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When we consider the structure of the epistle as a whole we shall see two things:
(1)
It can stand nowhere else but where it comes in the A.V.
(2)
If it were omitted, the epistle would remain for ever imperfect.
To appreciate the latter of these two statements it is essential that we see the structure
of the epistle as a whole, and as this must be given somewhere in this last article of the
series, it will be fitting that it appear now.
The Structure of the Epistle to the Romans as a whole.
A | 1: 1-17. Gospel. Promised afore.
For obedience of faith among all nations.
B | 1: 18 - 3: 20. Jews equally with Gentiles
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guilty before God.
| In the outer portions
C | 3: 21-31. The Glory of God.
| of Romans we read of
Come short of.
| sins, law of Sinai,
D | 4: 1-25. His own body now dead.
| Abraham, Israel,
E | 5: 1-11. Reconciliation.
| Jew and Gentile.
Doctrinal.
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In the inner portions of Romans,
F | 5: 12-21. Condemnation in Adam.
The Mystery
we have sin, law of sin,
G | 6:, 7: Question.
of Romans
Adam, and Man, but no
Repudiation.
16: 25-27.
references to Abraham,
Answer.
Jew and Gentile.
F | 8: No condemnation in Christ.
E | 9:-11: Reconciliation.
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Dispensational.
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The outer portion,
D | 12:, 13: Present your bodies
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Rom. 11: - 16: 24,
a living sacrifice.
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the same feature as
C | 14: - 15: 7. The Glory of God.
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Rom. 1: - 5: 11,
Received, to.
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but from a dispensational
B | 15: 8 - 16: 23. Gentiles equally with Jews
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and practical point of view.
acceptable before God.
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A | 16: 24-27. Mystery silenced afore.
For obedience of faith unto all nations.
From this structure it will at once be seen that Rom. 16: 25-27 is essential to
complete the epistle. The reader who has followed the exposition from the outset in
Volume XVI, will be able to fill in the details of every section, so completing the
structural analysis of this most wonderful epistle. We must however show the
relationship of A | 1: 1-17 and A | 16: 25-27, as that is the subject now before
us.