Romans 16:25

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} to him that is of power {G1410} to stablish {G4741} you {G5209} according {G2596} to my {G3450} gospel {G2098}, and {G2532} the preaching {G2782} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, according {G2596} to the revelation {G602} of the mystery {G3466}, which was kept secret {G4601} since the world began {G5550}{G166},

Complete Jewish Bible

Now to God, who can strengthen you, according to my Good News,
in harmony with the revelation of the secret truth
which is the proclamation of Yeshua the Messiah,
kept hidden in silence for ages and ages,

Berean Standard Bible

Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past

American Standard Version

Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:25 concludes Paul's magnum opus with a profound doxology, exalting God's sovereign power to establish believers firmly in their faith. This stability is rooted in the gospel message, specifically Paul's unique commission to proclaim Jesus Christ, and hinges upon the revelation of a divine "mystery"—God's salvific plan for both Jews and Gentiles, previously hidden but now gloriously unveiled through Christ and the apostolic witness. It serves as a majestic affirmation of God's wisdom and faithfulness in bringing His eternal purposes to fruition through the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse, along with verses 26 and 27, forms the concluding doxology of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. It follows an extensive theological exposition (chapters 1-11) detailing justification by faith, the role of the Law, and God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles. Chapters 12-15 then transition into practical exhortations for Christian living, unity, and mutual acceptance within the church, culminating in Paul's personal travel plans and greetings in chapter 16:1-24. The doxology serves as a grand theological and spiritual capstone, reinforcing the divine origin and sustaining power behind the profound truths Paul has just articulated, bringing the entire letter to a climactic declaration of God's glory and wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written from Corinth around A.D. 57-58, Romans was addressed to a church in Rome composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, often struggling with ethnic and theological tensions. Paul's letter aimed to clarify the nature of the gospel, emphasize the unity of believers in Christ, and prepare the Roman church for his eventual visit and support for his mission to Spain. The concept of a "mystery" (μυστήριον) was not unique to Christianity; various pagan mystery religions involved secret rites and knowledge revealed only to initiates. However, Paul redefines this term, presenting the Christian "mystery" not as an esoteric secret for an elite few, but as a divine truth previously concealed by God but now openly revealed to all humanity through the gospel, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant family.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 16:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores **God's sovereign power and faithfulness** to uphold and strengthen His people, a theme evident throughout Romans, particularly in discussions of God's unshakeable promises to Israel and His ability to justify the ungodly (e.g., [Romans 4:21](/romans/4-21 "Romans 4:21 - God's Power to Fulfill Promises")). Secondly, it highlights **the nature and scope of the gospel**, emphasizing it as "my gospel," which is Paul's distinctive articulation of salvation by grace through faith for both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down all barriers (e.g., [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Finally, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **the revealed mystery**, which in Pauline theology often refers to God's long-hidden plan to unite believing Jews and Gentiles into one body, the Church, on equal standing in Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 3:4-6](/ephesians/3-4-6 "Ephesians 3:4-6 - The Mystery Revealed to the Gentiles")). This revelation marks a pivotal moment in redemptive history, demonstrating God's expansive and inclusive love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** This word signifies the inherent ability or capacity to do something, to be able or possible. In this context, it speaks to God's omnipotence and His effectual strength to accomplish His purposes, specifically to "stablish" or make believers firm. It is not merely potential power but active, operative power.
* **stablish (Greek, _stērízō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "solid" or "firm," this verb means to set fast, to make firm, to strengthen, or to confirm. Here, it conveys the idea of God making believers steadfast, resolute, and secure in their faith and spiritual walk, preventing them from being shaken or wavering in the face of challenges.
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** This term, central to Paul's theology, refers not to something incomprehensible or unknowable, but to a divine truth that was previously concealed or only partially understood in Old Testament times, but which God has now chosen to reveal. In Romans 16:25-26, it specifically points to God's plan for the inclusion of the Gentiles into salvation on equal footing with Jews through Christ, a truth now openly disclosed through the gospel.
* **kept secret since the world began (Greek, _sigáō_ G4601; _chrónos_ G5550; _aiṓnios_ G166):** The phrase combines `sigáō` (to keep silent, to hold peace) with `chrónos` (a space of time) and `aiṓnios` (perpetual, eternal, also used of past time). This powerfully conveys the idea that the "mystery" was literally "kept silent through eternal times" or "through times of ages." It emphasizes the incredible duration of its concealment, highlighting the profound significance and divine timing of its revelation in the present age.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now to him that is of power to stablish you":** This opening phrase directs praise and focus to God, identifying Him as the ultimate source of stability and strength for believers. The word "stablish" (Greek: _stērízō_) suggests making firm, confirming, or strengthening, indicating God's active role in securing the faith and spiritual walk of His people. It reassures the Roman Christians, and all believers, that their steadfastness is divinely sustained.
* **"according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ":** This clause specifies the means by which God exercises His power to establish. "My gospel" refers to Paul's unique articulation and commission of the good news, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith, the inclusion of Gentiles, and the breaking down of ethnic barriers. This gospel is intrinsically linked to "the preaching of Jesus Christ," signifying that Christ Himself is both the content and the subject of this saving message. It is through this specific, Christ-centered proclamation that God's establishing power is made effective.
* **"according to the revelation of the mystery":** This phrase further clarifies the nature of the gospel Paul preaches. It is not a human invention but a divine "revelation" (Greek: _apokálypsis_), an unveiling of something previously hidden. The "mystery" (Greek: _mystḗrion_) here refers to God's long-concealed plan for salvation, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant people of God on equal terms with Jews, forming one body in Christ. This revelation is central to Paul's understanding of redemptive history.
* **"which was kept secret since the world began":** This final clause underscores the profound significance of the "mystery" by emphasizing its ancient concealment. The phrase "since the world began" (literally, "through eternal times" or "through times of ages") highlights that this divine plan was hidden for an immense duration, spanning all of redemptive history prior to Christ. Its revelation in the present age is therefore a climactic and momentous event, demonstrating God's perfect timing and sovereign unfolding of His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:25 is a masterful example of a **Doxology**, a formal expression of praise to God. It functions as a grand, climactic benediction, elevating the tone of the letter's conclusion to one of worship and awe. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated phrase "according to," linking God's power to "my gospel," "the preaching of Jesus Christ," and "the revelation of the mystery." This structure emphasizes the interconnectedness of these elements as the means through which God works. The concept of the "mystery" itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's previously hidden but now disclosed plan of salvation for all humanity, transcending ethnic and historical boundaries. The phrase "kept secret since the world began" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the vast duration of this concealment, thereby magnifying the wonder and significance of its present revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:25 provides a profound theological anchor, asserting God's unwavering ability to sustain and strengthen His people through the gospel. This gospel, uniquely entrusted to Paul, is not merely a set of doctrines but the very power of God for salvation, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "mystery" unveiled in this verse—the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family on equal terms with Jews—is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, revealing the breadth of God's redemptive plan and His intention to create a unified body of believers from every nation. This divine revelation transcends human understanding and historical limitations, showcasing God's perfect wisdom and timing in bringing His eternal purposes to light, culminating in the establishment of the universal Church.

* [Ephesians 3:5-6](/ephesians/3-5-6 "Ephesians 3:5-6 - The Mystery of Christ Revealed")
* [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery Hidden for Ages")
* [1 Corinthians 2:7](/1_corinthians/2-7 "1 Corinthians 2:7 - God's Wisdom, a Hidden Mystery")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:25 offers immense encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. Our stability in faith, our ability to stand firm amidst life's trials and theological uncertainties, is not primarily dependent on our own strength, intellect, or spiritual discipline, but on the sovereign, establishing power of God. This truth liberates us from the burden of self-reliance and fosters a deep reliance on His faithfulness. Furthermore, understanding the "mystery" of Gentile inclusion should ignite within us a profound appreciation for the expansive nature of God's grace and a fervent commitment to the unity of the Church, transcending all human-made divisions. We are called to live out and proclaim this glorious, revealed gospel, recognizing that we are privileged participants in God's eternal plan, a plan that was hidden for ages but is now openly declared, inviting all to come to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God's "establishing" power to make you firm and steadfast?**
* **How does understanding the "mystery" of Gentile inclusion deepen your appreciation for the universal scope of God's grace and the unity of the Church?**
* **How can you more intentionally align your life and witness with "Paul's gospel" and "the preaching of Jesus Christ" as the foundation for your stability and mission?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "my gospel" in Romans 16:25?**

Answer: When Paul refers to "my gospel," he is not claiming ownership of a unique message distinct from the core truths about Jesus Christ. Rather, he is emphasizing his specific commission, understanding, and articulation of the one true gospel. This includes his particular emphasis on justification by grace through faith, the radical inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people without first becoming Jews, and the breaking down of all ethnic and social barriers in Christ. It highlights the universal scope of God's saving work and Paul's unique role as the apostle to the Gentiles, as seen in passages like [Galatians 2:7-9](/galatians/2-7-9 "Galatians 2:7-9 - Paul's Apostolic Commission"). His gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, but preached with a particular focus on its implications for Jew and Gentile unity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very content and power of the gospel. The "power to stablish you" is not an abstract force but the dynamic work of God made manifest in Christ's death, resurrection, and ongoing reign. The "gospel" and "preaching of Jesus Christ" are intrinsically linked to His person and saving work, for He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Crucially, the "revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began," is fully unveiled in Christ. This mystery, which is God's eternal plan to unite all things in Him, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant people, finds its concrete reality in the cross, where the dividing wall of hostility was broken down ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Christ is not merely the subject of the mystery but the very embodiment of its revelation, the one in whom all God's redemptive purposes, hidden for ages, are now gloriously brought to light for the salvation and establishment of His people, both Jew and Gentile, in one body ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Romans 2:16

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Colossians 1:26

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Colossians 1:27

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:

2 Thessalonians 2:14

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,