Romans 16:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

“The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet soon.” Since the Apostle had spoken of those who introduce divisions and scandals, he now speaks of the God of peace.

He does this so that they may boldly hope for deliverance from them. One who loves peace overthrows everything that disturbs peace.

The Apostle did not say “will subject,” but what is much greater, “will crush.” He will crush not only those who introduce divisions, but also their leader, Satan.

He will not simply crush, but will crush him “under your feet.” Thus they will gain the victory and become renowned because of this victory.

The Apostle also comforts them by the shortness of time, namely by adding, “soon.” Thus his words contained both prayer and prophecy.

“The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet soon.” Since there were disputes, he calls upon the Giver of peace to end the divisions.

He does not say, “will subject,” but what is much stronger, “will crush.” He will crush not only those who introduce divisions, but also their leader.

He also comforts them concerning the time, for he added, “soon.” The word “will crush” expresses both prayer and prophecy, because it stands in the future tense.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” He also reminded them of grace, so that, judging from what they had already received, they might become more zealous in faith regarding the future.

For if the Lord saved them when they were enemies, much more will He now crush Satan.

May the God of peace crush Satan, who has wearied you with all this, and place him under your feet, because he wished to divert the preaching of your mouths.

For His coming will crush the devil, so that they may receive the grace of the Spirit. Satan is enraged by this, for he wants people to remain in error, so that there may be no concord in them when they confess the same thing.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” The grace that Paul promised, He will give at His coming. Now Paul prays that they may obtain it.

For if they deserve to acquire grace, then he is already with them in one hope.

“May the God of peace crush Satan under your feet shortly.” Since he commanded them to beware of enemies, he fittingly entreats God to crush the teacher of the malicious and subject him beneath the feet of the believers. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Having pointed out the enemy, he also pointed out the helper. Those counted worthy of divine grace are unconquerable.

Having expressed hope for the swift cessation of disputes and enmity, and likewise for the end of every snare of the devil, the Apostle offers Christians the wish of the Lord’s grace. The devil had zealously sown the seed of evil among the seed of the word of God. Strengthened by this grace, they can withstand all the snares of the enemy. This wish, as the most important, is then expressed once more in verse 24. According to Saint John Chrysostom, these words of the Apostle contain both prayer and prophecy.

The Apostle already sees them struggling with teachers of falsehood instructed by Satan. Either he prophesies that the God of peace will soon crush Satan, the common teacher of every lie, under their feet, or he prays that God would deign to do this for them.

By both, he inspires them to stand courageously against the enemies of truth. It is as though he says: you will have to struggle with them only a little.

Soon you will see them under your feet. You will overcome and drive them away. Therefore do not fear them; stand for the truth of God.

Saint Chrysostom says: “Since the Apostle mentioned those who introduce divisions and scandals, he now speaks of the God of peace, so that they may boldly hope to be delivered from them.