Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 26

 

Doxology

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: Rom 16:26

scriptures of the... The writings of the prophets are part of the Scriptures.

made known to... The obedience to the faith among all nations is made known through the:

1. Gospel (Rom. 16:25)

2. Preaching of Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:25)

3. Revelation of the mystery (Rom. 16:25)

4. Scriptures of the prophets (Rom. 16:26)

5. Commandment of God (Rom. 16:26)

The gospel preaching and revelation by the Scriptures must be known and believed in order for the soul to be saved (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16-20; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-9; 1Jhn. 1:9; Heb. 11:6).

God had told Israel that He would not only call her to righteousness, but appoint her as a light (of the gospel), to the nations.

Manifest means to render “apparent”. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

Luke 24:44-47 “And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.” “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,” “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:” “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Jesus spoke in parables when He taught so that the world would not understand. We see in the Scriptures above that He had to open our understanding for us to understand.

The goal of this “revelation of the mystery” (Rom. 16:25) is that people of all nations might believe and obey Christ (cf. Rom. 1:5; 15:18; 1Pet. 1:2). Paul’s concern for the geographical spread of the gospel is evident here (cf. Mat. 28:19), appropriate in view of his writing to the believers at the empire’s capital city.

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 27

 The Altar

And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord GOD. Eze 43:27

when these days... When the seven days of consecration for the altar and priests are finished, the priest will offer sacrifices to God—on the eighth day and every day after that.

and I will... The most beautiful statement here is that God will accept them. When they were living in spiritual adultery, just before their capture by Babylon, God had refused their offerings. They offered, but He refused. Now, they have been restored to fellowship with God.

saith the Lord... When they have come to this eighth day of new beginnings, God will accept their offerings again. He will be their God. He has forgiven them, and allowed them to begin again.

The priests will present the people’s burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar. This process will mark the full resumption of God’s fellowship with His people, as then God will accept them. These sacrifices will point Israelites to Christ who will have given them access to the Father (Heb. 10:19-25).

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 25

 

Doxology

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, Rom 16:25

Now to him... This is certainly a second postscript.

To the revelation... Some think that Paul added it when he got to Rome and after he had written Ephesians concerning the mystery that had been kept secret from ages past (Eph. 3:1-21). It is in all the MSS but two or three. Some have it after Rom. 14:23 and others have it here. Some have it in both places, but there is no question of its genuineness and authenticity.

Preaching of Jesus Christ was synonymous with the gospel; it was Paul’s supreme life commitment. The “mystery” refers to something hidden in former times but now made known.

Col. 1:26-27 “[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” “To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

In the Old Testament, the veil was covering the things of God. Jesus opened the way for us to the Father when He died on the cross. It is as if He removed the scales from our eyes, and the Holy Spirit of God has revealed to us the salvation story. We could hear it all day long, but until the Holy Spirit reveals the meaning we are without understanding. Praise God Jesus sent the comforter who is our teacher and guide, as well.

The truth of this message is the means of spiritual life and stability, as Paul expressed his praise to God who is able to establish you (cf. 1Pet. 5:10).

Paul said that aspects of this message (e.g., Rom. 11:25; 1Cor. 15:51; Eph. 5:32) and in a sense the total message (cf. Eph. 3:3-9; Col. 1:26-27) are the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known. The message of the gospel of Christ was “hidden” in the Old Testament, but is revealed in the New. In the prophetic writings (of the OT; cf. Rom. 1:2), given by the command of the eternal God (1Tim. 1:17), Christ was referred to (Luke 24:44-45), but even the prophets themselves were not fully aware of all they wrote (1Pet. 1:10-12). But now in the Church Age their writings are understood.

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 26

 The Alter

Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves. Eze 43:26

Seven days shall... These seven days symbolizes a separation from the world to the duties God would have them do. It is a time of preparation. The

the alter and... When this time is over, the altar will be purified.

and they shall... More than that, they will be purged of their sins, and dedicated to the work God has for them to do.

This process will mark the full resumption of God’s fellowship with His people, as then God will accept them. These sacrifices will point Israelites to Christ who will have given them access to the Father (Heb. 10:19-25).

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 24

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Rom 16:24

The grace of... This is a benediction used by many churches even today. This is about the best blessing that could be spoken on you.

Many manuscripts omit this verse. It is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts of Romans which is understandable in view of the longer, more explicit benediction that follows.

Again, Rom. 16:24 3 (NIV marg.), which repeats the benediction in Rom. 16:20, is not found in a number of the major Greek manuscripts and is not considered genuine.

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 25

 The Altar

Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish. Eze 43:25

Seven days shalt... For seven days offerings like the above will be made to consecrate the future millennial altar in the eternal temple. The estimated cost (7 times, $2,059.50) for the complete dedication of the altar—$14,416.50 (Eze. 43:25-26).

These seven days speak of spiritual completeness. The eighth day would speak of a new beginning, old sins gone, and starting all over again in right standing with God.

Flock without blemish... Commemorative of Christ’s unblemished perfection.

After seven days of offering bulls, goats, and rams the priests will present the people’s burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar.

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 23

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. Rom 16:23

Gaius mine host... May be the same as the one in Acts 19:29, or of Derbe in Acts 20:4, but almost certainly the one in 1Cor. 1:14. Gaius was a Macedonian who went with Paul on some of his ministering journeys. He was a convert at Corinth. His full name was most likely “Gaius Titius Justus. He was arrested in Ephesus.

Erastus the chamberlain... Perhaps the same as the one in 2Tim. 4:20; Acts 19:22. He was chamberlain (treasurer) at Corinth. This Erastus was from Corinth and was probably the city treasurer (chamberlain). His name means “beloved”. Erastus went to Ephesus with Paul and was sent by Paul with Timothy to Macedonia. His usual place to live was Corinth and was there when Paul wrote this.

and Quartus a... Only mentioned here. Quartus may have been a physical brother of Erastus, but more likely just the final brother in Christ listed here. Quartus means a “fourth”.

So did Gaius, Paul’s host in Corinth, who apparently had a church meeting in his home. This Gaius was probably not the same Gaius who was from Macedonia and traveled with Paul (Acts 19:29) nor the Gaius who was from Derbe (Acts 20:4). The Gaius mentioned here in Romans was probably Paul’s convert whom he baptized (1Cor. 1:14). Erastus sent greetings. He was the city’s director of public works (lit., “the city’s steward,” a high position in Corinth). Paul called Quartus our brother, undoubtedly meaning a spiritual brother, not a physical one.

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 24

 The Altar

And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the LORD. Eze 43:24

And thou shalt... As the sin offering is a part of future millennial worship (verse 19), so there are other offerings also (Lev. 1-7). The burnt offering, denoting full consecration to God is one; the peace offering expressing gratitude for peace with God in covenant bonds is another (verse 27).

shall cast salt... Salt is a preservative. It symbolizes the saving of the relationship with God. The priests actually do the fundamental work of sacrifice for the people.

After seven days of offering bulls, goats, and rams the priests will present the people’s burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar.

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 22

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Rom 16:22

Tertius, who wrote... Some unknown scribe who wrote the epistle at Paul’s dictation.

This does not mean that he was the author of this letter. He was Paul’s secretary, who wrote this letter as Paul dictated it, who inserts a personal greeting.

Then Tertius, who was Paul’s stenographer for this epistle, sent his greetings.

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 23

 The Altar

When thou hast made an end of cleansing it, thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish. Eze 43:23

young bullock without... Estimated cost of these offerings:

2 bullocks ($800 each)	$1,600.00
2 ephahs (10 gallons) flour, $2 a gallon	20.00
2 hins (3 gallons) oil, $8 a quart	96.00
2 hins (3 gallons) wine, $5 a quart	60.00
1 kid of the goats	50.00
1/10 deal (half-gallon) flour	1.00
1/4 hin (1.5 quarts) oil	12.00
1/4 hin (1.5 quarts) wine	7.50
1 ram	125.00
1 ephah (5 gallons) flour	10.00
1 hin (6 quarts) oil	48.00
1 hin (6 quarts) wine	30.00
	____________
Total	$2,059.50

The flour, oil, and wine are not mentioned here; but information concerning amounts is given elsewhere (see Eze. 46:11-15; Num. 15:4-15).

There must next, be a burnt offering dedicated to God. All of these offerings are following the laws in Leviticus. See Leviticus for greater detail about the meaning of the offerings. Notice, all these offerings must be without blemish. This burning, as we said earlier, is for purging or cleansing.

After seven days of offering bulls, goats, and rams the priests will present the people’s burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar. This process will mark the full resumption of God’s fellowship with His people, as then God will accept them.

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 21

Final Instructions and Greetings

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. Rom 16:21

Timotheus my workfellow... He called Timothy (2Cor. 1:1; 1Tim. 1:2, 1:18; 6:20; 2Tim. 1:2; Phlm. 1:1: 1; Heb. 13:23). Converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a good Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from here on (Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17; Phlp. 2:19). On a mission (Heb. 13:23). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians. He had the gifts of the Spirit (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). He was a great student of Scripture (2Tim. 1:5; 2:15; 3:15).

Timothy, is so close to Paul that Paul calls him his son. He is not his son in the flesh, but in the spirit.

and Lucius,... Probably the one in Acts 13:1, or it could be Luke the evangelist and the writer of Luke and Acts.

Acts 13:1 “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simian that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.”

We see here the connection between Paul (Saul), and Lucius. Lucius was a native of Cyrene, one of the prophets and teachers in Antioch who participated in Paul and Barnabas’ commissioning.

Acts 13:2 “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

Acts 13:3 “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.”

and Jason,... Unknown, unless it is the same as in Acts 17:5, 17:7. Jason means “healing”. He was from Thessalonica and was one of the first converts there. He evidently let Paul stay in his home for a short time before Paul and Silas were sent to Berea.

and Sosipater, my... May be the same as in Acts 20:4. The third time Paul refers to kinsmen (Rom. 16:7, 16:11). Sosipater means “saved of his father”. He was a Berean who joined other believers in meeting Paul at Troas after the apostle left Ephesus.

These few verses contain personal greetings from some of Paul’s associates: first, Timothy, my fellow worker, and then Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. Once again these men were not members of Paul’s family, but fellow countrymen (cf. Rom. 16:7, 16:10). These may be the men of the same names mentioned elsewhere (Acts 13:1; 17:5-9; 20:4; cf. 2Cor. 9:4). 

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 22

 The Altar

And on the second day thou shalt offer a kid of the goats without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bullock. Eze 43:22

thou shalt offer... All of the preparations would be the same for this offering, as for the bullock. The he-goat was an offering for a ruler who sinned. The earthly priests and High Priest in the temple had to sacrifice for their own sins, as well as for the people’s sin. Jesus, our High Priest was without sin. His crucifixion was not for His own sin, but for ours.

This consecration service will be similar in some ways to the services followed by Moses (Exo. 40:10, 40:29) and Solomon (2Ch. 7:8-9) to sanctify their houses of worship to God. After seven days of offering bulls, goats, and rams the priests will present the people’s burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar.

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 20

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Rom 16:20

And the God... The 4th and last New Testament prophecy in Romans (Rom. 16:20, unfulfilled, Rev. 20:1-10).

shall bruise Satan... Greek: suntribo, crush in pieces, utterly defeat and bring to helplessness (Mat. 12:20; Mark 5:4; 14:3; Luke 4:18; 9:39; John 19:36; Rev. 2:27). Satan will be finally defeated at the second coming and the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:1-10).

This prayer of Paul’s is the same one preachers should pray for their people. Satan is out to destroy the church. We have no power over Satan, but the name of Jesus has power over him, and we have been authorized to use Jesus’ name. Since the third chapter of Genesis, we have been enemies of Satan.

Gen. 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

Heb. 2:14-15 “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” “And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

under your feet... The underlying imagery is found (in Gen. 3:15). In freeing themselves from those who were causing division and marring the unity of the church, they would be experiencing what Jesus will ultimately experience when He finally defeats Satan for all eternity.

To conclude this warning Paul added the promise, The God of peace (cf. Rom. 15:33; Heb. 13:20) will soon crush Satan under your feet (cf. Gen. 3:15). The false teachers (Rom. 16:17-18) were under Satan’s influence, but he will be destroyed and God will establish peace (Rev. 20:1-6). Then Paul gave another benediction (cf. Rom. 15:13, 15:33) about God’s grace. (See the chart, “Paul’s Concluding Benedictions in His Epistles.”)

Paul’s Concluding Benedictions in His Epistles
Rom. 16:20	“The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
1Cor. 16:23	“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.”
2Cor. 13:14	“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Gal. 6:18	“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.”
Eph. 6:24	“Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”
Phlp. 4:23	“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
Col. 4:18	“Grace be with you.”
1Thes. 5:28	“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
2Thes. 3:18	“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”
1Tim. 6:21	“Grace be with you.”
2Tim. 4:22	“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”
Tit. 3:15	“Grace be with you all.”
Phlm. 1:25	“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 21

 The Altar

Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary. Eze 43:21

also of the... This is the same thing as the sin offering being burned completely up without the camp. This symbolizes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus being outside the city wall. He was our sin offering, if we are Christians.

This process will mark the full resumption of God’s fellowship with His people, as then God will accept them. These sacrifices will point Israelites to Christ who will have given them access to the Father (Heb. 10:19-25).

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 19

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Rom 16:19

For your obedience... You can always detect true leaders from the false by their godliness, unselfishness, and faithfulness.

but yet I... I desire you to show your wisdom by discerning and choosing good from evil.

1Kgs. 3:9 “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”

It takes great understanding to be able to run a church.

1Cor. 14:20 “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”

This is the way to keep from being deceived by a talebearer.

Eph. 1:15-17 “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,” “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”

Do not listen to talebearers, but check out all things with the word of God.

Paul hastened to assure the Romans that he did not consider them naive. Their obedience (to Christ; cf. Rom. 1:5; 15:18; 1Pet. 1:2) was well known and Paul was glad for them. But he was concerned that they be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil (kakon). The word for “innocent” is akeraious, “unmixed, simple, pure.” In Greek it was used of wine that was not diluted and of metal that was not weakened in any way. The word is used in the New Testament in only two other places: Mat. 10:16 (“innocent”) and Phlp. 2:15 (“pure”). Christians should be innocent about evil, not following the ways of the world (Rom. 12:2).

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 20

The Altar

And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it. Eze 43:20

put it on... This spreading of the blood on the horns is a cleansing for the altar. Horns signify strength.

After seven days of offering bulls, goats, and rams the priests will present the people’s burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar. 

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 18

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Rom 16:18

that are such... Anyone who mars the unity or harmony of the local church does not serve the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of his claim. He puts his interest above the welfare and interest of the local church.

but their own... Some are driven by self-interest and self-gratification, often seen in their pretentious, extravagant and immoral lifestyles.

Prov. 14:15 “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.”

and fair speeches... We see in this that some simple people believe whatever is said to them. The simple will fall for anything. Be wise, don’t listen to gossip and be sure to test the spirits.

Mat. 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Believers are to keep away (pres. imper., “keep on turning away”) from such false teachers, who were not serving (douleuousin, “serving as slaves”; cf. Rom. 14:18) Christ, but were slaves to their own appetites (lit., “bellies”; cf. Phlp. 3:19). They were selfish gluttons. The problem, however, was that by smooth talk and flattery they deceived the minds (lit., “hearts”) of naive people (akakōn, “innocent, unsuspecting”).

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 19

 The Altar

And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering. Eze 43:19

seed of Zadok... The priests on duty. These priests will be descended from Zadok (cf. Eze. 43:19; 44:15; 48:11), the high priest in Solomon’s day (1Ki. 1:26-27). The tasks of the Levites in Solomon’s temple were more extensive (cf. 1Ch. 15:16; 16:4; 23:28-31). (see 40:46 and 44:10).

a young bullock... Exact offerings, in language just as definitive as the literal descriptions in Moses’ day, are also just as literal here. They are of a memorial nature; they are not efficacious any more than Old Testament sacrifices were.

As Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to Christ’s death, so these are tangible expressions, not competing with, but pointing back to the value of Christ’s completely effective sacrifice, once for all (Heb. 9:28; 10:10).

God at that time endorsed Old Testament offerings as tokens of forgiving and cleansing worshipers on the basis and credit of the great Lamb they pointed to, who alone could take away sins (John 1:29).

The tangible expressions of worship, which the Israelites for so long failed to offer validly (Isa. 1:11-15), will at last be offered acceptably, then with full understanding about the Lamb of God to whom they point. The bread and the cup, which believers today find meaningful, do not compete with Christ’s cross but are tangible memorials of its glory. So will these sacrifices be.

The individual brought the sacrificial animal to the priest to be sacrificed. Zadok is mentioned because they all remember him and his ancestry. This is saying, leave the ministry in the temple to the family God had chosen out to do it.

A seven-day ritual will be employed by the priests… of Zadok (cf. Eze. 40:46) to set the altar apart to the Lord. This consecration service will be similar in some ways to the services followed by Moses (Exo. 40:10, 40:29) and Solomon (2Ch. 7:8-9) to sanctify their houses of worship to God. After seven days of offering bulls, goats, and rams the priests will present the people’s burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar.

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 17

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Rom 16:17

mark them which... Greek: skopeo, look out for. Be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them that the flock may be protected (Rom. 16:17; Phlp. 3:17). Also translated "look at" (2Cor. 4:18); "look on" (Phlp. 2:4); "take heed" (Luke 11:35); and "consider" (Gal. 6:1).

Ten Marks of False Teachers:

1. They cause divisions among Christians.

2. They cause offenses against truth (Rom. 16:18).

3. They do not serve God (Rom. 16:17-18).

4. They serve their own bellies (Rom. 16:18; Phlp. 3:19).

5. They use slick tongues to deceive (Rom. 16:18).

6. They are enemies of the cross (Phlp. 3:18).

7. They walk contrary to the gospel (Phlp. 3:17).

8. They glory in their shame (Phlp. 3:19).

9. They mind earthly things (Phlp. 3:19).

10. They bring in heresies (2Pet. 2:1; see, Mat. 7:15).

This is speaking of doctrinal falsehood and unrighteous practices.

Gal. 1:7-9 “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” “As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

We can see from this Scripture, that Paul says not to fellowship with those who would cause divisions in the church. We are not to accept any other doctrine than that which has been established in our church.

Final words

Paul could not resist giving a final word of warning that they watch out for spiritual enemies: those who are divisive and seek to hinder the Lord’s work (who put obstacles [skandala, “traps, snares”; cf. Rom. 14:13] in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned).

Ezekiel Chapter 43 Vs. 18

 The Altar

And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood. Eze 43:18

These are the... These verses (18-22) give the rituals in the ceremonial cleansing of the altar. Blood of a bullock is to be used on the four horns, four corners of the settle, and the border around it (Eze. 43:20). The bullock is to be burned in the appointed place without the sanctuary and thus the altar will be clean and ready for use (Eze. 43:21). On the second day the same will take place, except that the blood of a kid of the goats will be used (Eze. 43:22).

These Israelites, who had been in captivity, had lost all contact with the ordinances of the temple and the altar. The sprinkling of blood was an important part of the worship. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. It was the shed blood of Jesus Christ which atoned for our sins.

A seven-day ritual will be employed by the priests.

Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 16

 

Personal Greetings

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Rom 16:16

Salute one another... Peter isn’t mentioned once in this list of greetings to the saints in Rome. According to the papal catalogue of bishops of Rome, Peter was in Rome at this time. Since he is not once mentioned by Paul, it is certain that he was not there; and this makes the very foundation of apostolic succession by the Roman bishops fall to the ground. If he had been at Rome as the bishop, he would have been the FIRST one Paul would have referred to. It is, therefore, a waste of time to consider further such a groundless theory. It is very likely that Peter never saw the city of Rome in all his life.

an holy kiss... It was customary to greet each other with a holy kiss, as a token of peace, friendship and brotherly love. This was the custom of all eastern people, not just Christians. Shaking hands is our custom of greeting. The holy kiss custom is referred to in Rom. 16:16; 1Cor. 16:20; 2Cor. 13:12; 1Thes. 5:26; and 1Pet. 5:14. People who seek to continue it are simply carrying on a custom which is still being practiced among eastern people. We notice here that this kiss was to be a holy kiss. This was not a passionate kiss, but a friendly kiss. Paul is explaining how the church must be together in Christ. We will list four of the Scriptures that speak of this greeting with a holy kiss.

1Cor. 16:20 “All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with a holy kiss.”

2Cor. 13:12 “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

1Thes. 5:26 “Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.”

1Pet. 5:14 “Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

Kissing of friends on the forehead, cheek or beard was common in the Old Testament. The Jews in the New Testament church carried on the practice, and it became especially precious to new believers because of the spiritual kinship it signified, as they were often outcasts from their own families because of their faith.

churches of Christ... There is much controversy among different denominations as to what the name of the church really is. Some have chosen one name and some another, all contending they have the Biblical name of the church. The tendency among such people is to think they are the original church and that they are the people referred to in Scripture because of having a Biblical name. There are over one hundred biblical names describing the believers in the New Testament. Any one or all these names for an organization on earth today does not make it the New Testament church or body of Christ. See, Acts 7:38.

Of all these individuals only Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament for certain; yet Paul knew them all individually and sent personal greetings to them and their associates. Paul cannot properly be charged with not being “a people person.” He closed this section with the command, Greet one another with a holy kiss, the mode of salutation similar to the handshake today (cf. See, 1Cor. 16:20; also cf. 2Cor. 13:12; 1Thes. 5:26; 1Pet. 5:14) and with a general word of salutation, All the churches of Christ send greetings (lit., “greet you”).