²⁵ Now to God^[a] who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages ²⁶ but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— ²⁷ to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom^[b] be the glory forever! Amen.^[c]

Paul was one of the most prolific writers among the early followers of Jesus. Thirteen of the letters included in our New Testament come to us under Paul’s name and influence. The early church considered Paul’s words to churches and church leaders to be scripture – the very Word of God. In wondering what God might say to us in our time, I have been reading the closing remarks in some of Paul’s letters.

Paul wrote to the church in Rome before he had met these people. In this letter, Paul shares lots of his theological understanding of the faith, hoping that the Romans might partner with him in a missionary trip to Spain. And he closes with this “doxology”, praising God for how God’s Word guides us in our own mission and ministry.

As we turn to God’s Word to help us address the challenges and choices each day in our lives, we know that “God is able to strengthen us … and bring about obedience of faith.”

To the only wise God be the glory!

Prayer

The world in which I live today is different from the world of many of my past days, but You speak continually through Your Word. Strengthen me as I listen as a disciple of my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.