Romans 16:19
Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
The report of your obedience
The phrase "The report of your obedience" highlights the widespread acknowledgment of the Roman Christians' faithfulness. The Greek word for "obedience" is "ὑπακοή" (hypakoē), which implies a deep, attentive listening that leads to action. This obedience is not merely a passive hearing but an active response to the Gospel. Historically, the early church was known for its counter-cultural lifestyle, which often drew attention from both admirers and critics. The Roman believers' commitment to living out their faith was so evident that it became known throughout the Christian world, serving as a testament to their genuine transformation in Christ.

has reached everyone
The phrase "has reached everyone" underscores the extensive spread of the news about the Roman Christians' faith. The Greek word "ἥκω" (hēkō) suggests arrival or coming to a place, indicating that the reputation of their obedience had traveled far and wide. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, where communication was limited to letters and word of mouth, such a widespread report signifies the remarkable nature of their faith. This serves as an encouragement to believers to live in such a way that their faith becomes a beacon to others, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Therefore I rejoice over you
"Therefore I rejoice over you" reflects Paul's personal joy and satisfaction in the faithfulness of the Roman believers. The Greek word "χαίρω" (chairō) means to be glad or to rejoice, indicating a deep, heartfelt joy. Paul's rejoicing is not just a personal sentiment but a reflection of the joy that comes from seeing God's work in the lives of others. This joy is a common theme in Paul's letters, where he often expresses delight in the spiritual growth and steadfastness of the churches he writes to. It serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of faith, where the growth and obedience of one group can bring joy and encouragement to others.

but I want you to be wise about what is good
The phrase "but I want you to be wise about what is good" emphasizes the importance of discernment and wisdom in the Christian life. The Greek word for "wise" is "σοφός" (sophos), which implies practical skill and intelligence. Paul is urging the Roman Christians to cultivate a deep understanding and practice of what is good, aligning with God's will. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is rooted in a moral and spiritual understanding that guides one's actions. In a historical context where the early Christians faced various moral and ethical challenges, this call to wisdom was crucial for maintaining the integrity of their witness.

and innocent about what is evil
The phrase "and innocent about what is evil" calls for purity and simplicity concerning evil. The Greek word "ἀκέραιος" (akeraios) means unmixed or pure, suggesting a state of being untainted by evil. Paul is encouraging the believers to maintain a childlike innocence regarding evil, not in ignorance but in purity of heart and action. This echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:16, where He instructs His disciples to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." In the context of the Roman Empire, where moral corruption was prevalent, this call to innocence was a radical and counter-cultural stance, urging believers to stand apart from the pervasive immorality of their time.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Romans, Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, encouraging them in their faith and providing guidance on Christian living.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were known for their faith and obedience, which had become well-known among other churches.

3. Obedience
A key theme in this verse, referring to the Roman Christians' adherence to the teachings of the Gospel and their commitment to living out their faith.

4. Wisdom and Innocence
Paul emphasizes the importance of being wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil, highlighting a dual focus on discernment and purity.

5. Rejoicing
Paul expresses his joy over the Roman Christians' reputation for obedience, indicating the importance of a good testimony among believers.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's Word is a testimony to others and brings joy to fellow believers. It is crucial for maintaining a strong witness in the world.

Wisdom in Goodness
Christians are called to be discerning and knowledgeable about what is good. This involves studying Scripture and applying its principles to daily life.

Innocence in Evil
Believers should strive to remain untainted by evil, avoiding sin and maintaining purity in thought and action.

Reputation Matters
A good reputation among believers and non-believers alike is important. It reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.

Joy in Community
Rejoicing in the obedience and faithfulness of others fosters a sense of community and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the obedience of the Roman Christians serve as an example for us today in our own communities?

2. In what ways can we cultivate wisdom about what is good in our daily lives? Consider practical steps and spiritual disciplines.

3. What does it mean to be innocent about what is evil, and how can we protect ourselves from the influence of sin?

4. How can we ensure that our reputation as Christians reflects the teachings of the Gospel? What areas might need improvement?

5. How can we encourage and rejoice in the obedience and faithfulness of fellow believers in our church or community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves," which parallels Paul's exhortation to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

Philippians 2:15
Paul encourages believers to be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation, which aligns with the call to innocence in Romans 16:19.

1 Corinthians 14:20
Paul advises the Corinthians to be mature in their thinking but innocent in evil, reinforcing the balance between wisdom and purity.
Words of Counsel for a Christian ChurchC.H. Irwin Romans 16:1-19
Christian SalutationsT.F. Lockyer Romans 16:1-16, 21-23
Salutations and BenedictionsR.M. Edgar Romans 16:1-27
A Caution Against SchismaticsJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 16:17-20
A Last WarningT.F. Lockyer Romans 16:17-20
Accessories to ObedienceT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 16:17-20
Contagion of False DoctrineC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 16:17-20
Danger from Within the ChurchS. Jones.Romans 16:17-20
Danger of DissensionJ. Spencer.Romans 16:17-20
Danger of DissensionsHallam.Romans 16:17-20
Danger of DivisionsJ. Spencer.Romans 16:17-20
Danger of ErrorR. W. Hamilton, D. D.Romans 16:17-20
Difficult DetectionC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 16:17-20
Dividers and HereticsRomans 16:17-20
Dividers and HereticsT. Robinson.Romans 16:17-20
Divisions in the Church Arise from a Want of Spiritual LifeC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 16:17-20
Obedience of FaithJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 16:17-20
Separation: Lawful and UnlawfulJ. Calvin.Romans 16:17-20
True DoctrineArchdeacon Hare.Romans 16:17-20
True ReligionT. Binney.Romans 16:17-20
People
Amplias, Andronicus, Apelles, Aquila, Aristobulus, Asyncritus, Christians, Epaenetus, Erastus, Gaius, Hermas, Hermes, Herodion, Jason, Julia, Junia, Lucius, Mary, Narcissus, Nereus, Olympas, Patrobas, Paul, Persis, Phebe, Philologus, Phlegon, Prisca, Priscilla, Quartus, Romans, Rufus, Sosipater, Stachys, Tertius, Timotheus, Timothy, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Urbane
Places
Asia, Cenchreae, Rome
Topics
Abroad, Behalf, Desire, Everywhere, Evil, Fidelity, Full, Glad, Guileless, Harmless, Indeed, Innocent, Joy, Obedience, Ordered, Reach, Reached, Reason, Regards, Rejoice, Rejoicing, Report, Simple, Simple-minded, Truth, Wise, Wish, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 16:19

     8278   innocence, teaching on
     8289   joy, of church
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8367   wisdom, importance of

Romans 16:3-27

     5328   greeting

Library
July 29. "My Helpers in Christ Jesus" (Rom. xvi. 3).
"My helpers in Christ Jesus" (Rom. xvi. 3). Christ's Church is overrun with captains. She is in great need of a few more privates. A few rivers run into the sea, but a larger number run into other rivers. We cannot all be pioneers, but we can all be helpers, and no man is fitted to go in the front until he has learned well how to go second. A spirit of self-importance is fatal to all work for Christ. The biggest enemy of true spiritual power is spiritual self-consciousness. Joshua must die before
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Tryphena and Tryphosa
'Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord.'--ROMANS xvi. 12. The number of salutations to members of the Roman Church is remarkable when we take into account that Paul had never visited it. The capital drew all sorts of people to it, and probably there had been personal intercourse between most of the persons here mentioned and the Apostle in some part of his wandering life. He not only displays his intimate knowledge of the persons saluted, but his beautiful delicacy and ingenuity in
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Persis
'Salute the beloved Persis, who laboured much in the Lord.'--ROMANS xvi. 12. There are a great number of otherwise unknown Christians who pass for a moment before our view in this chapter. Their characterisations are like the slight outlines in the background of some great artist's canvas: a touch of the brush is all that is spared for each, and yet, if we like to look sympathetically, they live before us. Now, this good woman, about whom we never hear again, and for whom these few words are all
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

A Crushed Snake
'The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.'--ROMANS xvi. 20. There are three other Scriptural sayings which may have been floating in the Apostle's mind when he penned this triumphant assurance. 'Thou shalt bruise his head'; the great first Evangel--we are to be endowed with Christ's power; 'The lion and the adder thou shalt trample under foot'--all the strength that was given to ancient saints is ours; 'Behold! I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Tertius
'I, Tertius, who write the epistle, salute you in the Lord.'--ROMANS xvi. 22 (R.V.). One sometimes sees in old religious pictures, in some obscure corner, a tiny kneeling figure, the portrait of the artist. So Tertius here gets leave to hold the pen for a moment on his own account, and from Corinth sends his greeting to his unknown brethren in Rome. Apparently he was a stranger to them, and needed to introduce himself. He is never heard of before or since. For one brief moment he is visible, like
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Quartus a Brother
'Quartus a brother.'--ROMANS xvi. 23. I am afraid very few of us read often, or with much interest, those long lists of names at the end of Paul's letters. And yet there are plenty of lessons in them, if anybody will look at them lovingly and carefully. There does not seem much in these three words; but I am very much mistaken if they will not prove to be full of beauty and pathos, and to open out into a wonderful revelation of what Christianity is and does, as soon as we try to freshen them up
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Phoebe
'I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the Church that is at Cenchrea: 2. That ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the Saints, and that ye assist her in whatsover matter she may have need of you: for she herself hath been a succourer of many, and of mine own self.'--ROMANS xvi. 1, 2 (R.V.). This is an outline picture of an else wholly unknown person. She, like most of the other names mentioned in the salutations in this chapter, has had a singular fate. Every name, shadowy
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Two Households
'... Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. 11. ... Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.'--ROMANS xvi. 10, 11. There does not seem much to be got out of these two sets of salutations to two households in Rome; but if we look at them with eyes in our heads, and some sympathy in our hearts, I think we shall get lessons worth the treasuring. In the first place, here are two sets of people, members of two different households, and that means mainly, if not
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Priscilla and Aquila
'Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus; 4. (Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but so all the churches of the Gentiles:) 5. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.'--ROMANS xvi. 3-5. It has struck me that this wedded couple present, even in the scanty notices that we have of them, some interesting points which may be worth while gathering together. Now, to begin with, we are told that Aquila was a Jew. We are not told whether
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Pastor's Parting Blessing
THE CHRISTIAN IS A MAN of generous actions, but his wishes go far beyond his deeds. Where he cannot be beneficent he is benevolent. If he cannot actually accomplish good for all, yet he anxiously desires it. If it be not in his power to confer grace upon any, yet he prays that God would give his grace to all the brotherhood. His heart entertains thousands, though his house might be overfull with ten; his liberal desires feed nations, even though his purse be so scant that he cannot afford more than
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Of this Weakness of His, He Saith in Another Place...
13. Of this weakness of his, he saith in another place, "We made ourselves small among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." [2510] For in that passage the context indicates this: "For neither at any time," saith he, "used we flattering words, as ye know, nor an occasion of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others when we might have been burdensome to you as the Apostles of Christ: but we made ourselves small among you, even as a nurse cherisheth
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
PHILIPPIANS iv. 1-9 Euodia and Syntyche--Conditions to unanimity--Great uses of small occasions--Connexion to the paragraphs--The fortress and the sentinel--A golden chain of truths--Joy in the Lord--Yieldingness--Prayer in everything--Activities of a heart at rest Ver. 1. +So, my brethren beloved and longed for+, missed indeed, at this long distance from you, +my joy and crown+ of victory (stephanos), +thus+, as having such certainties and such aims, with such a Saviour, and looking for such
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

Whether it is Lawful for a Bishop to have Property of his Own?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not lawful for a bishop to have property of his own. For our Lord said (Mat. 19:21): "If thou wilt be perfect, go sell all [Vulg.: 'what] thou hast, and give to the poor . . . and come, follow Me"; whence it would seem to follow that voluntary poverty is requisite for perfection. Now bishops are in the state of perfection. Therefore it would seem unlawful for them to possess anything as their own. Objection 2: Further, bishops take the place of the apostles in
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, , unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.'--1 Cor. 15:58 We all know the fifteenth chapter of 1st Corinthians, in its Divine revelation of the meaning of Christ's resurrection, with all the blessings of which it is the source. It gives us a living Saviour, who revealed Himself to His disciples on earth, and to Paul from heaven. It secures to us the complete deliverance from
Andrew Murray—Working For God!

The Death which Gives Life
'And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross. 22. And they bring Him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. 23. And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not. 24. And when they had crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. 25. And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. 26. And the superscription
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

After the Wreck
'And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Ignorance of Evil.
"And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of Us, to know good and evil."--Gen. iii. 22. It is plain that the temptation under which man fell in paradise was this, an ambitious curiosity after knowledge which was not allowed him: next came the desire of the eyes and the flesh, but the forbidden tree was called the tree of knowledge; the Tempter promised knowledge; and after the fall Almighty God pronounced, as in the text, that man had gained it. "Behold, the man is become as
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
V. 1, 2. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, but a brother of James, to those that are called to be holy in God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied. This Epistle is ascribed to the holy Apostle, St. Jude, brother of the two Apostles, James the Less and Simon, by the sister of the mother of Christ, who is called Mary (wife) of James or Cleopas, as we read in Mark vi. But this Epistle cannot be looked upon as being that of one who was truly an Apostle,
Martin Luther—The Epistles of St. Peter and St. Jude Preached and Explained

Epistle Xl. To Mauricius Augustus.
To Mauricius Augustus. Gregory to Mauricius, &c. The Piety of my Lords in their most serene commands, while set on refuting me on certain matters, in sparing me has by no means spared me. For by the use therein of the term simplicity they politely call me silly. It is true indeed that in Holy Scripture, when simplicity is spoken of in a good sense, it is often carefully associated with prudence and uprightness. Hence it is written of the blessed Job, The man was simple and upright (Job i. 1).
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Christ Crucified
"And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear His cross. And they bring Him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they offered Him wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not. And they crucify Him, and part His garments among them, casting lots upon them, what each should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. And the superscription of
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 12.) Differently to be admonished are the simple and the insincere. The simple are to be praised for studying never to say what is false, but to be admonished to know how sometimes to be silent about what is true. For, as falsehood has always harmed him that speaks it, so sometimes the hearing of truth has done harm to some. Wherefore the Lord before His disciples, tempering His speech with silence, says, I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now (Joh. xvi. 12).
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Thirty-First Day. Holiness and Heaven.
Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of men ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness?'--2 Pet. iii. 11. 'Follow after the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord.'--Heb. xii. 14. 'He that is holy, let him be made holy still.... The grace of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones. Amen.'--Rev. xxii. 11, 21. O my brother, we are on our way to see God. We have been invited to meet the Holy One face to face. The infinite mystery of holiness, the
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Scriptures in the New Testament. "But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name."--John xx. 31. Having considered the apostolate, we are now to discuss God's gift to the Church, viz. the New Testament Scripture. The apostolate placed a new power in the Church. Surely all power is in heaven; but it has pleased God to let this power descend in the Church by means of organs and instruments, chief
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Extracts No. viii.
"In regard to the story reported among the Jews, respecting the body of Jesus, I admit there is a greater probability of there being such a report, especially if the body could not be found, and the apostles affirmed that he was risen from the dead, than there is that the resurrection, should be actually true: hence, perhaps, I was not so much on my guard in the expression as I ought to have been. What I particularly had in my mind was, that I might find it difficult to prove even the existence of
Hosea Ballou—A Series of Letters In Defence of Divine Revelation

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