
Reading Romans Back to Front
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
Do you long for deeper unity in your church, but feel overwhelmed by division, disagreement, or differences?
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we often focus on the powerful theology of grace and salvation found in the first half, but the second half of the letter reveals something just as essential: a vision for a church united across ethnic, cultural, and social divides. This devotional series explores that vision by reading the second half of Romans in reverse, starting with the conclusion and working back through Paul’s practical, pastoral wisdom.
By reading Romans “back to front,” we uncover the everyday realities of the Roman house churches—diverse, messy, and deeply human. Paul writes not to an abstract audience but to real people: Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women, weak and strong. He invites them—and us—into a gospel-shaped community, where grace is not only believed, but lived.
Each day offers insights into how Christians from different backgrounds can grow in love, humility, and mutual respect. You’ll reflect on themes like spiritual gifts, reconciliation, peace, and the danger of pride. And you’ll be reminded that the gospel doesn’t erase our differences—it redeems them into a beautiful, unified body.
In a time when polarization can seep into our churches, Paul’s vision still speaks clearly: welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you.
Let this devotional draw you into a deeper understanding of Romans and a renewed commitment to unity in Christ—across generations, cultures, and convictions.

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

Read: Romans 16:1-16, 21-23 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (v. 16) As a pastor coming to a new church, one of

Read: Romans 16:1-2; Galatians 3:28 I commend to you our sister Phoebe. (Rom. 16:1) Francis of Assisi is often attributed as saying, “Preach the gospel—use words if necessary.” Phoebe, the

Read: Romans 16:3-4; Acts 18:1-4 . . . who risked their necks for my life. (Rom. 16:4) In one of the churches I served, the story is still told about

Read: Romans 16:5; Acts 20:17-20 Greet also the church in their house. (Rom. 16:5) The great medieval Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris reopened to the public in December 2024 after a

Read: Romans 16:7, 13; Mark 15:21-24 Greet Andronicus and Junia . . . Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as

Read: Romans 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. (Rom. 16:23) When I’m communicating with someone, I find that I shouldn’t assume that

Read: Romans 14:1-6 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him. (v. 1) Whenever we read the Bible, God has something new to say to us. God’s

Read: Romans 14:7-12; Mark 2:28 Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. (Rom. 14:8) As a pastor, when I visited church members who were nearing death,
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.