Romans Chapter 16 Vs. 17

 

Final Instructions and Greetings

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Rom 16:17

mark them which... Greek: skopeo, look out for. Be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them that the flock may be protected (Rom. 16:17; Phlp. 3:17). Also translated "look at" (2Cor. 4:18); "look on" (Phlp. 2:4); "take heed" (Luke 11:35); and "consider" (Gal. 6:1).

Ten Marks of False Teachers:

1. They cause divisions among Christians.

2. They cause offenses against truth (Rom. 16:18).

3. They do not serve God (Rom. 16:17-18).

4. They serve their own bellies (Rom. 16:18; Phlp. 3:19).

5. They use slick tongues to deceive (Rom. 16:18).

6. They are enemies of the cross (Phlp. 3:18).

7. They walk contrary to the gospel (Phlp. 3:17).

8. They glory in their shame (Phlp. 3:19).

9. They mind earthly things (Phlp. 3:19).

10. They bring in heresies (2Pet. 2:1; see, Mat. 7:15).

This is speaking of doctrinal falsehood and unrighteous practices.

Gal. 1:7-9 “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” “As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

We can see from this Scripture, that Paul says not to fellowship with those who would cause divisions in the church. We are not to accept any other doctrine than that which has been established in our church.

Final words

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. Rom. 14:13] in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned).