Romans 16
Paul lists his hall of fame: Phobeverses 1-2
I commend unto you Phoebe our sister
which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea
that you receive her in the Lord – as becomes saints
and that you assist her in whatsoever business she has
need of you – for she hath been a succorer of many
and of myself also
Paul lists his hall of fame: Priscilla & Aquilaverses 3- 5a
Greet Priscilla and Aquila – my helpers in Christ Jesus
who have for my life laid down their own necks
to whom not only I give thanks
but also all the churches of the Gentiles
Likewise greet the church that is in their house
Paul lists his hall of fame: Epaenetusverse 5b
Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus
who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ
Paul lists his hall of fame: Maryverse 6
Greet Mary – who bestowed much labor on us
Paul lists his hall of fame: Andronicus & Juniaverse 7
Salute Andronicus and Junia – my kinsmen & my fellow prisoners
who are of note among the apostles
who also were in Christ before me
Paul lists his hall of fame: Ampliasverse 8
Greet Amplias – my beloved in the Lord
Paul lists his hall of fame: Urbane & Stachysverse 9
Salute Urbane – our helper in Christ – and Stachys my beloved
Paul lists his hall of fame: Apellesverse 10a
Salute Apelles approved in Christ
Paul lists his hall of fame: Aristobulusverse 10b
Salute them which are of Aristobulus’household
Paul lists his hall of fame: Herodionverse 11a
Salute Herodion – my kinsmen
Paul lists his hall of fame: Narcissusverse 11b
Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus
which are in the Lord
Paul lists his hall of fame: Tryphena & Tryphosaverse 12a
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosia – who labor in the Lord
Paul lists his hall of fame: Persisverse 12b
Salute the beloved Persis – which labored much in the Lord
Paul lists his hall of fame: Rufus & his motherverse 13
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord – and his mother and mine
Paul lists his hall of fame: Asyncritus and brethrenverse 14
Salute Asyncritus – Phlegon – Hermas – Patrobas – Hermes
and the brethren which are with them
Paul lists his hall of fame: Philopogus & friendsverse 15
Salute Philologus – Julia – Nereus and his sister – Olympas
and all the saints which are with them
Salute one another with holy kissverse 16
Salute one another with a holy kiss
The churches of Christ salute you
Mark those who cause divisionverses 17-20
Now I beseech you – brethren
MARK them which cause divisions and offenses contrary
to the DOCTRINE which you have learned
and AVOID them
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 your obedience is come abroad to all men
I am glad therefore on your behalf
but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good
and simple concerning evil
AND the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you AMEN
Fellow workers with Paul send greetingsverses 21-24
Timotheus – my workfellow – and Lucius – Jason – Sosipater
my kinsmen salute you
I Tertius – who wrote this epistle – salute you in the Lord
Gaius – mine host – and of the whole church – salutes you
Erastus – the chamberlain of the city salute you
and Quartus a brother
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN
Benedictionverses 25-27
Now to HIM that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel
and preaching of Jesus Christ
according to the revelation of the mystery
which was kept secret since the world began
but NOW is made manifest
and by the Scriptures of the prophets
according to the commandment of the everlasting God
made known to all nations for the obedience of faith
to God only wise – be glory
through Jesus Christ for ever.
AMEN
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea. (1249 “servant”[diakonos] means minister, deacon, one who exercises the commands of another, waiter, one who serves without necessarily having the office of a deacon, helper, deaconess, agent, assistant, or a messenger)
DEVOTION: This word has caused much trouble in the church because of some of the interpretations give to it.
Paul in his writings to the churches has mentioned the office of deacon in the church on a number of occasions to Timothy and Titus for example. In each of the mentions we find that the office of deacon in a church was filled by a man only. One of the characteristics of those who fill the office of deacon is the husband of one wife. It is hard for a woman to do that.
Paul on this occasion could have meant that she was to be a messenger from the church in Cenchrea to the church of Rome. She has been a helper to Paul in the past. She has been a helper to many others through the years. She has the gift of helps.
He is writing a letter of commendation for her to serve as a helper in the church in Rome. There is a need for many women to help the church move forward for the LORD.
During the ministry of the Jesus Christ it was stated that many women followed HIM and also supported HIM. Every ministry has women who help the ministry move forward.
There can be also women that hinder a ministry after they have spent time in a church. In Philippians 4: 2, 3 we find two women who are at odds with one another and it is affecting the church. Paul wants them to be reconciled.
The older women are to train the younger women by example. The older women who are widows were to be supported by the church if they have no relatives that can support them.
Phoebe could fall into one of these categories where she was able to travel either at the churches expense or her own to help the women in the church at Rome be the example they should be to the younger women. We need older women who are helpers in the ministry of training the younger women to serve the LORD. When trained they can set the example for all the other women in the church to serve the LORD.
CHALLENGE: Women are needed to assist in the ministry.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (1978 “note” [episemos] means well known, notorious, outstanding, famous, remarkable, significant, splendid, prominent, or distinguished.)
DEVOTION: Paul has a list of people who have worked with him in the past. They might have even been in prison with him. Remember that he was put in jail in many different locations. He was also in prison in Rome awaiting trial.
So we find that Paul wants to make sure people understand that when he served the LORD there were always others by his side. They helped him not only in ministry but they also went to jail with him. They were committed believers who would do anything for the LORD.
Remember serving the LORD is not always supposed to be easy. There is hard work involved and many times suffering for your witness for the LORD. These people were willing to suffer with Paul as well.
We need to remember to stay faithful to the LORD and if it means being put in jail we should be willing to do it. Paul wrote many of his letters in jail. God can use Christians in jail to reach other individuals for HIS kingdom that might not have listened to the message but because of their circumstances they were willing to listen and become believers. Not all those who become followers of Jesus in jail are fakers.
One of the ministries of every believer can be to visit those in jail. These are the ones who will receive the reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ when all Christians come before Jesus and give an account.
One of the statements HE made to the Pharisees while on the earth at HIS first coming was that those who visited people in jail would get rewards and the only response the Pharisees could give is “when saw we in jail” and he replied when you did it to the least of the people you did it to ME.
CHALLENGE: Follow HIM wherever HE leads you. Those helping Paul did!!!
: 12 Salut Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord. (2872 “labor” [kopiao] means hard work, toil, strive, to labor to weariness, or bodily labor)
DEVOTION: There are degrees of service to the LORD. One can labor and another can labor much. Paul is greeting both together. It is interesting that sometimes we can say we are doing more than others.
When it comes time for honor to come along in a church on a given Sunday we find that some receive the same honor as others when they are mentioned. This can upset some who think they are more important or did more things during their time of service than others who are there on the platform together.
Some have more time to serve the LORD than others. Some have more gifts that the Holy Spirit has given them to serve the LORD.
I have mentioned before that there was a man who I admired who served the LORD in building a camp for youth, could play the piano very well and could preach. I was jealous that someone could have all those gifts but the LORD is using him for HIS kingdom. We are not to compare ourselves with others.
Some have to understand that the LORD loves them just as much with their one gift that they use for HIS glory as those HE gives more gifts to uses them for HIS glory.
CHALLENGE: God wants us to use what we have for HIS glory and we need to let him figure out the rewards.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned: and avoid them. (4648 “mark” [skopeo] means to take aim at, consider, look at, watch out for, spy out, inspect or to fix one’s eyes on)
DEVOTION: Here is Paul complimenting those who serve the LORD under his ministry. He mentions them by name and what they have done in his ministry. Every individual is important to a ministry to move it forward. Paul wants the church to move forward in Rome. This involved many people using their gifts for the LORD. He is saying “thank you” to them for their service.
However, in the church there will come individuals who will teach false doctrine or cause disruption in the work of the church. Paul warns the Christians in Rome to watch out for these individuals. They have to act like individuals looking for spies in their midst. They are not to be paranoid.
These people are easy to spot. They want leadership or teaching positions. They will sometimes say that they believe the same way as the church doctrinal statement states but in reality they are lying. It is important to check out what people are teaching in our Sunday School classes and other meetings of the church. Some home Bible studies could be lead by individuals who have pet doctrines or teachings that don’t agree with what the church believes.
There are also people who like to say they are the “devil’s advocate” at meetings. We don’t need any individual to be in that position as there are demons active in all churches already.
Paul wants the house churches to watch and avoid these individuals. The disciples taught new converts doctrine. They were to go into all the world and preach the gospel. They were to teach all nations. They were to baptize those who chose to follow the Lord. Then they were to teach them to observe all things that Christ had commanded.
There was a system of teaching that the Lord taught the disciples. They in turn taught the churches. The churches in turn taught doctrine to all those who came through their doors. Each Christian had a basic training in the doctrines of the faith.
Today is very different. Many churches avoid teaching doctrine. They don’t want to offend anyone. Paul is telling the church to avoid those who cause division and offences in their midst. We are to aim our teachings, so that, people who attend our churches understand sound teaching or doctrine. Then when they hear the teaching of those who are false teachers, they will run away. We are to warn the people in the pew against false teaching that is entering the church. In some churches people who claim to be Christians come in and teach things that are contrary to the Word of God. Are we aiming at the right people in our churches? Do we know what false teaching is? There are many new movements in evangelical circles that are heresy. Are we warning our people?
CHALLENGE: Study the Bible to find the Biblical truths we are to believe and defend them. Never be politically correct when we are to always to be Biblically correct.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Tertius wrote epistle of Romans for Paulverse 22
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Preaching of Jesus Christverse 25
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Gospelverse 25
Revelation of the mysteryverse 25
Scriptures of the prophetsverse 26
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Godverses 20, 26, 27
God of peaceverse 20
Commandment of the everlasting Godverse 26
Everlasting Godverse 26
Only wiseverse 27
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Christverses 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 16, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27
Jesusverses 3, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27
Christ Jesusverse 3
Lordverses 8, 11-13, 18, 20, 22, 24
Chosen in the Lordverse 13
Churches of Christverse 16
Lord Jesus Christverses 18, 20, 24
Powerverse 25
Jesus Christverse 25, 27
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Satanverse 20
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Churches of the Gentilesverse 4
Achaiaverse 5
World beganverse 25
All nationsverse 26
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Cause divisionsverse 17
Cause offensesverse 17
Contrary to doctrineverse 17
Not serving LORDverse 18
Serving bellyverse 18
Deceiveverse 18
Evilverse 19
Salvation by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Servantverses 1, 18
Saintsverse 2, 15
Assist each otherverse 2
Succorer [helper]verse 2
Helpersverses 3, 9
Give thanksverse 4
Firstfruitverse 5
Belovedverse 9
Helper in Christverse 9
Approved in Christverse 10
Laborverse 12
Chosenverse 13
Holy kissverse 16
Mark false teachersverse 17
Learn doctrineverse 17
Avoid false teachersverse 17
Obedienceverses 19, 26
Wise to what is goodverse 19
Simple concerning evilverse 19
Peaceverse 20
Graceverses 20, 24
Salute one anotherverses 21-23
Gospelverse 25
Preaching of Jesus Christverse 25
Obedience of faithverse 26
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Church (New Testament people of God)
Phebe our sisterverse 1
Cenchreaverse 1
House churchverses 4, 5
Epaenetusverse 5
Maryverse 6
Andronicus and Junia – kinsmenverse 7
Kinsman of Paulverse 7
Fellow prisonersverse 7
Apostlesverse 7
Ampliasverse 8
Urbaneverse 9
Stachysverse 9
Apellesverse 10
Aristobulusverse 10
Herodion – kinsmanverse 11
Narcissusverse 11
Tryphenaverse 12
Tryphosaverse 12
Persisverse 12
Rufus – brother of Paulverse 13
Asyncritusverse 14
Phlegonverse 14
Hermasverse 14
Patrobasverse 14
Mermesverse 14
Brethrenverses 14, 17
Philologusverse 15
Juliaverse 15
Nereus and his sistersverse 15
Olympasverse 15
Saintsverse 15
Churches of Christverse 16
Timotheus – Paul’s fellow workerverse 21
Lucius, Jason, Sosipater –kinsmenverse 21
Tertius – wrote epistle for Paulverse 22
Gaius – hostverse 23
Erastus –chamberlain of cityverse 23
Quartusverse 23
Establishedverse 25
Gospelverse 25
Preachingverse 25
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
: 17, 18 This warning concerning schismatics raises questions that cannot be answered with certainty. How can we account for its position between greetings from Paul to members of the Roman church and greetings from those who are with him? Could it be an insertion from a later time? This is improbable, for if both groups of greetings were originally one unit, it is doubtful that anyone would destroy this unity by placing something between them. The language and style are certainly Pauline. Is it not simply that at this point the danger Paul speaks of gripped him so powerfully that he felt urged to mention it at once? Dodd (in loc.) may be right in thinking that here Paul took the pen from his secretary and wrote this final admonition himself. That v. 20b contains the usual benediction found in his letters is somewhat favorable to this conclusion.
Is it possible to identify the troublemakers? Could this passage be intended to glance back at the problem of the strong and the weak already discussed in 14:1–15:13? One conceivable link is the word “obstacles” (v. 17), found also in 14:13. However, the general tone of vv. 17–20 is so much sharper than the earlier one that any relationship is dubious. If the church read it as related to the foregoing discussion, it could well have been offensive and could have undone the good Paul’s irenic approach had already accomplished.
What sort of people were those the apostle singles out here? Were they already in the church at Rome, or were they simply in the offing? Dealing first with the latter question, one gets the impression that they had not yet come on the scene but posed a threat of doing so. If they had already been active in Rome, those who corresponded with Paul, such as the spiritually discerning Priscilla and Aquila, would surely have given information to enable him to point out specifically the nature of the danger the false teaching of these schismatics presented. Observe that Paul does not specify the particular content of the doctrine of these interlopers. Apparently, he is counting on the instruction given the Roman church by others (6:17), buttressed by his own teaching in this letter, to enable his readers to recognize the propaganda as spurious when they hear it, even though it may be sufficiently attractive to some to cause division in the church.
By contrast, Paul is much more pointed in identifying the motives and tactics of these people, which suggests that his warning is based on his missionary experience that had brought him into contact with false teachers who tried to build their own work on the foundation he had laid (Philippians 3:18, 19; Acts 20:29, 30). Some of them may even have kept track of Paul’s movements and, being aware of his plan to visit Rome, were hoping to arrive there before him. If they could gain a foothold in this influential church, it would be a notable success.
17, 18 “Watch out.” Alertness to the danger is the main consideration, because failure to be on guard could result in being deceived. “Obstacles” (skandala) is too general a term to yield anything specific for our knowledge of the propagandists. Whatever they did, their activity could affect the whole church; therefore, they should not be identified with those in 14:13, where the singular “obstacle” (skandalon) occurs, seeing that these were a problem to only one segment of the congregation.
As an antidote to the corrupting influence that may threaten the Roman believers, the apostle points them to “the teaching you have learned” (v. 17). This is hardly to be identified solely with the contents of this letter, but is more particularly intended to refer to the instruction they have already received in the basics of the faith (cf. 6:17). This should serve as the touchstone enabling them to discern error. But such counsel is not enough. As a practical measure, it is necessary to “keep away from them,” giving no opportunity for inroads into the congregation. Religious errorists covet opportunities for “friendly discussion.”
Paul speaks of “such people” (v. 18) rather than “these people,” a slight distinction, perhaps, but nevertheless an important one, confirming the opinion already given that he does not have in mind a group he could name or identify precisely, but a class he has become all too familiar with in his travels. They may talk about the Lord but they do not serve him. Rather, they serve “their own appetites” (cf. Philippians 3:18, 19; 1 Tim 6:3–5). With their smooth talk and flattery intended to deceive, they brand themselves as sophists and charlatans. Those they aim to reach are the “naive,” the simpleminded folk so innocent of ulterior motive themselves that they imagine others are like them. Their gullibility can be their downfall (cf. “the simple” in the Psalms, a class distinguished both from “the wise” and “the foolish”). (Harrison, E. F. (1976). Romans. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans through Galatians (Vol. 10, pp. 166–167). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House)
Mark (σκοπειτε [skopeite]). Keep an eye on so as to avoid. Σκοπος [Skopos] is the goal, σκοπεω [skopeō] means keeping your eye on the goal. Divisions (διχοστασιας [dichostasias]). Old word for “standings apart,” cleavages. In N. T. only here and Gal. 5:20. Those which are causing (τους—ποιουντας [tous—poiountas]). This articular participle clause has within it not only the objects of the participle but the relative clause ἡν ὑμεις ἐμαθετε [hēn humeis emathete] (which you learned), a thoroughly Greek idiom. (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (Ro 16:17). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press)
16:17–20. Paul could not resist giving a final word of warning that they watch out for spiritual enemies: those who are divisive and seek to hinder the Lord’s work (who put obstacles [skandala, “traps, snares”; cf. 14:13] in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned). Believers are to keep away (pres. imper., “keep on turning away”) from such false teachers, who were not serving (douleuousin, “serving as slaves”; cf. 14:18) Christ, but were slaves to their own appetites (lit., “bellies”; cf. Phil. 3:19). They were selfish gluttons. The problem, however, was that by smooth talk and flattery they deceived the minds (lit., “hearts”) of naive people (akakōn, “innocent, unsuspecting”).
Paul hastened to assure the Romans that he did not consider them naive. Their obedience (to Christ; cf. Rom. 1:5; 15:18; 1 Peter 1:2) was well known and Paul was glad for them. But he was concerned that they be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil (kakon). The word for “innocent” is akeraious, “unmixed, simple, pure.” In Greek it was used of wine that was not diluted and of metal that was not weakened in any way. The word is used in the New Testament in only two other places: Matthew 10:16 (“innocent”) and Philippians 2:15 (“pure”). Christians should be innocent about evil, not following the ways of the world (Rom. 12:2). (Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 501). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books)
Not everyone was working with Paul for the spreading of the Gospel. There were some who, for selfish reasons, were dividing the churches by teaching false doctrine. These people were probably the same Judaizers who had given Paul trouble in other churches (see Phil. 3:17–21). Instead of preaching the truth, these men spread their own religious propaganda, using deceit and clever speeches. We have the same problem today, and Christians must beware of false teachers. They come to your front door with magazines, books, and tapes, trying to convince you that they are teaching the truth. Paul gives two instructions: mark them (identify them), and avoid them.
It is a matter of obedience to the Lord and testimony to others. The issue is not making or keeping friends, but pleasing the Lord and maintaining a consistent testimony. Romans 16:20 suggests that these false teachers really come from Satan, and one day even he shall be completely defeated. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 566). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books)
16:17 I make one more appeal. Cf. the use of the same word (parakalēo [3870, 4151], “I plead,” “I urge,” “I implore,” “I beg”) in 12:1; 15:30.
my dear brothers and sisters. Gr., adelphoi [80, 81] (brothers).
people who cause divisions. “Divisions” (dichostasiai [1370, 1496]) are listed among the works of evil that exclude people from the Kingdom of God in Gal 5:19–21. Elsewhere Paul has strong warnings against those who are divisive (14:20–21; 1 Cor 1:10–11; 3:3–4; Titus 3:9–11; cf. 1 Cor 11:17–22; Gal 5:19–21; 1 Tim 6:3–5).
upset people’s faith. Or, “lead others astray” (REB). Lit., “do things that cause stumbling (ta skandala [4625, 4998])”—i.e., things that lead others into sin or away from true faith in Christ (cf. 14:13, 20).
by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Paul does not specify the teaching or behavior that concerns him, but its substance may be similar to what he criticizes elsewhere (cf. 1 Cor 5:11; 6:9; 10:21; Gal 1:6–9; 5:19–21; Eph 5:3–7; Phil 3:2, 18–19; Col 2:4, 8, 16–23; 1 Thess 4:3–8; 1 Tim 1:19–20; 4:1–3; 6:3–5, 20; 2 Tim 2:14–26; 3:1–9; Titus 1:10–16; 3:9–10).
Stay away from them. Several times Paul instructs Christians not to associate with those in the church who are causing moral or theological problems (1 Cor 5:1–13; 2 Thess 3:6, 14; 2 Tim 3:1–5; Titus 3:9–11). The point is to make both them and the church aware of their sin. In extreme cases, the offending person is to be excluded from the fellowship (1 Cor 5:3, 5; cf. Matt 18:17).
16:18 they are serving their own personal interests. Lit., “they are serving their own belly” (“serving … their own appetites,” TEV; cf. Phil 3:19). Though some understand this as a reference to eating meat when it might offend others (see 14:1–6, 14–23; cf. 1 Cor 8:4–13; 10:14–33), it is probably best taken in a nonliteral sense: to serve one’s “belly” is to serve oneself or one’s own desires. On a deeper level, such people serve the cause of Satan (2 Cor 11:13–15).
glowing words. Or, “flattery” (NRSV). (Mohrlang, R., Gerald L. Borchert. (2007). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 14: Romans and Galatians (p. 234). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers)
Before sending messages from his associates he puts in a warning word against false teachers, in verses 17 and 18. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. 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.” The evil-doers here referred to are not Christian teachers, even though in error. They are ungodly men who, as Jude tells us, have crept in from the outside. They are not servants of Christ but tools of the devil, brought in from the world to corrupt and divide the people of God. It is a fearfully wicked thing to apply such words to real Christians who, however mistaken they may be, love the Lord and yearn over His people, desiring their blessing. In Phil. 3:18, 19 we learn more of those “who serve their own belly,” that is, who live only for self-gratification. “Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” These are identical with the wretched division-makers of our present chapter. Let us be exceedingly careful how we charge true servants of Christ with being of this unholy number, even though we may feel that truth compels us to take issue with them as to some things they do or teach.
Though he warns the Roman saints of the danger of listening to men of this type he lets them know that he has only heard good things of them, but he is jealous that they should maintain their excellent record. Alas, how soon did this very Church open its doors to just such false teachers as he warned them against, and so by the seventh century you have the Papacy itself enthroned in Rome!
He would have us simple concerning evil and wise unto what is good, not occupied with error but with truth. That truth will triumph soon when the God of peace shall bruise Satan under the feet of the saints. (Ironside, H. A. (1928). Lectures on the Epistle to the Romans. (pp. 171–172). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers)
Ver. 17. Now I beseech you, brethren, &c.] The apostle being about to finish his epistle, and recollecting that he had not given this church any instructions about the false teachers, who had been the cause of all their differences and uneasiness, inserts them here; or he purposely put them in this place, amidst his salutations, that they might be taken the more notice of; and very pertinently, since nothing could more express his great affection and tender concern for them; and these instructions he delivers to them, not in an authoritative way, as he might, and sometimes did, but by way of entreaty, beseeching them, and with the kind and loving appellation of brethren, the more to engage them to attend to what he was about to say to them: mark them which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned. The men he would have taken notice of were such who divided them in their religious sentiments, introducing heterodox notions, contrary to the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ and his apostles, and which they had learned from them; such as justification by the works of the law, the observance of Jewish days, and abstinence from meats, enjoined by the ceremonial law, and that as necessary to salvation; to which some gave heed, and others not, and so were divided; whereas the doctrine of faith is but one, the Gospel is one uniform thing, all of a piece; and those that profess it ought to be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment: hence their minds were alienated from each other, and they began to despise and judge one another, yea, to go into factions and parties, being unwilling to receive and admit each other to communion; and thus by these men they were divided in sentiments, affection, and worship; and which must needs cause offence to the church and the godly members of it, as well as cause many so to be offended, as to stumble and fall from the doctrine of faith, and profession of it, and greatly stagger and distress weak believers, and bring a scandal on religion, and the name and ways of Christ among the world, as nothing does more so than the jars and discords among Christians: wherefore the apostle advises to mark such persons, look out for, narrowly watch, strictly observe, and diligently examine them: the metaphor is taken from watchmen, who look out from their watch-tower, and observe who are coming, or pass by, and take up suspicious persons, and carefully inquire who they are, and what they are about, and whether friends or foes. So both ministers of the Gospel, and members of churches, should not be asleep, which is the opportunity false teachers take to sow the seeds of false doctrine, discord, and contention, but should watch, and be upon their guard, and look diligently, that none among them fail of, or fall from, the doctrine of grace, or any root of bitterness, error, or heresy, as well as immorality, spring up, which may be troublesome, and defile others; they should observe, and take notice of such who are busy to spread false doctrine, should watch their motions, follow them closely, take them to an account, examine their principles according to the word of God; and if found to be contrary thereunto, note them as false teachers: and avoid them; shun their ministry, drop attendance on it, depart far from them, have no private conversation with them, receive them not into their houses, nor bid them God speed; with such do not eat, have no communion with them at the Lord’s table, withdraw from them as disorderly persons, who act contrary to the doctrine and order of the Gospel, and after proper admonition reject them from all fellowship with you. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 2, p. 590). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
Genesis 50
Jacob dies; then Joseph lives to be 110 years old.
INSIGHT
God’s will is often fulfilled in strange ways. Joseph was given childhood dreams indicating he would rule over his brothers. Little could Joseph have imagined it would include their trying to kill him, his spending time in prison, and his ruling over the nation of Egypt.
That time and those experiences were needed to build into Joseph the character qualities and the wisdom needed to rule successfully. Never doubt in the dark what God shows you in the light. (Quiet Walk)
THE PROOFS OF ADOPTION
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26
What are the proofs that any one of us can have that we have been adopted? Well, you can find the scriptural proof. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Also in 1 Peter 1:3-6 you find it again: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” We are the inheritance—that is, the children of God. This is for all of us who believe in Christ.
The second way of assurance is that we are given “the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15); “we receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:5). You can be assured of the fact that you have received adoption because you know that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you. We have His testimony to our spirits that we are the children of God. And then last of all I would offer the fact that we are led by the Spirit. This is Paul’s argument: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Paul does not say, “As many as are actively acting as peacemakers or who are loving their enemies . . .” No! “As many as are led by the Spirit of God”; those who subject themselves to His leading and who rejoice in being led by Him—they are the sons of God.
A Thought to Ponder: You can be assured of the fact that you have received adoption
because you know that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you.
(From God the Holy Spirit, p. 187. By Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Indwelling Christ
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)
The fact that Jesus Christ is actually in each believer is both a great mystery and rich in glory. In fact, it is our very hope and assurance of glory in the age to come.
How Christ may be both seated at “the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3) and yet living in us is surely a mystery, yet it is fully true. He Himself told His disciples: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. . . . Abide in me, and I in you. . . . He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 14:23; 15:4-5).
The apostle Paul also confirmed this great truth: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). One of his prayers for the Ephesians was “that Christ [might] dwell in [their] hearts by faith” (Ephesians 3:17).
The mystery as to how this can be is resolved in yet another mystery—that of the triunity of the Godhead. Christ, the Second Person, is present in His people through the Holy Spirit, the Third Person. Christ said: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter. . . . Even the Spirit of truth; . . . for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17).
In fact, as our text says, His indwelling presence is our very hope of glory, for “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9).
Thus, where we go, He goes; whatever we say, He hears; even what we think, He knows. Christ, by the Holy Spirit, is our ever-present comforter and guide and counselor. This is, indeed, a glorious mystery! (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Brothers and sisters, we must be more vigilant. With our kids, with our families, with our Facebook accounts, with our texts, with our tweets, with our own eyes and hearts. Are we any different than the culture? Have we made a false peace with ourselves whereby we have said, we won’t do the things you do or be as sensual as you are, but we will gladly watch you do them for us? The kinds of things Paul wouldn’t even mention, the sort of sins he wouldn’t dare joke about, the behaviors too shameful to even name – we hear about them in almost every sitcom and see them on screens bigger than our homes. Here is worldliness as much as anywhere in the Christian life. Try turning off the television and staying away from the movies for a month and see what new things you see when you come back. I fear many of us have become numb to the poison we are drinking. When it come to sexual immorality, sin looks normal, righteousness looks very strange, and we look a lot like everybody else.
(p. 120, The Hole In Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung)
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