Romans 16:25 reveals a biblical truth ignored by most of Christendom—the distinction between Paul’s gospel and the gospel of the kingdom preached by Jesus and the twelve apostles. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul sheds light on a mystery hidden since before the world began, emphasizing the unique revelation entrusted to him alone.
Truth Over Tradition
Paul did not come on the scene until 37 AD. Then Paul spent 3 years in the desert of Arabia (most likely Mt. Sinai) with the Lord. Then Paul began, his ministry to the Gentiles in 40 AD. It is imperative to understand the time factor this is 11 years after Pentecost. To repeat, Paul began preaching eleven years after Pentecost. There was no message of salvation or doctrine to the Gentile world prior to Paul being chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
The verse reads, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began.” Here, Paul distinguishes his gospel from the message proclaimed by Jesus during His earthly ministry and by the twelve apostles. While the gospel of the kingdom focused on the imminent establishment of God’s earthly kingdom through Israel, Paul’s gospel reveals a mystery—a divine secret hidden from ages past.
Paul’s gospel emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, apart from the law, extending God’s redemptive plan to both Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:8-9). These new revelations, entrusted to Paul as the steward of the mysteries of God’s grace (1 Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:1-11), chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13).
The significance of Romans 16:25 lies in its unveiling of this mystery—a revelation that underscores the sovereign plan of God for redemption. Romans 11:32 clarifies that God, in His foreknowledge, knew that Israel would reject in unbelief and that the mystery was already part of His eternal purposes. God has temporarily blinded the nation of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles will at some time in the future be complete (Romans 11:25), revealing another mystery or secret.
As we examine Romans 16:25 alongside Romans 11:32 and 2 Peter 3:15-16, we uncover the profound contrast between Paul’s gospel and the divine wisdom (the mysteries) bestowed upon him by the Lord Jesus, surpassing the message preached by Peter and the 11. We need only to look to what the apostle Peter admonishes his readers at the very end of his great ministry.
‘and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.’
II Peter 3:15-16
In Peter’s final words, he emphasizes the significance of turning to Paul for matters of salvation. Take notice (because most do not) how Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, directs his readers to Paul’s teachings rather than referring to Christ’s earthly ministry, such as the sermon on the mount or referring to his own ministry. Peter’s admonishment is Holy Spirit inspired and underscores his recognition that salvation hinges on the new revelations and wisdom given to Paul, highlighting the fact that it was Paul’s gospel that saves sinners.
May we marvel at the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, recognizing His unsearchable judgments and His ways past finding out.
100% Unashamed of the gospel of grace.
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