25a … according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith …
God is to be praised because of the consistent witness of five things: the Gospel (vs. 25a), the preaching of Jesus Christ (25a), the hidden teachings that Paul has uncovered (“the revelation of the mystery” 25b-26a), the teachings of the prophets, and the commandments of God. Paul at times wrote with what some call “run-on” sentences, and dissecting them can be precarious. This is one of those times.
The message of the Gospel is not actually new. It was presented in somewhat cryptic form before Christ, but fully revealed after Christ. Peter writes:
As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10–12)
Further, the writer to the Hebrews explains that a full understanding of the message was not necessary for salvation. The problem with the Jews was not lack of knowledge, but lack of faith, the very thing God desired in them:
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they [OT Jews] also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. (Heb 4:2)
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Heb 11:6)
The Roman believers have received it and believed it, and therefore God is pleased! And He is to be glorified for that. In effect, the message now has been uncovered and elucidated for the entire world. God’s message is for all people and all nations. God desires everyone to obey the message of the Gospel, to repent and believe in Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord, thank You for making the message clear—I do believe in Christ.
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