Romans 16:17-18
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The instruction to "avoid them" isn't about harsh judgment, but about intentionally turning aside from their harmful influence, much like stepping off a dangerous path to protect yourself. This emphasizes a proactive protection of the church's unity and truth, rather than just passively wishing the problem away.
Paul is concluding his letter by offering final greetings and instructions, and in these closing verses, he issues a strong warning. He urges the believers in Rome to be discerning and to steer clear of individuals who try to disrupt the church's unity and contradict the core teachings they've received. This instruction comes after his extended discussion on unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting the importance of peace and sound doctrine.
Paul doesn't just say 'be aware'—he commands believers to actively 'mark' those who threaten the community. What does this vigilant observation look like?
The Greek word for 'mark' here implies a careful, almost military-style observation. It's not passive awareness but an active, strategic vigilance.
Why Be Vigilant?
This active marking isn't about condemnation, but about self-protection and the protection of the community from error that can tear it apart.
Divisions and stumbling blocks aren't just minor disagreements; they are weapons used against the unity and truth of the gospel. Paul calls them out directly.
Paul identifies two primary ways these divisive individuals operate:
Causing Divisions (Dichostasias):
Understand the original words
didachē · Greek Noun
The body of truth, teaching, or apostolic instruction delivered by Christ and his apostles, which serves as the authoritative foundation for Christian faith and conduct.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Master and Messiah; the title reflects both His divine authority and His mediatorial role as the Savior of the Church.
koilia · Greek Noun
The physical or worldly desires, passions, or self-centered cravings that are contrary to the Spirit of God and represent a focus on self rather than on God's kingdom.
akakos · Greek Adjective
Those who are simple, unsuspecting, or lacking spiritual discernment; they are easily misled by false teaching because they lack maturity in the faith.
This passage in Romans wasn't necessarily addressing a major, ongoing conflict within the Roman church at the time of writing, but rather a potential threat. Paul, drawing on his experience with other churches, preemptively warns the Romans to guard against the subtle influence of teachers who could disrupt the unity and sound doctrine he had so carefully laid out.
c. AD 50s
Jewish influence on Roman church
Jewish believers in Rome, possibly influenced by stricter interpretations of the Law from Jerusalem, created tension with Gentile converts regarding practices like dietary laws and festivals. This created early divisions within the church.
c. AD 50s-60s
Paul's Letter to the Romans
Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, largely to establish unity between Jewish and Gentile believers and to outline core gospel doctrines. He addresses potential points of division and misunderstanding in detail, especially in chapters 14 and 15.
c. AD 60s— this verse
Warning against divisive teachers
Near the end of his letter, Paul adds a final warning to the Roman believers, urging them to identify and avoid individuals who sow discord and cause others to stumble, leading them away from the sound doctrine they have received.
c. AD 60s
Paul warns against those who preach a 'different gospel' and insists that if anyone preaches anything contrary to what they have received, they should be condemned, mirroring the command to avoid those who cause division contrary to established doctrine.
1 Timothy 6:3-5This passage instructs believers to avoid those who teach falsely and are characterized by divisive speech and greed, aligning with Paul's warning in Romans to 'mark' and 'avoid' such individuals.
2 Timothy 3:5Paul describes people who have a form of godliness but deny its power, cautioning believers to 'avoid' such individuals, which echoes the sentiment of Romans 16:17 regarding separating from divisive influences.
Titus 3:10-11This verse directly commands that a 'divisive person' should be warned once and then avoided, reinforcing the directive given to the Romans to identify and shun those who create schisms.
vincentRomans 16:17: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
Divisions - offenses (τὰς διχοστασίας - τὰ σκάνδαλα)The article with each noun points to some well-known disturbances. The former noun occurs only in Paul.Avoid (ἐκκλίνατε)Better, as Rev, turn aside. Not only keep out of their way, but remove from it if you fall in with them.
jfbRomans 16:17: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
- Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned—"which ye learned."and avoid them—The fomentors of "divisions" here referred to are probably those who were unfriendly to the truths taught in this epistle, while those who caused "offenses" were probably those referred…
The instruction to "avoid them" isn't about harsh judgment, but about intentionally turning aside from their harmful influence, much like stepping off a dangerous path to protect yourself. This emphasizes a proactive protection of the church's unity and truth, rather than just passively wishing the problem away.
Paul is concluding his letter by offering final greetings and instructions, and in these closing verses, he issues a strong warning. He urges the believers in Rome to be discerning and to steer clear of individuals who try to disrupt the church's unity and contradict the core teachings they've received. This instruction comes after his extended discussion on unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting the importance of peace and sound doctrine.
Paul is concluding his letter by offering final greetings and instructions, and in these closing verses, he issues a strong warning. He urges the believers in Rome to be discerning and to steer clear of individuals who try to disrupt the church's unity and contradict the core teachings they've received. This instruction comes after his extended discussion on unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting the importance of peace and sound doctrine.
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Creating Obstacles/Stumbling Blocks (Skandala):
Paul’s urgency highlights that these are not trivial issues but serious threats to the core of Christian life and doctrine.
When faced with divisive influences, Paul's advice is direct: 'Avoid them.' But what does 'avoid' truly mean in a Christian context?
The command to 'avoid' (ekklinate) is strong. It doesn't mean to engage in lengthy debates or try to win them over through argument, especially if they are intent on causing division.
The Nature of Avoidance:
This strategy prioritizes the health of the community and the integrity of the faith over potentially fruitless arguments with those determined to sow discord.
Paul's final greetings and warnings
Following the warning in verse 17, Paul offers further instructions and reassurances, including a promise that God will soon crush Satan, and a final blessing, marking the end of his profound epistle.
"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smoot…" — The instruction to "avoid them" isn't about harsh judgment, but about intentionally turning aside from their harmful influence, much like stepping off a dangerous path to protect yourself. This empha…
