Romans 16:26 kjv
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:
Romans 16:26 nkjv
but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith?
Romans 16:26 niv
but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith?
Romans 16:26 esv
but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith ?
Romans 16:26 nlt
But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him.
Romans 16 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 16:25 | "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel..." | Basis of His power |
| Romans 1:2-4 | "...the gospel of God, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord..." | The content of the gospel |
| Acts 13:47 | "...I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salv..." | Purpose of the gospel |
| Isaiah 49:6 | "...I will make you as a light to the Gentiles, that you may be My salvatio..." | Old Testament prophecy |
| Daniel 9:24 | "Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city..." | Prophecy of God's plan |
| Jeremiah 31:31-34 | "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD..." (New Covenant) | Old Testament prophecy |
| Genesis 12:3 | "In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." | Abrahamic Covenant promise |
| Psalm 2:7-9 | "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son...'" | Messiah's universal reign |
| Isaiah 11:10 | "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse..." | Seed of promise |
| Luke 24:44-45 | "Then He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Script..." | Jesus on OT scriptures |
| John 5:39-40 | "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life..." | Scriptures point to Christ |
| 1 Corinthians 2:7 | "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom..." | The revealed mystery |
| Ephesians 3:5-6 | "...which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men..." | Not previously revealed |
| Colossians 1:26-27 | "the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now..." | Mystery revealed in Christ |
| 1 Peter 1:10-12 | "Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully..." | Prophets testified of salvation |
| Revelation 14:6-7 | "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven..." (Eternal gospel) | Eternal gospel proclamation |
| Romans 1:16 | "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ..." | Power of the gospel |
| Romans 10:13-17 | "For 'whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.'" | Faith through preaching |
| Galatians 3:8 | "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith..." | Foreknowledge of salvation |
| 1 Timothy 3:16 | "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness..." | Mystery of godliness |
Romans 16 verses
Romans 16 26 Meaning
This verse reveals that the eternal God, through the prophetic writings, made the gospel known to all nations, calling them to faith and obedience. This divine revelation, centered on Jesus Christ, serves as the foundation for understanding God's plan throughout history, leading to the salvation of all who believe.
Romans 16 26 Context
Romans 16:25-27 serves as a powerful doxology, concluding the letter. It summarizes the core message Paul has been presenting: God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The preceding verses (16:1-24) contain personal greetings and warnings against false teachers. This final section elevates the focus from human interaction to the eternal, divine work of God in revealing His plan to all nations, empowering believers, and offering eternal wisdom. The historical context is Paul's mission to bring the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling the promises made in the Old Testament.
Romans 16 26 Word analysis
"Now to Him": Refers directly to God the Father.
"who is able": Emphasizes God's sovereign power and capacity.
"to establish you": To strengthen, confirm, and make firm in faith and obedience.
"according to my gospel": Based on the specific message of salvation through Jesus Christ that Paul preached.
"and the preaching of Jesus Christ": Reinforces the centrality of Jesus in the gospel message.
"according to the revelation of the mystery": This refers to a divine secret, previously hidden, now made known.
"which was kept secret": Emphasizes its prior hidden nature, not ignorance.
"for ages and ages": A phrase indicating an immense span of time, from eternity past.
"but now": Signifies the divinely appointed time for its unveiling.
"has been manifested": Brought to light, revealed clearly.
"through the prophetic Scriptures": The Old Testament writings foretold this revelation.
"made known to all nations": The gospel's universal scope, extending beyond Israel.
"for the obedience of faith": The purpose of the revelation is to elicit faith and resulting obedience.
"to God, alone wise": Attributes ultimate wisdom solely to God, contrasting with human folly.
"be glory through Jesus Christ forever.": All glory belongs to God, mediated and expressed through Jesus Christ for all eternity.
Word-group analysis:
- "According to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ": These phrases are closely linked, highlighting that Paul's gospel is fundamentally about Jesus Christ.
- "Revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for ages and ages but now has been manifested": This captures the progression of God's plan from hiddenness to revelation.
- "Through the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations": This connects the Old Testament prophecies to the universal outworking of the gospel.
- "For the obedience of faith": This expresses the intended response to the revealed mystery.
- "To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.": This is a final exaltation of God's unique wisdom and the eternal glory due to Him, realized through Christ.
Romans 16 26 Bonus section
This verse serves as a crescendo, bringing together the themes of God’s sovereignty, His foreknowledge, the centrality of Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy, the universality of the gospel, and the ultimate purpose of His glory. It encapsulates the entire narrative of redemption as an eternal project initiated and completed by God. The term "mystery" here doesn't imply something unknowable, but a divine secret deliberately kept hidden until its appointed time for revelation, which is the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan through Christ. The "prophetic Scriptures" are the key to understanding this unfolding revelation, demonstrating continuity between the Old and New Covenants. The phrase "ages and ages" suggests a span reaching from eternity past to eternity future.
Romans 16 26 Commentary
This concluding verse is a majestic affirmation of God’s eternal plan of salvation, perfectly orchestrated and revealed. It underscores that the gospel, the central message of Christian faith, was not a new, spontaneous idea but was foreknown and prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures. God, in His infinite wisdom, deliberately kept this mystery hidden for "ages and ages," a profound truth concealed even from the wisest angelic beings, only to reveal it in His own perfect timing through Jesus Christ. This revelation transcends ethnic and national boundaries, designed to bring about the "obedience of faith" among all nations. The ultimate purpose is to direct all glory, honor, and praise to God, the sole source of wisdom, through His Son, Jesus Christ, for all eternity. The emphasis is on God’s power, the mystery of His unfolding plan, and the universality and enduring nature of His glory through Christ.
- Practical usage: When facing trials or confusion about God’s plan, believers can be reminded that God has a foreknown, revealed purpose. The call to obedience of faith is a response to this revelation, requiring trust and action. The focus on God’s glory through Christ offers comfort and perspective, redirecting anxieties towards eternal truth.