What does Romans 16:17 mean?

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17

Explanation

Romans 16:17 speaks directly to the members of the early Christian church, instructing them to be vigilant against those who cause divisions and create obstacles that are contrary to the teachings they have received. The Apostle Paul is urging believers to recognize individuals who bring divergent doctrines or behavior that disrupts church unity and to distance themselves from such influences. The deeper meaning goes beyond mere avoidance; it calls for discernment in preserving the doctrinal purity and community harmony that are crucial for the early church’s survival and growth.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Romans is generally understood to have been written by Paul around A.D. 57. At the time, the church in Rome consisted of both Jewish and Gentile Christians, and it was not without its tensions. The verse in question comes at the end of the epistle, a point where Paul is wrapping up his letter with final greetings and instructions. It reflects a broader context where early Christian communities often grappled with false teachers and teachings, both from within the church and from surrounding pagan and Jewish influences.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse underlines several key aspects:

• Doctrine: The importance of sound doctrine is highlighted. Adherence to true teaching is paramount in Paul’s instructions.
• Community: The health of the Christian community is presented as dependent on the unity and shared belief of its members.
• Discernment: Paul is calling upon Christians to exercise judgment to identify and respond to that which is contrary to the teachings they have received.
• Separation: Implicit is a call to separate from those who do not adhere to apostolic teaching, suggestive of a nascent understanding of church discipline.

Different theological traditions have interpreted this call differently, ranging from the idea of shunning in some communities to more moderated forms of corrective action in others.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in modern life by:

1. Encouraging individuals to stay informed and knowledgeable about their faith so that they can recognize teachings that deviate from core doctrines.
2. Promoting unity and harmony within one’s community or church by addressing conflicts and divisive behavior responsibly.
3. Fostering a culture of accountability where individuals can be corrected and restored rather than immediately ostracized.

Cross-References

• 2 John 1:10 – “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”
• 2 Timothy 2:16 – “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 – “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
• Titus 3:10 – “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• “mark” (Greek: σκοπέω, skopeó) – means to “look at,” “observe,” “watch,” or “guard.”
• “divisions” (Greek: διχοστασία, dichostasia) – signifies “dissensions,” “quarrels,” or “factions.”
• “offences” (Greek: σκάνδαλον, skandalon) – originally meaning a “trap” or “stumbling block,” it refers to something that causes moral or spiritual downfall.
• “doctrine” (Greek: διδαχή, didaché) – translates to “teaching” or “instruction.”

The meanings of these words place emphasis on watchfulness and the active role believers must take in guarding against harmful influences.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively in other ancient religions, there was often an expectation of conformity to the teachings of religious leaders or the traditions of the community. In Judaism, the concept of “midrash” allowed for various interpretations of the scriptures, but deviations considered heretical could result in exclusion from the community. Within Hellenistic philosophies, divergence from the school’s teachings could lead to the creation of new branches or outright schisms.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse does not intersect with empirical research directly, as it deals more with maintaining community cohesion and doctrinal integrity rather than with observable natural phenomena. However, the social sciences examine how groups maintain cohesion and the role of shared beliefs in social dynamics, suggesting that a community with common understandings will likely be more stable.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have weighed in on this verse, emphasizing different aspects:

• John Wesley noted that “mark” indicated a continuous observation, to watch as well as to avoid.
• Matthew Henry pointed out that such divisive people serve “their own belly,” indicating selfish motives rather than a concern for the communal good.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament underscores the reference to ‘obedience,’ inferring that Paul is assuming the Roman Christians have reached a certain level of doctrinal stability.
• The Pulpit Commentary mentions that such avoidance is not only for personal protection but also as a means of potentially restoring the offender, who, by being avoided, might reflect on and correct their ways.