Romans 16:17
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
In Romans 16, Paul closes a personal and practical letter full of greetings, commendations, and warnings. Verse 17 shifts from praise to caution. He urges believers to mark and avoid divisive people who promote teachings or behaviors contrary to the gospel they have learned. The Greek word translated as “mark” (skenoō) implies closely watching, recognizing, and naming those who cause trouble. “Divisions and offenses” (skandalōn) signals not merely disagreement but acts, words, or agendas that lead others away from the faith or toward harmful influence. In the early church, unity was essential for mission; social networks, house churches, and shared meals created a fragile but powerful bond. Paul’s call is not to ostracize every controversial person, but to protect the community from corrupting doctrines and harmful agendas—especially those that distort the message of Christ or promote pride, legalism, or self-serving agendas (“that which ye have learned”). The context often reflects the presence of false teachers or “leaders” who sought to influence newly formed Christian communities with questionable practices or contrary doctrines.
This verse emphasizes the church’s responsibility to safeguard doctrinal integrity and communal health. Marking and avoiding false teachers is not a punitive impulse but a protective one—preserving the gospel’s purity and the community’s spiritual well-being. It also highlights discernment as a biblical virtue, not cynicism; believers are called to test teachings against the apostolic gospel they received. The command implies accountability within the Christian community: leaders and members alike should hold one another to the standard of sound doctrine, stewarding unity without compromising truth. It also reflects a broader ecclesiology: the church is a body with boundaries that protect its witness in the world. Practices of discernment, public correction, and, when necessary, withdrawal, arise from love for the gospel and for others who might be harmed by deceptive teachings.
Today, this verse invites practical discernment in a media-saturated era. Be vigilant about teachers, books, and online voices that claim spiritual authority yet distort core gospel truths. If a church or small group is consistently teaching a doctrine that undermines the gospel, ethical conduct, or the dignity of others, address it respectfully, with scripture as the standard. Practical steps: compare new teachings with the apostolic witness (Romans, Acts, the Gospels); seek wise counsel; and if misuse persists, consider withdrawing from participating in false or harmful influence. This doesn’t mean preemptive suspicion of all novelty; it means evaluating ideas against the central message of Christ crucified and raised. In personal life, avoid being swayed by smooth rhetoric that ignores lived consequences of sin or promotes self-serving spirituality. Build relationships with trustworthy leaders who model humility, accountability, and fidelity to Jesus.
Cross-References: Matthew 7:15; Galatians 1:6–9; Titus 3:9–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 John 4:1