Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "kept secret for long ages" isn't just about something hidden; it emphasizes that this "mystery" was intentionally silent and concealed, not merely unknown, until God's perfect timing for its revelation through the gospel. This points to a deliberate, divinely orchestrated unfolding of His plan, rather than a discovery by human effort.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
English Standard Version (ESV)
The letter concludes with a powerful doxology, praising God for His ability to strengthen believers. This closing hymn summarizes the core message of the letter: the revelation of a long-hidden "mystery" – the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan through faith in Jesus Christ, a concept previously kept secret but now made known to all nations. This declaration aims to solidify their faith and trust in God's power to keep them steadfast in the gospel.
Paul’s letters often end with powerful pronouncements of God's ability. In this final doxology, he reminds the Roman believers where their true strength comes from.
Paul concludes his letter by turning our eyes to God, the ultimate source of strength. The Greek word for 'strengthen' here, 'stērizai', implies more than just a temporary boost; it speaks of establishing, confirming, and making someone firm and steadfast.
The Source of Stability
In a world that constantly shifts and challenges our beliefs, it’s easy to feel unstable. But Paul points to God, who is able to establish us. This isn't about our own willpower or resilience, but about God's inherent power working in and through us.
This power is directed towards strengthening us according to the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ. This means God’s strength is aligned with the truth of His Word and the finished work of Christ. He strengthens us to remain faithful to the core message of salvation through faith.
Paul calls the gospel a 'mystery' that was 'kept secret for long ages.' What was this profound truth, and why was it hidden?
This 'mystery' isn't something mystical or unknowable in the way we might think today. In biblical terms, a mystery is a divine plan or truth that was previously hidden but is now revealed, especially through the gospel.
From Secrecy to Openness
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Historically, the core of this mystery centered on God's plan to bring salvation not just to the Jewish people, but to all nations – the Gentiles. For centuries, this was not fully understood or openly proclaimed. The Old Testament hinted at it, but the full unfolding happened with Jesus Christ and the spread of the gospel.
It was 'kept secret since the world began' or, more literally, 'kept in silence through eternal ages.' This points to a divine plan established before time, a plan that even angels desired to look into (1 Peter 1:12). Now, through the gospel, this magnificent, inclusive plan of God is made known to everyone, demonstrating His profound wisdom and love.
Understand the original words
euangelion · Greek Noun
The Greek term for the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ; the central message of the apostolic teaching regarding the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God.
mystērion · Greek Noun
A sacred truth once hidden from human knowledge but now unveiled by God to His people; specifically, the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant of grace.
apokalypsis · Greek Noun
The act of God pulling back the veil to manifest truth that was previously concealed; the divine unveiling of His character, plan, and purposes.
This final doxology from Paul, written to the Roman church, emerges from a context where the gospel's radical message – the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people – was a revolutionary 'mystery' that had been hidden for ages. The historical backdrop of Paul's ministry and the early church's struggles underscores the power needed to establish believers in this profound truth.
c. 1500 BC - c. 400 BC
Old Testament Era
The period of the Old Testament, where God's covenant relationship with Israel was established, and foundational prophecies hinted at future divine plans, including the inclusion of Gentiles, though this remained largely hidden.
c. 27 BC - AD 60
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertook extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and spreading the gospel, encountering both receptiveness and opposition.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
The Apostle Paul, likely in Corinth during this period, penned the Epistle to the Romans, summarizing his understanding of the gospel and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 60-64
Persecution under Nero
Christians in Rome faced increasing suspicion and persecution, especially after the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64, highlighting the need for strengthening faith.
This passage also speaks of a 'mystery' of God's plan, previously hidden but now revealed through the gospel, mirroring the theme of God strengthening believers according to this revealed mystery.
Colossians 1:26This verse directly parallels the idea of a 'mystery hidden for ages and generations' but now revealed to the saints, reinforcing the concept of God's long-kept plan being made known.
1 Peter 5:10Similar to Romans 16:25, this verse speaks of God strengthening and establishing believers after they have suffered a little, highlighting God's power to make us firm.
Jude 1:24This doxology is remarkably similar, praising 'him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless,' echoing the theme of God's power to strengthen and uphold believers.
Isaiah 49:1-6This prophecy describes the 'Servant of the Lord' who was chosen and formed from the womb to bring light to the nations, fulfilling a hidden purpose of God and providing a foundational concept for the mystery revealed in Christ.
barnesRomans 16:25: "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,"
Now to him - This and the two following verses are found in many manuscripts at the close of Romans 14 . Its proper place, however, is here; and the apostle thus concludes the whole Epistle with an ascription of praise. To him ... - To God; be glory; Romans 16:20. Is of power - Greek, Is ab…
jfbRomans 16:25: "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,"
- Now to him that is of power—more simply, as in Jude 24, "to Him that is able."to stablish—confirm, or upholdyou, according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ—that is, in conformity with the truths of that Gospel which I preach, and not I only, but all to whom has been commi…
The phrase "kept secret for long ages" isn't just about something hidden; it emphasizes that this "mystery" was intentionally silent and concealed, not merely unknown, until God's perfect timing for its revelation through the gospel. This points to a deliberate, divinely orchestrated unfolding of His plan, rather than a discovery by human effort.
The letter concludes with a powerful doxology, praising God for His ability to strengthen believers. This closing hymn summarizes the core message of the letter: the revelation of a long-hidden "mystery" – the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan through faith in Jesus Christ, a concept previously kept secret but now made known to all nations. This declaration aims to solidify their faith and trust in God's power to keep them steadfast in the gospel.
The letter concludes with a powerful doxology, praising God for His ability to strengthen believers. This closing hymn summarizes the core message of the letter: the revelation of a long-hidden "mystery" – the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan through faith in Jesus Christ, a concept previously kept secret but now made known to all nations. This declaration aims to solidify their faith and trust in God's power to keep them steadfast in the gospel.
"Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages" — The phrase "kept secret for long ages" isn't just about something hidden; it emphasizes that this "mystery" was intentionally silent and concealed, not merely unknown, until God's perfect timing fo…
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Last reviewed October 2026