Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Paul opens this chapter with a long string of greetings and "thank you"s to those who had been faithful to him and to the ministry of Christ. He then turns their attention to the fact that others would oppose them and the Gospel through divisions, false teaching, and selfishness - all of which are very infectious. They, however, also have the grace that is needed to withstand such attacks and stay true to God's will for them. Just as Paul had them to support him, they had one another and the Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen one another.
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