Thursday, July 10 – Romans 16, Acts 21

1. Who is thought to have delivered this valuable letter to the Romans? (Romans 16:1)1)

2. What special request did the apostle make for this person? (Romans 16:2)2)

3. Which significant Old Testament passage did Paul indirectly allude to? (Romans 16:20)0)

4. Who did Paul visit immediately upon arriving in Jerusalem, showing his respect for the organized church? (Acts 21:15–20)

In chapter 16, the apostle Paul concludes his important letter to the Roman believers with personal greetings to his faithful coworkers and a song of praise and gratitude to God. In this way, Paul says farewell by leaving the believers in a spirit of trust and faith in the Lord rather than surrounding them with sadness through his departure.

Paul wrote this letter from Corinth during his third missionary journey. He had not yet been to Rome, but some individuals he had converted to the gospel in other regions where he preached had already made their way there.

This chapter is full of information, listing many of Paul’s friends. It’s worth taking time to reflect on these special people.

Paul requests the believers in Rome to support his envoy. He uses the Greek word “pragma”, which refers to something legal or official. It is possible that Phoebe traveled to Rome to handle legal matters, and Paul asks the believers to assist her in this. She has been a great help to many, including Paul himself.

Let us take note from this inspiring paragraph how important each one of us is in the final work, just as those members of the churches were to Paul:

“The cause of God in the earth today is in need of living representatives of Bible truth. The ordained ministers alone are unequal to the task of warning the great cities. God is calling, not only upon ministers, but also upon physicians, nurses, colporteurs, Bible workers, and other consecrated laymen of varied talent who have a knowledge of the word of God and who know the power of His grace. He calls upon them to take their place in the service. Time is rapidly passing.

There is much to be done. Every agency must be set in operation, that present opportunities may be wisely improved.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 158)

After finishing his letter to the Romans and completing his mission in Corinth and throughout Macedonia, Paul decides to go to Jerusalem despite strong pleas from fellow believers to change his mind. His loyal friends feared for his safety and tried to persuade him otherwise, but the apostle remained determined. He traveled through several towns, saying goodbye to church leaders in heartfelt scenes. They cared for this selfless missionary deeply!

Finally, we see him arrive at Caesarea Maritima, a busy Roman city on Israel’s coast. There, he stayed in the home of the deacon and evangelist Philip, who had four daughters who prophesied. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul began his long persecution and final imprisonment.

“Calm and self-possessed, he [Paul] stood before the furious mob, not in his own strength, but in the power of God. His mind was stayed on God, and he knew that angels of heaven were about him. He must not fail to declare the truth before that crowd. One look at the countenance of the apostle, his bearing so full of dignity, his uplifted hand, asked for quiet, a deep hush fell upon the surging multitude. In a clear and musical voice, Paul addressed them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, ‘Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you.’ At the sound of the familiar Hebrew words they kept the more silence, and he continued.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 404)

What a powerful lesson this brave servant of God has given us! Despite being threatened and beaten, Paul did not waste the opportunity. He used the moment to speak to the Jews about Jesus. Will this be an experience we may also face in the final stage of the great controversy?

I pray that God strengthens us as we approach the final crisis and fills us with His Spirit so we can bear witness before the world, no matter the cost.

May you all receive abundant blessings as you read God’s Word.