Romans 16:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The grace {G5485} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} be with {G3326} you {G5216} all {G3956}. Amen {G281}.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:24, a concise benediction, closes a significant portion of Paul's epistle, extending a profound blessing of divine favor and spiritual strength to the Roman believers. This verse, though its textual presence varies in ancient manuscripts, powerfully encapsulates the core of Paul's theology: that God's unmerited grace, flowing from the sovereign and saving work of Jesus Christ, is the foundational reality for all believers, enabling their life, unity, and mission in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16:24 appears at the very end of Paul's letter, following a lengthy section of personal greetings, commendations, and warnings. Chapter 16 itself is unique in its extensive list of individuals and households Paul acknowledges, highlighting the personal connections and network of early Christian communities. This benediction, along with the doxology in [Romans 16:25-27](/romans/16-25-27 "Romans 16:25-27 - Paul's Doxology"), serves as a final, prayerful embrace of the Roman church, reinforcing the themes of unity and divine enablement that permeate the entire epistle. Its placement, though debated textually in some ancient manuscripts, acts as a fitting conclusion to Paul's theological exposition and practical exhortations, sealing his message with a reminder of God's sustaining grace.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans from Corinth, likely around 57-58 AD, as he prepared to travel to Jerusalem and then on to Rome and Spain. The church in Rome was diverse, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers, which had led to some internal tensions and disagreements, particularly concerning matters of law and grace. Paul's letter systematically addresses these issues, emphasizing justification by faith, the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, and the practical implications of living out the gospel. A final benediction like [Romans 16:24](/romans/16-24 "Romans 16:24 - Paul's Benediction") would have been a common practice in ancient letter writing, but for Paul, it was more than a formality; it was a theological statement, invoking divine power and blessing upon a community grappling with internal divisions and external pressures in the heart of the Roman Empire.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, despite its brevity, resonates with several overarching themes of the Epistle to the Romans. Firstly, it underscores the centrality of **divine grace** as the unmerited favor of God, freely given through Christ, which is the bedrock of salvation and sanctification (e.g., [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justification by Grace")). Secondly, it highlights the **supremacy and saving work of Jesus Christ**, identifying Him as the ultimate source of this grace and the Lord to whom all authority belongs (e.g., [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confessing Jesus as Lord")). Thirdly, the phrase "with you all" emphasizes **Christian unity and fellowship**, reinforcing Paul's consistent call for believers, regardless of their background, to live in harmony and mutual acceptance under the banner of God's grace (e.g., [Romans 15:5-7](/romans/15-5-7 "Romans 15:5-7 - Unity and Acceptance")). Lastly, the "Amen" signifies a **confident affirmation of God's faithfulness** and the certainty of His blessings, a theme woven throughout Paul's assurances of God's unwavering love and promises (e.g., [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term (G5485) signifies graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude). It denotes God's benevolent disposition towards humanity, particularly the unmerited favor He bestows upon those who believe, often contrasted with human works or merit.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** As G2962, this word denotes one supreme in authority, a controller, or master. When applied to Jesus, it acknowledges His divine sovereignty, absolute authority, and rightful claim over all creation, conveying both profound respect and worship.
* **Amen (Greek, _amḗn'_):** Derived from Hebrew (G281), this word properly means "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it means "surely" and is often used as an interjection, signifying "so be it" or "truly." In this context, it serves as a solemn affirmation, expressing a heartfelt desire and conviction that the blessing will indeed come to pass.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The grace":** This refers to God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition, and the divine influence He bestows upon believers. It is the foundational principle of salvation and Christian living, emphasizing that spiritual blessings are not earned but freely given.
* **"of our Lord Jesus Christ":** This clause identifies the exclusive source and channel of this grace. It highlights the divine authority ("Lord"), the saving person ("Jesus"), and the Messiahship ("Christ") of the one through whom God's favor flows. This grace is inherently Christ-centered.
* **"[be] with you all":** This expresses the desire for this divine favor to be present and operative in the lives of every single believer in the Roman community. It underscores the communal aspect of God's blessing and His desire for the entire body of Christ to experience His enabling power and favor. The "[be]" is implied in the Greek, making it a wish or prayer.
* **"Amen":** This concluding affirmation signifies a heartfelt "so be it" or "truly." It expresses Paul's fervent desire and confident expectation that the grace of Christ will indeed be with them, sealing the benediction with a declaration of certainty and truth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices, despite its brevity. **Benediction** is the overarching form, a formal expression of divine blessing, common in Pauline epistles and ancient Near Eastern literature. The phrase "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" functions as a **synecdoche**, where "grace" stands for the entirety of God's benevolent provision and spiritual empowerment. The inclusion of "our Lord Jesus Christ" is a form of **appellation**, using titles that convey His divine nature and authority, emphasizing His role as the source of grace. Finally, "Amen" serves as an **affirmation**, a powerful concluding word that seals the blessing with certainty and conviction, acting as a liturgical response that invites the recipients to concur.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:24 powerfully encapsulates the New Testament's central theological tenet: salvation and sustenance in the Christian life are entirely by God's grace, mediated through Jesus Christ. This grace is not merely a concept but a dynamic, empowering reality that enables believers to live righteously, endure trials, and fulfill their calling. It underscores the unmerited favor of God, freely given, which stands in stark contrast to any human attempt to earn salvation or favor through works of the law. The benediction reminds us that our standing with God, our spiritual strength, and our hope for eternity are all rooted in the person and work of Christ, making Him the indispensable source of all spiritual blessings.

* [2 Corinthians 13:14](/2_corinthians/13-14 "2 Corinthians 13:14 - The Apostolic Benediction")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Titus 2:11-14](/titus/2-11-14 "Titus 2:11-14 - The Grace of God Brings Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:24 serves as a timeless wellspring of encouragement and a profound reminder for believers today. It calls us to live in constant, conscious reliance on God's unmerited favor, acknowledging that our strength, wisdom, and ability to navigate life's challenges do not stem from our own efforts or merits, but from the inexhaustible wellspring of Christ's grace. This grace empowers us to forgive, to serve, to persevere, and to love, even when it is difficult. Furthermore, the inclusion of "you all" reminds us that grace is a communal blessing, fostering unity and mutual support within the body of Christ. It compels us to extend grace to one another, recognizing that we are all recipients of the same divine favor. In a world that often emphasizes performance and self-sufficiency, this verse reorients our hearts towards humble dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of all grace, enabling us to live lives that honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unmerited grace in your life impact your daily walk and your interactions with others?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to lean more heavily on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rather than your own strength?**
* **How can the church community more effectively embody and extend the "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" to all its members and to the world?**

### FAQ
**Why is Romans 16:24 missing from some modern Bible translations?**

Answer: The textual history of [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Paul's Greetings and Doxology") is complex. While [Romans 16:24](/romans/16-24 "Romans 16:24 - Paul's Benediction") is present in the King James Version and many older manuscripts (like the Textus Receptus), it is absent or placed differently in some of the earliest and most critically esteemed Greek manuscripts (e.g., Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus). These critical texts often end the letter at [Romans 16:23](/romans/16-23 "Romans 16:23 - Final Greetings") or place the doxology ([Romans 16:25-27](/romans/16-25-27 "Romans 16:25-27 - Doxology")) immediately after [Romans 14:23](/romans/14-23 "Romans 14:23 - Doubt and Faith"). Scholars believe the verse may have been a scribal addition or a common Pauline benediction inserted by copyists to standardize the ending of the epistle, as similar phrases appear in other Pauline letters (e.g., [1 Corinthians 16:23](/1_corinthians/16-23 "1 Corinthians 16:23 - Grace Benediction")). Despite its textual variation, its theological content is consistent with Paul's teachings.

**What is the significance of the word "Amen" in this benediction?**

Answer: The word "Amen" (from the Hebrew word meaning "firm" or "true") serves as a powerful concluding affirmation, signifying "so be it" or "truly." In the context of [Romans 16:24](/romans/16-24 "Romans 16:24 - Paul's Benediction"), it expresses Paul's fervent desire and confident expectation that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will indeed be with the Roman believers. It transforms the benediction from a mere wish into a solemn declaration of certainty and truth, inviting the recipients to echo this affirmation in their hearts. It underscores the sincerity of Paul's prayer and the trustworthiness of God's promise to bestow His grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:24, with its focus on "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ," points directly to the person and work of Jesus as the ultimate source and embodiment of God's unmerited favor. In the Old Testament, grace was often experienced through God's covenant faithfulness and His provision for Israel, but it found its ultimate and complete expression in Christ. As [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ") declares, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." He is not merely a conduit for grace; He *is* grace incarnate, the one who perfectly revealed God's benevolent disposition towards humanity. His life, sacrificial death on the cross, and victorious resurrection are the supreme acts of grace, providing salvation and reconciliation for all who believe. Therefore, to speak of "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" is to acknowledge that every spiritual blessing, from justification to sanctification and glorification, flows directly from His finished work. This grace empowers believers to live a new life, as [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") proclaims, and enables them to overcome sin and live in fellowship with God, demonstrating that in Christ, we have received "grace upon grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace Upon Grace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.