16:25
The letter closes with a doxology. There has already been one at the end of chapter 11. The focus is on Jesus, the one “who is able to establish [us]”. Paul talks about “my gospel”. Paul was not claiming the gospel as his invention, but he was utterly committed to it. In the gospel a mystery is revealed. The mystery was how could God’s plan, purposes and promises possibly be fulfilled when Israel in particular, and mankind in general, were such a sinful breed. The gospel revealed the answer, through Jesus Christ.
16:26,27
The mystery has now been disclosed “and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations”. It is interesting to consider exactly what was meant by “prophetic writings”. Perhaps the most likely answer is the OT prophets. They certainly do point towards Christ, but it seems a strange way of referring to them. Notice the phrase “the obedience of faith”. The gospel is actually a command that we are required to obey. God is wise, He is the only One who knows and understands all things.
No comments:
Post a Comment