by Walter A. Boyd (South Africa)
Paper 24
(C) Admonition and Encouragement (Romans 16.17-20)
As the epistle draws to a close there are two lists of names: those in Rome, to whom greetings are sent, v1-15; and those in Corinth, who join Paul in sending greetings, v21-23. Sandwiched between these lists is a little section that is full of instruction, v16-20, in which Paul endeavours to preserve the unity and usefulness of the saints in Rome. The admonition and encouragement of this section is divided as follows:
1. Avoidance of division-makers (v17,18);
2. Appreciation of the Apostle (v19);
3. Assurance of Ultimate Triumph (v20).
1. Avoidance of division-makers, v17,18. The apostle sees how easily the adversary (Satan) could cause havoc among the saints. United testimony is always a target for Satan — saints who are united in the work of God will quickly draw the attention of his and his agents’ destructive energy. Paul alerts the Christians by showing them the Conduct, v17, and Character, v18, of Satan’s emissaries, describing them in such clear terms that any right thinking Christian would want to avoid them at all costs. It is interesting to notice how Paul writes to saints who are not the fruit of his own labours in the gospel. He does not assert his apostolic authority; but urges them in the same way as in 12.1 and 15.30, "I beseech you, brethren." The expression "mark them" has a dual meaning — they should observe them closely, to mark them out from others. Those who are to be avoided can be identified by scrutiny of their character and conduct.
A) They can be recognised by their Conduct, v17. Their conduct reveals their character, and is revealed by what they leave behind.
i) Dissensions, or differences of mind. The word for ‘divisions’ is used here by Paul, and also in 1 Corinthians and Galatians. In each case it is closely associated with the works of the flesh. In spite of their good words and fair speeches, these men are energised by the flesh. In the assembly, nothing good ever comes from the exercise of the flesh; and any denial of the truth of God will result in division among His people.
ii) Difficulties, or stumbling blocks, in life. It is solemn to think that, in almost every case, wrong teaching leads to wrong living. After the false teachers sow their evil doctrines, there is very often a sad harvest. Some who are duped by false teaching are shipwrecked, and find it very difficult to recover to any level of usefulness for God. The divisions and offences are "contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned." It is surprising to notice that in this epistle, which is so full of doctrinal truth, the only occurrences of the word ‘doctrine’ are here and in 6.17.
B) They can be recognised by their Character, v18. Their actions have revealed their character which, when examined, confirms they are not true servants of the Lord. They slavishly serve their own selfish desires. Anyone who causes division contrary to the doctrine of Scripture is pursuing his own fleshly desires. The character of these men is such that they are prepared to deceive the simple in order to fulfil their own wishes. They are characterised by "good words" and "fair speeches." ‘Good words’ here has the idea of polished speech. In 2Cor.9.5 this same word is translated as "bounty," and as "blessing" in Rom.15.29. Their pleasant and plausible addresses promised blessing and bounty to any who were prepared to listen and imbibe them. Paul shows how different the reality is!
C) They are to be avoided, v17. When men like this appear, the only safeguard is to give them a wide berth. Those whose actions cause a faction or a fall among the saints are to be noted and avoided. There may be a tendency to turn a blind eye, or ignore their activities. This may give temporary relief from their divisive actions, but it leaves room for them to spread their evil among those saints who are unaware of their malicious intentions. Watchful elders should be able to identify men like this, and take sufficient action to safeguard the flock by refusing them a platform. This sanction is not because of some trifling matter, but effected after careful consideration before God, and executed in light of the Judgment seat of Christ. It is sad that there are such issues, the mention of which is enough to stir up trouble and cause factions among the Lord’s people. Any man, knowingly pursuing the propagation of doctrines that do this, should be considered as falling within the remit of these verses.
2. Appreciation of the Apostle, v19. In this verse the Apostle shows that he deeply appreciates the genuineness and transparency of their faith and obedience.
A) Their Obedience has been Displayed. He states that all men have noticed their spiritual character. That is, there is a general acknowledgment by all who know them of their sterling quality. Whilst this fills Paul with joy, it causes him to raise a warning: if misplaced, their implicit obedience could be their downfall. If false teachers were to gain their ear, their strong point (their obedience) would become their weak point! It is sad when evil men with ulterior motives mislead genuine and sincere saints. False teachers can usually discern among the saints those who are liable to be misled, and they will focus their attention on such.
B) The Obedience that is Desired. Paul desires that they would be skilled enough to show expertise in good things; that is, in anything that is good in nature. To be "simple" concerning evil has the idea of being innocent, or not having experience or knowledge of anything that is contrary to Divine or human laws. "Simple" occurs only three times in the New Testament; and we note with interest that Matt.10.16 brings the themes together in the expression "wise as serpents and harmless (simple) as doves." We need to understand that, for the Christian, the greatest preservative in godliness is to maintain an ignorance of the world and its evil ways. There is no benefit in being informed in evil. Had Eve maintained a resolve to be wise unto what is good and ignorant of what is evil, she would have found it easier to resist the temptation of Satan.
3. The Assurance of Ultimate Triumph, v20. The Apostle draws this section to a close by directing our hearts towards the ultimate triumph of the saints. Satan is active now, through the activities of these disrupters whom Paul has mentioned; but the God of Peace will eventually gain the victory. The activities of the evil one will soon be brought to an end, and the saints are encouraged to maintain a stand in separation from evil until that moment of victory. V20 has in mind the direct and complete fulfilment of Gen.3.15. At Calvary the head of the serpent was dealt a death-blow by Christ; and that bruising in its full extent will be manifested to the universe in the day of His Millennial Coronation. That Millennial scene will be preceded by the coming of the Lord for His own. "Shortly" carries all the implications of the great doctrine of imminency, associated with the Rapture. There are no prophecies that await fulfilment before it can take place, and when it does take place it will happen quickly. When the God of Peace commences His programme of action against the Adversary, He will move swiftly. Here, "God of Peace" stands in stark contrast to those who create unrest and division among the saints. In that day of the dominion of Christ, the saints will have a place of glorious exaltation, with Satan underfoot — which is where a serpent ought to be! Until that day of victory, grace will be needed to continue steadfastly. The Apostle appends a little closing salutation to this section, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." Fresh grace will meet the needs of each new day and experience, as we await the day of redemption that will herald the end for Satan and all his helpers.
—to be continued (D.V.)