³³ Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

The end of Paul’s letter, so it seems—what he has to teach the Romans by letter is now finished. What follows is a long list of personal notes and greetings, and a few related afterthoughts. But lest we too quickly pass over today’s verse as perfunctory, we must recognize that no verse of the Bible is without value, for “[a]ll Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16–17).

“Now God” is the ultimate interruption, the overriding layer that conditions all of life. Paul has covered many things in this long letter to the Romans, but in the end, it all comes back to God. Theology, that is the study of God, ironically can be all about the study of an academic concept. “Christendom” can be all about denominational distinctives. Christian philosophy can be all about how to think of our world. Christian living can be all about how to live. But ultimately, the overriding goal is God, as He is manifested in Jesus Christ. “Now God” reminds us that all the great teaching of the apostle Paul points to Him.

“The God of peace” reminds us that the message of righteousness comes from God’s desire to have peace with His image bearers, who by our sin and rebellion became alienated from Him (Rom 5:10, 11:28). At the birth of Christ, the angels spoke of His plan to bring peace: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). So we need to be constantly reminded that our God is a God of peace. Paul knows this quite well, as he uses the word peace 11 times in this letter to the Romans, and 47 times in all his writings.

“Now [may] the God of peace be with you all.” This is Paul’s request that Christians everywhere experience the peace of God. We have made peace with God; He is at peace with us, because He has reconciled us to Himself (Rom 5:10). Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:38-39). We can never be “unreconciled.” We are saved forever; we are at peace forever with God. All that is left for us, while here on this earth, this side of the grave, is to enjoy that peace with God. The benefit of knowing and understanding well the righteousness of God is so that we would enjoy an unhindered relationship with Him, who has made peace for us. To that we should express our faith and say, “AMEN!”

Lord, amen and amen. I believe I am reconciled with You because of the righteousness of Christ in being my sacrifice on the cross. I rest in Your peace.