): This complements "my gospel." "Preaching" (κήρυγμα) refers to the content proclaimed, not just the act. It denotes the objective truth concerning the person, work, and lordship of Jesus Christ as the central theme.
• according to (κατὰ - kata): Reappears, establishing another foundational aspect of God's power to strengthen.
• the revelation (ἀποκάλυψιν - apokalypsin): "Apocalypse" means an unveiling or disclosure. It signifies something formerly hidden now fully made manifest.
• of the mystery (μυστηρίου - mystēriou): "Mystery" (μυστήριον) in the NT refers not to something unknowable, but to a divine truth previously concealed in God's counsels, now revealed through Christ and the apostles. Its specific content is God's plan for humanity, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles with Jews into the church without necessitating the Law of Moses.
• which was kept secret (σεσιγημμένου - sesigēmenou): Perfect passive participle of "to keep silent." It implies intentional and continuous divine concealment over a long period.
• since the world began / for long ages (χρόνοις αἰωνίοις - chronois aiōniois): Literally "in eternal times" or "through the ages." It highlights the immense duration of the mystery's divine concealment, underscoring God's meticulous, sovereign planning before the present era.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• Now to him who is able to strengthen you: This opening segment declares God's omnipotence, focusing on His specific power to make believers stable and firm. It affirms divine agency as the ultimate source of spiritual endurance for the Roman Christians amidst their challenges and callings.
• according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ: This phrase identifies the means through which God's strengthening power operates. It is through Paul's unique message, rooted in divine revelation, which explicitly centers on the saving work, identity, and proclamation of Jesus Christ. This links God's power directly to the message delivered.
• according to the revelation of the mystery: This reveals the nature or content of the gospel. The good news is not arbitrary but a divinely unveiled secret. "Revelation" underscores that this truth originates with God, not human invention or speculation.
• that was kept secret for long ages, but now disclosed: This clarifies the status and timing of the "mystery." Its long concealment signifies divine foresight and pre-planning, spanning an immense period. The "now disclosed" emphasizes the climactic nature of the Christ event and apostolic era as the decisive moment of God's perfect timing. It highlights the wonder and magnitude of a truth kept hidden for so long being finally unveiled for all.

Romans 16 25 Bonus section

• Doxological Function: This verse, along with verses 26-27, functions as a powerful doxology, shifting from personal greetings and exhortations to a grand statement of praise to God. It rounds off the entire letter with an exalted tone, affirming God's glory and wisdom at the close of his theological treatise.
• The Universality of the Gospel: The emphasis on the "mystery" being "now disclosed" particularly speaks to the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, a theme central to Romans (especially chapters 9-11). It reveals God's universal redemptive purpose, encompassing all humanity through Christ, making salvation accessible globally.
• Divine Wisdom: The concept of a "mystery kept secret for long ages" before being revealed points to God's profound, inscrutable wisdom (Rom 11:33-36). His timing is perfect, His plan flawless, and its revelation in Christ signifies the culmination of redemptive history.
• Paul's Apostolic Authority: By referring to "my gospel," Paul implicitly reaffirms the unique, divinely appointed nature of his mission and the authoritative revelation he received directly from Christ (Gal 1:11-12). This adds weight to the truth being proclaimed in his letter.

Romans 16 25 Commentary

Romans 16:25 encapsulates the profound themes of the entire epistle, offering a powerful benediction. Paul affirms that God possesses the sovereign capability to make His people steadfast in their faith and conduct. This divine strengthening is not abstract, but is grounded in the concrete reality of Paul's preached Gospel—a message intrinsically bound to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Central to this Gospel is a "mystery": God's long-concealed, yet now fully unveiled, plan for a global family of faith where Gentiles are full participants in salvation alongside Jews, apart from the Mosaic Law. The mystery’s past concealment highlights God’s perfect timing and purposeful revelation. Thus, the verse provides comfort and confidence, asserting that the very God who designed and executed this sweeping plan is powerful enough to establish and sustain individual believers within it. It transforms potentially bewildering truths into foundations for unwavering hope.