The structure of the sixteenth chapter is by no means obvious: and it may be well to say a few words about it, the more because the differences of text which occur in the latter part have increased the confusion, and led to various untenable theories as to the origin of the different portions of the chapter. These differences of text concern no mere ordinary variations, but the presence or absence or transference of whole verses or passages.

The prayer which forms the end of the fifteenth chapter, with its solemn ἀμήν, is evidently a special conclusion to the single glowing sentence, in which St Paul calls upon the Romans to associate themselves by prayer with his dangerous conflict, that its purposes may be fulfilled and that he may be allowed to come in joy and find rest with them. The force of ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης would then seem to be, “But, whether I am preserved to come to you thus and so complete the mission of peace or not, I pray that the God of peace may be with all of you, so that the blessing which I am seeking for the Church may at least descend on you from its heavenly Source.”