Romans 16:26

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} now {G3568} is made manifest {G5319}, and {G5037} by {G1223} the scriptures {G1124} of the prophets {G4397}, according {G2596} to the commandment {G2003} of the everlasting {G166} God {G2316}, made known {G1107} to {G1519} all {G3956} nations {G1484} for {G1519} the obedience {G5218} of faith {G4102}:

Complete Jewish Bible

but manifested now through prophetic writings,
in keeping with the command of God the Eternal,
and communicated to all the Gentiles
to promote in them trust-grounded obedience —

Berean Standard Bible

but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

American Standard Version

but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:26 serves as a climactic declaration within Paul's concluding doxology, revealing that God's long-hidden redemptive plan, now fully unveiled through the gospel of Jesus Christ, is consistent with the ancient prophetic scriptures. This divine revelation, stemming from the eternal commandment of God, is universally proclaimed to all nations, not merely as intellectual assent, but to elicit a transformative "obedience of faith" that leads to salvation and glorifies God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16:26 is nestled within the grand doxology of [Romans 16:25-27](/romans/16-25-27 "Romans 16:25-27 - Paul's Concluding Doxology"), which serves as a majestic summary and benediction to Paul's entire epistle. After meticulously expounding on the doctrines of sin, justification by faith, sanctification, and God's sovereign plan for both Israel and the Gentiles, Paul culminates his theological treatise with this profound statement. The verse specifically connects the "mystery" mentioned in [Romans 16:25](/romans/16-25 "Romans 16:25 - The Mystery Revealed")—the inclusion of Gentiles into God's saving plan—to its manifestation through prophetic scriptures and its universal proclamation. It functions as a theological capstone, emphasizing the divine origin and ultimate purpose of the gospel message Paul has so passionately articulated throughout the letter, particularly in chapters like [Romans 3](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - Righteousness Through Faith") and [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and the Gentiles").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, a congregation comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers. This demographic reality often led to tensions and misunderstandings regarding the role of the Law, the status of Israel, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's covenant. Paul's letter systematically addresses these issues, asserting the universal need for salvation and God's singular method of justification through faith in Christ, irrespective of ethnic background. The phrase "all nations" (Greek: *panta ta ethnē*) directly confronts the historical Jewish understanding of God's covenant being primarily with Israel, emphasizing God's broader redemptive purposes for humanity. In a world dominated by distinct ethnic and religious identities, the proclamation of a gospel transcending these boundaries was revolutionary and foundational to the early Christian mission.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 16:26 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Romans. Firstly, it highlights the **revelation of a long-hidden mystery**, specifically God's plan to save Gentiles through faith, a truth Paul frequently expounds upon, as seen in [Ephesians 3:5-6](/ephesians/3-5-6 "Ephesians 3:5-6 - The Mystery of Christ Revealed"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **continuity and fulfillment of prophetic scripture**, asserting that the gospel is not a new, disconnected revelation but the unfolding of what was always implicitly present in the Old Testament, a theme crucial to Paul's argumentation in [Romans 1:2](/romans/1-2 "Romans 1:2 - The Gospel Promised in the Scriptures") and [Romans 3:21](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21 - Righteousness Apart from the Law"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **divine authority and initiative** behind the gospel's proclamation, stemming "according to the commandment of the everlasting God," affirming God's sovereignty over salvation history. Fourthly, the phrase "made known to all nations" powerfully reiterates the **universal scope of the gospel**, a central tenet of Romans that breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, as discussed in [Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "Romans 10:12-13 - Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord"). Finally, the ultimate purpose, "for the obedience of faith," reinforces that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, active trust that yields a life of submission to God, a concept introduced at the very outset of the letter in [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - The Obedience of Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manifest (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** From *phanerós*, meaning "apparent." To render apparent, literally or figuratively; to make known, declare, or show forth. In this context, it signifies the unveiling or disclosure of something previously hidden or obscure. It points to a decisive moment in salvation history where God's plan, once veiled, is now openly revealed for all to see and understand. This is not a new plan, but the making plain of an eternal purpose.
* **Scriptures (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** From *graphō*, meaning "to write." Refers to a document, specifically holy Writ or its contents. Here, it denotes the sacred writings of the Old Testament, confirming that the "mystery" now made manifest is not an innovation but the fulfillment and clearer interpretation of what was foretold by the prophets. It establishes the continuity between God's past revelation and His present activity.
* **Nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** Probably from *ethō*, meaning "habit." A race or tribe; specifically, a foreign (non-Jewish) one, usually implying pagan. In the New Testament, it commonly refers to the Gentiles, distinguishing them from Israel. Its inclusion here underscores the universal scope of the gospel, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan extends beyond the confines of a single ethnic group to encompass all peoples of the earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now is made manifest":** This phrase marks a pivotal moment in God's redemptive history. "Now" (Greek: *nyn*) signifies the present era of the New Covenant, in contrast to previous ages where God's plan for the inclusion of Gentiles was largely hidden or obscure. The passive voice "is made manifest" emphasizes that this revelation is a divine act, not a human discovery. It refers to the unveiling of the "mystery" of the gospel, particularly the full inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people on equal footing with Jews through faith in Christ.
* **"and by the scriptures of the prophets":** This clause clarifies the means and authority of this manifestation. The "mystery" is not revealed arbitrarily but through the Old Testament "scriptures of the prophets." This highlights the continuity between God's past revelation and His present work. The gospel, though now fully understood, was always implicitly present and foreshadowed in the prophetic writings, which now find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the expansion of His kingdom to all peoples.
* **"according to the commandment of the everlasting God":** This emphasizes the divine origin and sovereign will behind the gospel's revelation and proclamation. The manifestation is not a human initiative or invention but proceeds from the direct "commandment" or authoritative decree of God Himself. Describing God as "everlasting" (Greek: *aiōnios*) underscores His eternal nature and the timelessness of His decree, reinforcing that this plan was part of His eternal purpose from before the ages.
* **"made known to all nations":** This specifies the universal scope of the gospel's proclamation. The "mystery" is unveiled not just to a select few, or exclusively to Israel, but "to all nations" (Greek: *panta ta ethnē*), meaning all Gentile peoples. This aligns with the Great Commission and Paul's consistent emphasis throughout Romans on the breaking down of ethnic barriers in Christ, demonstrating God's impartial love and desire for all humanity to come to repentance and faith.
* **"for the obedience of faith":** This final phrase states the ultimate purpose or goal of the gospel's manifestation and proclamation. "Obedience of faith" (Greek: *hypakoē pisteōs*) signifies that the desired response to the revealed gospel is not mere intellectual assent, but a faith that expresses itself in active submission and loyalty to God. It is a faith that transforms the life, leading to a yieldedness to God's will and a life lived in accordance with the truth of the gospel, rather than a works-based righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:26 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. There is a clear use of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between the past state of being "hidden" (implied from the "mystery" in the preceding verse) and the present state of being "made manifest." This highlights the dramatic shift in God's redemptive plan. The phrase "by the scriptures of the prophets" functions as a form of **Fulfillment**, asserting that the present revelation is not novel but the culmination of ancient prophecies, lending credibility and divine authority to the gospel. The repeated use of passive voice, "is made manifest" and "made known," emphasizes **Divine Agency**, portraying God as the primary actor in this unfolding drama of salvation. Finally, the phrase "to all nations" demonstrates **Universalism**, underscoring the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive purpose, breaking down traditional ethnic and religious boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:26 stands as a powerful theological synthesis, connecting the eternal counsel of God with the historical unfolding of His redemptive plan. It profoundly asserts that the gospel is not a human invention but a divinely orchestrated revelation, rooted in God's eternal decree and foreshadowed in the Old Testament prophets. This revelation, centered on Christ, dismantles the long-standing barrier between Jew and Gentile, extending God's saving grace to all humanity. The ultimate aim is not just intellectual understanding, but a transformative "obedience of faith," highlighting that true faith is active, responsive, and leads to a life of submission to God's revealed will. This verse thus unifies themes of divine sovereignty, the nature of revelation, the continuity of scripture, the universality of salvation, and the active nature of saving faith, all culminating in God's glory.

* [Ephesians 3:3-6](/ephesians/3-3-6 "Ephesians 3:3-6 - The Mystery Revealed to the Gentiles")
* [1 Peter 1:10-12](/1_peter/1-10-12 "1 Peter 1:10-12 - Prophetic Revelation and the Gospel")
* [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - The Obedience of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:26 calls us to a profound appreciation for the clarity and accessibility of God's redemptive plan in our present age. We are privileged to live in the era where the mystery, once veiled, is now brilliantly illuminated through the gospel of Jesus Christ. This truth should ignite within us a deep sense of gratitude for God's sovereign wisdom and His unwavering commitment to reveal Himself and His saving purposes. Furthermore, the verse's emphasis on the gospel being "made known to all nations" serves as a powerful reminder of the global scope of God's love and the ongoing imperative of the church's mission. It compels us to participate, whether through prayer, giving, or direct involvement, in the spread of this glorious news to every people group on earth. Finally, the call to "obedience of faith" challenges us to examine the nature of our own belief. Is our faith merely intellectual assent, or does it manifest as a dynamic, transformative trust that shapes our decisions, our character, and our very lives, leading us into active submission to God's will? This verse urges us to live out a faith that is not passive, but vibrantly active, demonstrating its authenticity through a life of yielded obedience to the One who has revealed His saving truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of God's "mystery" in Christ deepen your appreciation for His eternal plan and wisdom?**
* **In what ways does your understanding of the "scriptures of the prophets" change when viewed as foretelling the universal gospel message?**
* **What does "obedience of faith" look like in your daily life, and how can you cultivate a more responsive and active trust in God?**
* **Considering that the gospel is "made known to all nations," how does this truth influence your perspective on global missions and your personal involvement in God's kingdom work?**

### FAQ
**What is the "mystery" referred to in Romans 16:26, and why was it hidden?**

Answer: The "mystery" (Greek: *mystērion*) referred to in [Romans 16:25](/romans/16-25 "Romans 16:25 - The Revelation of the Mystery") and implied in verse 26 is specifically God's plan to include Gentiles as full and equal heirs with Israel in His covenant blessings through faith in Jesus Christ, without requiring them to become Jewish proselytes or adhere to the Mosaic Law. This was "hidden for ages past" not in the sense that God had no plan for the Gentiles (as the Old Testament contains hints of it, e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")), but rather that its full scope, method (through Christ's atoning work), and the breaking down of the Jew-Gentile barrier were not fully revealed or understood until the coming of Christ and the apostolic era. It was a divine truth that God chose to disclose only at the appointed time, through the preaching of the gospel.

**How does "obedience of faith" differ from "works of the law" in Paul's theology?**

Answer: In Paul's theology, "obedience of faith" (found also in [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - The Obedience of Faith")) is fundamentally distinct from "works of the law." "Works of the law" refers to human efforts to earn righteousness or salvation by perfectly keeping the Mosaic Law, which Paul argues is impossible and ultimately leads to condemnation ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - No One Justified by the Law")). In contrast, "obedience of faith" describes the active, transformative response that *springs from* genuine faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a means to earn salvation, but the natural, Spirit-empowered outcome of a heart justified by grace. This obedience is characterized by trust, submission to God's will, and a life lived in accordance with the gospel, demonstrating that true saving faith is never passive but inherently active and transformative ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")).

**Why is it significant that the gospel is "made known to all nations"?**

Answer: The proclamation of the gospel "to all nations" (Greek: *panta ta ethnē*, meaning all Gentile peoples) is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it fulfills God's ancient promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Secondly, it underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive love, demonstrating that His salvation is not limited to one ethnic group (Israel) but extends to all humanity, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thirdly, it establishes the foundation for the global mission of the church, as commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), ensuring that the good news of salvation is accessible to every tongue, tribe, and nation. This universal outreach reflects God's impartial nature and His desire for all people to come to a saving knowledge of Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:26 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "mystery" now "made manifest," for in Him, God's eternal plan to reconcile humanity to Himself and unite both Jew and Gentile into one new humanity is perfectly revealed ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles are Fellow Heirs")). Jesus is the central subject of the "scriptures of the prophets," for the entire Old Testament bears witness to Him, His suffering, and His glory ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures") and [John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - The Scriptures Testify of Jesus")). His life, death, and resurrection are the direct result of the "commandment of the everlasting God," demonstrating God's sovereign will to accomplish salvation through His Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Through Christ's atoning work on the cross, the message of salvation is "made known to all nations," fulfilling the promise that in Him, all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). Furthermore, the "obedience of faith" is directed *towards* Christ, for it is through faith in His name that justification and new life are granted ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus Christ")). Thus, Romans 16:26 is a powerful testament to Christ as the divine revelation, the prophetic fulfillment, the universal Savior, and the object of saving faith, through whom all glory redounds to God alone.

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

Romans 15:18

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Romans 1:5

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

1 Timothy 1:17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Galatians 3:8

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Isaiah 40:28

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Titus 1:3

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;