Romans 16:17-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-23

Christian salutations. There remain now only salutations and conclusions. But the same courteous love shall be manifested to the end. Nowhere do the ethics of the new life come out more delicately than in these trivialities, as some would deem them, of epistolary correspondence. They are as the fragrance of the rose. I. First, the letter-bearer is commended to their care. "Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the Church." The mere sisterhood in Christ should be enough, but she was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-27

Salutations and benedictions. The programme being sketched, the apostle now proceeds to the salutations and benedictions with which his Epistles usually end. And here notice— I. THE DISTINGUISHED PLACE OCCUPIED IN THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH BY WOMEN . There are no less than nine women specially referred to in this list, and all are active in the Church. Some were deaconesses; for instance, Phoebe, Mary, Tryphena and Tryphosa, and Persis. Oriental society separates the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:17

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause the divisions and offences ( τὰ σκάνδαλα , meaning "causes of stumbling." Both the words have the article, so as to denote things known of) contrary to the doctrine which ye learned; and avoid them ; rather, turn away from them; i.e. shun them; have nothing to do with them. The allusion seems to be, not to persons within the Church, but rather to outsiders, who come with new notions to disturb its peace. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:17-18

Fomenters of discord. A bright galaxy of Christian stars has been enumerated in this chapter. In contrast with these "lights of the sky" are those wandering will-o'-the-wisps which lead men astray in the darkness; marshy exhalations conducting to quagmires of destruction. The only course to be pursued in relation to the latter is to avoid them as a plague, as moral lepers whose presence brings contagion. I. PERSONS TO BE SHUNNED . Those "who cause divisions and offences." True... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:17-20

A last warning. There might, however, be some advent amongst them of a malign influence that should mar this brotherly love, and he must say one warning word. How had the trail of the serpent been on his path! At Galatia, in Corinth, and elsewhere, false teachers had come in, seeking to undo his work; those Judaizers, who sought to corrupt the young believers from the simplicity of the gospel. And would they not seek to undo the work at Rome? Yes, verily; for the obedience of the Roman... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:18-20

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (cf. Philippians 3:18 , Philippians 3:19 ). Had St. Paul thought these people sincere though mistaken, he would doubtless have treated them with the tenderness he shows towards the weak brethren. But he regards them as self-interested, and of the flesh; and against such disturbers of the Church's peace he is, here as elsewhere, indignant (el. Galatians 1:7 , Galatians 1:8 ; Galatians 2:4 ; Galatians 3:1 ;... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 16:17

Now I beseech you - One great object of this Epistle had been to promote “peace” between the Jewish and Gentile converts. So much did this subject press upon the mind of the apostle, that he seems unwilling so leave it. He returns to it again and again; and even after the Epistle is apparently concluded, he returns to it, to give them a new charge on the subject.Mark them - Observe attentively, cautiously, and faithfully Philippians 3:17; be on your guard against them. Ascertain “who are” the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 16:18

Serve not - Obey not. Though they are professedly, yet they are not his real friends and followers.But their own belly - Their own “lusts;” their own private interests; they do this to obtain support. The authors of parties and divisions, in church and state, have this usually in view. It is for the indulgence of some earthly appetite; to obtain function or property; or to gratify the love of dominion.And by good words - Mild, fair, plausible speeches; with an appearance of great sincerity, and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 16:17-18

Romans 16:17-18. Now I beseech Παρακαλω , I exhort you, brethren, mark them Observe and point them out for the caution of others. The word σκοπειν , rendered to mark, signifies, to observe attentively and diligently, as those do who are placed on a watch-tower to observe the motions of their enemies. Who cause divisions Or, separations, as διχοστασιας signifies, namely, by their false doctrine; and offences Τα σκανδαλα , stumbling-blocks, or occasions of falling, by their... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 16:1-27

Personal greetings (16:1-27)The person who took this letter to Rome was Phoebe, a woman well respected for her work in the church in Cenchreae, one of the seaports of Corinth. She had been a tireless helper of Paul and many others, and Paul asks the Roman Christians to welcome her (16:1-2).Paul then sends greetings to a number of people whom he had met during his missionary travels and who now lived in Rome. First among these were Paul’s loyal friends, Aquila and Priscilla. They were now back... read more

Group of Brands