Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ… What a doxology! Full of Divine melody; full of grace and truth! I. THE STABLISHING. He is the Creator. (1) He is the mighty God. He is "of power" (literally, "able") to stablish you. (2) The fountain-head of the mystery of hidden wisdom. (3) He is the everlasting God (Psalm 90:1). (4) He is the God only wise. Such is our Stablisher! Can we fear or be discouraged? Shall our weakness, or frailty, or the number of our foes appal us? II. THE STABLISHING. The word expresses steadfastness, fixture, and strength (see Luke 9:51; Romans 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 13; 2 Thessalonians 2:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; James 5:8; 1 Peter 5:10). It assumes that on our part there is weakness, wavering, changeableness; that there is peril. The process of stablishing is what we need so much; it is more than being "kept from falling," and we require both. The gospel (1) says to us, "Be steadfast"; (2) shows us what steadfastness is; (3) supplies us with the means of steadfastness. In clasping that gospel, we are holding that which alone can keep us from being moved. III. THE STABLISHED. These are, first of all, the saints at Rome, "called," "beloved of God," whose "faith was spoken of throughout the whole world." They needed "stablishing," though apostles were their pastors and teachers. (H. Bonar, D.D.) Parallel Verses 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, |
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