In the very last verses of the letter to the Romans, Paul speaks about a gospel that was once hidden. It is a concluding sentence about the special message that Paul was allowed to reveal in his letter to the Romans:

“But to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the heraldic message of Christ Jesus,according to the revelation of a mystery (Eph 6:19),which was concealed in eonian times, but has now been revealed and also made known to all nations through prophetic writings according to the decree of the eonian God, in order to work obedience of faith
– To him, the only wise God, be glory through Christ Jesus for the eons of the eons! Amen!”
Rom 16:25-27

Paul calls this “my gospel”, which in other words is the “heraldic message of Christ Jesus”. He speaks of it as “his gospel” insofar as it concerns his task, which sets him apart from others. He calls it the “heraldic message of Christ Jesus” when he addresses the content.

The Gospel of God

At the beginning of his letter to the Romans, Paul spoke of being set apart as a called apostle for the “gospel of God”. This gospel of God had previously been promised in holy scripture (Romans 1:1-4). It is the good news of God’s righteousness, which comes through faith alone, without works. The first four chapters of the letter to the Romans speak of this. It is based on the story of Abraham. It is therefore already promised in the Scriptures and is only emphasized once again by Paul and explained in connection with Jesus Christ.

Justice is the foundation of God’s actions. That hasn’t changed anywhere. The Gospel of God speaks of God’s own righteousness, as already mentioned in the Old Testament and now emphasized anew as good news due to God’s work in Christ.

The change in the letter to the Romans

From Romans 5 onwards, however, Paul speaks of something that was not previously known. It is a transformative reconciliation that goes further than a covering atonement as described in the Old Testament. Paul uses different words for this. You can find out more in the articles on these verses. None of the prophets spoke of this new kind of reconciliation, as Paul begins to explain in Romans 5.

The new thing that is revealed here was a secret until then, and was kept secret in eonian times. God has not only achieved His righteousness through Christ, but makes it good news in which He turns to people in reconciliation. This is an extra dimension which, although based on God’s justice, also leads to a change in attitude. God is reconciled with you and me. This is the message that Paul re-explains in his letter to the Romans and sums up in other words in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.

This reconciliation does not only apply to Israel, but also includes the nations. That was also brand new. Although references were also made in the Tenach to the nations, to the non-Jewish nations, there their salvation came through the mediation of Israel. It is quite different with Paul. He just explained that the reconciliation took place entirely without the mediation of Israel and was based on God’s actions alone.

The secret gospel

The gospel, which Paul calls “my gospel” (see Rom 2:16; Rom 16:25), is made known through prophetic writings, such as Paul’s letters. Paul called the gospel “hidden”. It was secret. Now that he is talking about it, it was of course no longer secret, but made public. He referred to the time before his proclamation. He announces what had been hidden until then. The apostle reveals several secrets. He is not being secretive, but revealing something new. This is also the case with the gospel, which he repeatedly calls “my gospel”, in which some things were still unknown before. Not only that: the other apostles were not completely familiar with Paul’s message either. He had to travel to Jerusalem and present his gospel to the other apostles. They reached out to one another as brothers, but recognized that Paul was entrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, just as the 12 apostles were entrusted with the gospel of the circumcision (Gal 2:7-9). These are important distinctions with far-reaching consequences. Following these traces in the New Testament can lead the understanding of the church and faith into the distance.

If we look at the entire New Testament from the point of view of “Wherever it says Jesus, it says today’s church”, then we have fallen prey to an ideology.

These statements are particularly important because many Christians are still firmly convinced that there is only one Gospel and that everything in the New Testament therefore (by inference) speaks of the same thing. However, Paul differentiates very clearly. This has been emphasized again and again in this series on the letter to the Romans. There is a development in the New Testament. If we look at the entire New Testament from the point of view of “Wherever it says Jesus, it says today’s church”, then we have fallen prey to an ideology. The New Testament is much more differentiated. A clear view of what is gradually changing provides a great deal of understanding of the times then and now.

The aim of Paul’s preaching is to bring about obedience of faith. This was already a theme in the first chapter (Rom 1:5). So some things remain the same in both gospels (the gospel of God and the secret gospel), but the content of the gospel has been expanded. This now brings about praise in Paul, with which he concludes: To him, the only wise God (who has kept his wisdom in secret and has now revealed it), be glory through Christ Jesus for the eons of the eons.

Paul concludes his letter to the Romans. What stands out is his trust in God, who holds everything in his hands. Confidence characterizes Paul’s attitude. Confidence is what he gives the congregation in Rome in these last words.

“If God is for us, who will be against us?”
Rom 8:32