Big Idea: Here Paul presents himself as the apostle of the new covenant to the Gentiles. Two ideas therefore inform this text. First, Romans 15:14–16:27 corresponds to the document clause of the covenant format. Second, Paul is the eschatological apostle to the Gentiles who offers them membership in the new covenant through faith in Christ.

Understanding the Text

Many commentators rightly argue that Romans 15:14–16:27 completes the epistolary frame of Romans. Thus, like the conclusions in Paul’s other epistles, 15:14–16:27 contains, for example, Paul’s travel plans (15:14–29; cf. 1 Cor. 16:1–9); his request for prayer (15:30–32; cf. Eph. 6:18–20); a prayer wish for peace (15:33; cf. 2 Cor. 13:11c); mention of his associates (16:1–2; cf. Col. 4:7–9); an exhortation to greet one another (1…