Read: Romans 16:17-26; 15:22-24
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions. (16:17)
A teacher once told me that good books are best approached by reading the conclusion of each chapter and then exploring the book. This month we will take his advice, and read the second half of Romans starting from the end of the book. Inspired by the approach taken in Reading Romans Backward by Scot McKnight, we’ll discover practical, pastoral teaching that helps us understand and apply the rich theology in the first half.
Paul’s letter to the Romans is carefully constructed, and by God’s grace, the apostle’s rich teaching about faith has shaped our understanding of God’s redemptive work. However, reflecting only on the theological exposition at the beginning of the letter can cause us to miss the practical and church-centered focus.
Nearing the end of his life, most likely in the spring or summer of AD 57, Paul desired to bring the gospel to Rome, the capital of the empire whose rulers proclaimed the Pax Romana (the “peace of Rome”) based on Roman privilege and military power. In contrast, Paul saw that the church is an embodiment of Christlike unity and peace. Paul yearned for the Roman church “to watch out for those who cause divisions” (16:17).
Many families and churches today struggle with division and polarization. Reading Romans from back to front may help us to discover Paul’s ancient letter in new, life-transforming ways.
As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to Christlike peace and unity.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
