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)
The deceptive "sweet-talk and flattery" they use isn't just about being superficially nice; it's a calculated, "good-speaking" strategy designed to prey on the "evil-less" or innocent by making plausible promises and praise, all to serve their own selfish appetites rather than Christ.
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)
Paul is concluding his letter by warning the Roman believers about individuals who cause divisions and sow discord within the church, contrary to the sound doctrine they've received. He urges them to identify and avoid these troublemakers, who aren't truly serving Christ but are driven by selfish desires and use deceptive flattery to mislead the unsuspecting.
It's easy to assume we're serving God, but Paul gives a sharp test: who are we really living for?
The core issue with these deceivers is their ultimate allegiance. Paul states plainly they "serve not our Lord Christ, but their own appetites." This isn't just about gluttony; it's about making personal desires, comfort, gain, or status the ultimate goal.
The Real Master
When our choices, words, and actions are primarily driven by what benefits us, what feels good to us, or what elevates us, we are serving ourselves. This is the opposite of serving Christ, whose life was characterized by selfless sacrifice and obedience to the Father's will.
The Subtle Shift
This shift can be subtle. It might start with small compromises or justifications, but it leads to a fundamental redirection of our devotion. We might still talk about Jesus, but our lives are oriented around a different master.
How do these self-serving individuals gain a foothold? It's through words that sound good but lead astray.
Paul identifies the methods used by these deceivers: "by smooth talk and flattery." This isn't about blunt, honest correction; it's about manipulative communication.
The Art of Deception
'Smooth talk' refers to pleasant, persuasive language, often lacking substance or genuine truth. 'Flattery' involves excessive praise and commendation, designed to win favor and influence. Together, they create an appealing facade that hides selfish motives.
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Targeting the Unsuspecting
These tactics are employed to "deceive the hearts of the naive." The 'naive' are those who are simple, guileless, and unsuspicious. They don't readily suspect bad intentions, making them vulnerable to charming but deceitful words. This highlights the importance of discernment and a wise approach to relationships and teaching.
Understand the original words
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 verse arises from a context of early church development marked by internal doctrinal disputes and external persecution, highlighting the constant struggle against those who would exploit faith for personal gain or manipulate 'simple' believers.
c. 49 AD
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius banishes Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (Christ). This event would have dispersed many early Jewish Christians, potentially impacting their integration into communities like the one in Rome.
c. 50-60 AD
Paul Writes Letters from Corinth/Ephesus
During his extensive missionary journeys, Paul establishes and maintains contact with various churches, including the church in Rome, through letters and personal visits. This period involves addressing doctrinal issues and church order.
c. 62 AD
Nero's Persecution of Christians Begins
Following the Great Fire of Rome, Emperor Nero scapegoats Christians, leading to brutal persecution. This intense pressure would have heightened the need for doctrinal purity and steadfastness within the church.
c. 64 AD— this verse
Paul's Letter to the Romans
Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, a community he had not yet visited. He addresses core theological issues, including justification by faith and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, and concludes with warnings against false teachers.
c. 67 AD
Martyrdom of Paul and Peter
Tradition holds that both Paul and Peter were martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution. Their deaths marked the loss of key apostolic leaders for the early church.
This passage describes people whose 'god is their belly' and who focus on earthly things, directly paralleling the self-serving nature described in Romans 16:18.
Proverbs 14:15This verse speaks about the simple believing whatever they're told, which connects to how the 'naive' or 'simple' are deceived by smooth talk in Romans 16:18.
2 Peter 2:14Peter describes those with 'eyes full of adultery' and who 'cannot stop sinning,' luring in the unstable – a vivid parallel to the deception and allure used by those serving their own appetites in Romans 16:18.
Colossians 2:4Paul warns that others may deceive with eloquent arguments, highlighting the deceptive nature of 'smooth talk and flattery' used by false teachers, as seen in Romans 16:18.
Matthew 7:15Jesus warns about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves, mirroring the outwardly appealing but inwardly self-serving nature of the deceivers in Romans 16:18.
ellicottRomans 16:18: "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
(18) Their own belly. —Compare the description in Philippians 3:18-19 , where the Apostle is also denouncing certain persons who made “a god of their belly.” It is not, however, quite clear that the class of persons intended is precisely the same. There the Apostle is condemning Antinomian extravagances which professed to be based on…
jfbRomans 16:18: "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
- For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ—"our Lord Christ" appears to be the true reading.but their own belly—not in the grosset sense, but as "living for low ends of their own" (compare Php 3:19).and by good words and fair speeches deceive the simple—the unwary, the unsuspecting. (See Pr 14:15).
The deceptive "sweet-talk and flattery" they use isn't just about being superficially nice; it's a calculated, "good-speaking" strategy designed to prey on the "evil-less" or innocent by making plausible promises and praise, all to serve their own selfish appetites rather than Christ.
Paul is concluding his letter by warning the Roman believers about individuals who cause divisions and sow discord within the church, contrary to the sound doctrine they've received. He urges them to identify and avoid these troublemakers, who aren't truly serving Christ but are driven by selfish desires and use deceptive flattery to mislead the unsuspecting.
Paul is concluding his letter by warning the Roman believers about individuals who cause divisions and sow discord within the church, contrary to the sound doctrine they've received. He urges them to identify and avoid these troublemakers, who aren't truly serving Christ but are driven by selfish desires and use deceptive flattery to mislead the unsuspecting.
"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." — The deceptive "sweet-talk and flattery" they use isn't just about being superficially nice; it's a calculated, "good-speaking" strategy designed to prey on the "evil-less" or innocent by making plaus…
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Last reviewed October 2026