Romans 16:20

Romans 16:20, in plain English

Paul pronounces a final blessing: God will defeat Satan and crush evil completely, and he's sending them the grace of Jesus Christ to sustain them in that victory.

Why it's here

This is Paul's closing benediction, and it circles back to the warning he just gave. Yes, there are divisive people and false teachers, but don't be afraid—God's peace is with you, and ultimate victory is already assured. Satan will be defeated.

Who's speaking

Paul, offering final encouragement and blessing

Where it sits in the story

The entire letter to Rome has been about righteousness through faith, about God's power and grace, and Paul ends by reminding them that God's victory over evil is certain. That's the foundation everything else rests on.

The scholarly reading

Paul concludes with eschatological assurance that God will crush Satan beneath their feet, sealed with a benediction invoking Christ's grace.

Language and setting

The promise that 'the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet' (ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης συντρίψει τὸν Σατᾶν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν ἐν τάχει) echoes Genesis 3:15's protoevangelical promise of victory over the serpent, now actualized in Christian eschatology through the participatory language 'under your feet.' The phrase 'in short order' (ἐν τάχει) suggests imminent fulfillment, though the temporal reference remains characteristically ambiguous. The final benediction 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you' (Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μεθ' ὑμῶν) returns to the Christological focus and gracious tone that opened Romans, providing liturgical closure.

Voice

Paul, concluding with eschatological confidence and priestly blessing.

Significance

This conclusion frames the Romans' faithfulness within the larger narrative of cosmic conflict—their obedience and vigilance against false teaching participate in the ultimate divine triumph over evil. Paul's final words remind them that they are not merely constructing a human community but participating in God's eschatological victory, which grace alone enables.

18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.

22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Read all of Romans 16 — Paul names over two dozen co-workers — men and women, Jews and Gentiles — revealing a movement built on real relationships and shared sacrifice.