King James Version

What Does Romans 16:25 Mean?

Romans 16:25 in the King James Version says “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the ... — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 ,

Romans 16:25 · KJV


Context

23

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

24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

25

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 ,

26

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:

27

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospelTō de dynamenō hymas stērixai kata to euangelion mou (τῷ δὲ δυναμένῳ ὑμᾶς στηρίξαι κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου). Paul's doxology (vv. 25-27) crowns Romans with worship. Dynamenō (δύναμαι, being able) emphasizes God's power—He is capable. Stērixai (στηρίζω, establish/strengthen) was Paul's pastoral goal (1:11, 'that I may impart some spiritual gift to establish you'). Kata to euangelion mou (κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, according to my gospel) doesn't mean Paul invented a new gospel but that he proclaims the apostolic gospel entrusted to him (Galatians 1:11-12, 'received by revelation of Jesus Christ').

And the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mysteryKai kērygmatos Iēsou Christou, kata apokalypsin mystēriou (καὶ κηρύγματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου). Kērygma (κήρυγμα, proclamation) is the heralded message. Apokalypsis mystēriou (ἀποκάλυψις μυστήριον, revelation of mystery) refers to God's hidden plan now disclosed: Jew and Gentile united in Christ (11:25-26; Ephesians 3:3-6, 'Gentiles fellow heirs'). Mystērion (μυστήριον, mystery) isn't esoteric secret but previously hidden truth now revealed through the gospel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mystery (mystērion) religions were popular in the Greco-Roman world—Eleusinian mysteries, Isis cult, Mithraism—offering secret knowledge to initiates. Paul redefines 'mystery': not hidden gnosis for elite but God's plan revealed publicly through Christ's death-resurrection and proclaimed to all. This 'mystery' was hinted in OT (prophets foresaw Gentile inclusion, Isaiah 49:6) but fully revealed in the gospel age. Romans unpacks this mystery: Jew-Gentile unity through faith in Christ, apart from law. The doxology celebrates God's wisdom in orchestrating salvation history to climax in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God is able to 'establish you according to my gospel' (<em>kata to euangelion stērixai</em>)—how does gospel truth stabilize believers?
  2. How is the 'mystery' (<em>mystērion</em>) of Jew-Gentile unity in Christ central to Paul's gospel and Romans' argument?
  3. What 'mysteries' of God's plan have been revealed through Christ that were hidden in the OT—and how does this shape your reading of Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Τῷ1 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 20

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

δυναμένῳ3 of 20

to him that is of power

G1410

to be able or possible

ὑμᾶς4 of 20

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

στηρίξαι5 of 20

to stablish

G4741

to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm

κατὰ6 of 20

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ7 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγέλιόν8 of 20

gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

μου9 of 20

to my

G3450

of me

καὶ10 of 20

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ11 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κήρυγμα12 of 20

the preaching

G2782

a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself)

Ἰησοῦ13 of 20

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ14 of 20

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

κατὰ15 of 20

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἀποκάλυψιν16 of 20

to the revelation

G602

disclosure

μυστηρίου17 of 20

of the mystery

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

χρόνοις18 of 20

since the world began

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

αἰωνίοις19 of 20
G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

σεσιγημένου20 of 20

which was kept secret

G4601

to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 16:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 16:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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