Romans 16:20

the God of peace See on Romans 15:33. Here the sacred Title seems to refer to the miseries of the strife ("divisions and offences") attendant on false doctrine. The God of Peace would be with those who, by clinging to the holy Truth once delivered, held fast to true unity.

shall bruise Satan, &c. The very first promise of Redemption (Genesis 3:15,) is doubtless here referred to. The "Enemy who soweth tares" had been already "bruised" by the Redeemer, in His triumphant work; and that victory would be, in due time, realized in the personal ("under yourfeet,") triumph over sin and death, and final deliverance from all trial, of each of His followers.

shortly In the eternal "Day," so near at hand, (Romans 13:11-12,) when all "enemies shall be made the footstool" of Messiah, and of His saints through Him.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c. It may be that St Paul was about to close the Epistle here. If so, we may suppose that the request of the Christians round him to add their greetings gave him occasion to add the few remaining sentences. But may not this benediction be specially connected with the immediate context? Q. d., "You have a battle to fight against the assaults of error. It will soon be over; and meantime may your Lord's grace be with you in the strife." The "Amen" should be omitted.