Romans 16:19

KJV

For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} your {G5216} obedience {G5218} is come abroad {G864} unto {G1519} all {G3956} men. I am glad {G5463} therefore {G3767} on {G1909} your {G5213} behalf {G1909}: but yet {G1161} I would have {G2309} you {G5209} wise {G4680} unto {G1519} that which is {G1511} good {G3303}{G18}, and {G1161} simple {G185} concerning {G1519} evil {G2556}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For everyone has heard about your obedience; therefore I rejoice over you. However, I want you to be wise concerning good, but innocent concerning evil.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 16:19, the Apostle Paul concludes his magisterial letter to the Roman believers with a dual emphasis: first, a heartfelt commendation for their widely recognized and exemplary obedience to the gospel, which brings him great joy; and second, a crucial, practical exhortation for their continued spiritual maturity, urging them to cultivate profound wisdom concerning all that is inherently good, while simultaneously maintaining an unadulterated innocence and purity concerning all that is evil. This verse distills a profound principle of Christian living, advocating for an active, discerning embrace of righteousness coupled with a deliberate, uncorrupted detachment from wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 serves primarily as a chapter of personal greetings, commendations, and final admonitions, marking the conclusion of Paul's most systematic theological treatise. Immediately preceding verse 19, Paul issues a stern warning in [Romans 16:17-18](/romans/16-17-18 "Romans 16:17-18 - Warning Against Divisions") against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the sound doctrine the Roman church had received. These individuals are characterized as serving their own appetites rather than Christ, deceiving the innocent with smooth talk. Verse 19 then transitions from this cautionary note to a statement of trust and affirmation, highlighting the Roman believers' positive reputation for adherence to the faith. Paul's commendation of their "obedience" (G5218, _hypakoḗ_) directly contrasts with the deceptive practices of the false teachers, reinforcing the value of genuine submission to truth. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God of Peace Crushes Satan")) offer further encouragement and a promise of divine victory over Satan, linking the believers' steadfastness to God's ultimate triumph.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Rome was the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire, a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religions. While it offered significant opportunities for the spread of the gospel, it also presented numerous moral and ideological challenges. Syncretism was common, and various cults and philosophical schools vied for influence. Early Christian communities, often meeting in house churches, navigated a complex social landscape, facing potential persecution, internal disagreements, and the allure of prevailing pagan practices. Paul's letter to the Romans, written from Corinth around A.D. 57-58, addresses a church he had not yet visited but whose reputation had clearly reached him. The emphasis on "obedience" (G5218, _hypakoḗ_) and the call to be "wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil" (G4680, _sophós_ and G185, _akéraios_) were particularly pertinent in a city where moral relativism and sophisticated vices could easily corrupt nascent faith. Paul's instruction provides a moral compass for believers living in a morally ambiguous and often hostile environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Christian Obedience** as a foundational aspect of faith, not merely intellectual assent but active submission to God's will, as introduced in [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - Obedience to the Faith"). The commendation of their widespread obedience highlights the **Witness and Reputation** of the church, demonstrating how the integrity of believers can impact the broader world. Central to the exhortation is the theme of **Spiritual Discernment**, urging believers to actively pursue and apply divine wisdom in their lives, distinguishing between good and evil. This ties into the broader call for the transformation of the mind found in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind"). Finally, the instruction to be "simple concerning evil" emphasizes the critical theme of **Moral Purity and Innocence**, safeguarding believers from the corrupting influences of the world and the deceptive tactics of false teachers, echoing the need for blamelessness seen in passages like [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Blameless Children of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obedience (Greek, _hypakoḗ_):** From G5218, this term signifies "attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission." It is not merely passive hearing but an active, responsive submission to a command or authority. In the context of the gospel, it refers to the willing and active response of faith that embraces and lives out the truth of God's revelation. Paul's commendation here indicates that the Roman believers' faith was not merely theoretical but manifested in their practical conduct and adherence to Christian doctrine.
* **Wise (Greek, _sophós_):** From G4680, this word means "wise (in a most general application)." It denotes practical wisdom, skill, and prudence, especially in discerning and applying moral and spiritual truth. It implies an insightful understanding of what is truly good and beneficial, coupled with the ability to act skillfully and judiciously in accordance with that understanding. It is a wisdom that guides behavior and decision-making, enabling believers to navigate life's complexities in a manner pleasing to God.
* **Simple (Greek, _akéraios_):** From G185, this term means "unmixed, i.e. (figuratively) innocent." It conveys a sense of purity, guilelessness, and freedom from malice, cunning, or corruption. It suggests being unadulterated by evil, not participating in its schemes, and remaining untainted by its influence. This is not an ignorance of evil's existence, but a deliberate refusal to engage with it or allow it to contaminate one's character or actions. It implies a moral integrity that resists complicity with wickedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]":** Paul begins with a commendation, highlighting the widespread reputation of the Roman believers' obedience. This "obedience" (G5218, _hypakoḗ_) signifies their faithful response to the gospel and their consistent adherence to its teachings. The phrase "is come abroad" (G864, _aphiknéomai_) indicates that their reputation for faithfulness had spread widely, reaching Paul and presumably other Christian communities. This public testimony was a source of encouragement and joy.
* **"I am glad therefore on your behalf":** Paul expresses his personal delight and joy (G5463, _chaírō_) in response to the positive report of their steadfastness. His gladness is a pastoral affirmation, reinforcing the value of their faithfulness and demonstrating his genuine affection and concern for them. It underscores the communal joy that arises from the spiritual health and integrity of fellow believers.
* **"but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil":** This is Paul's crucial exhortation, introduced by a contrasting particle (G1161, _dé_). Despite their commendable obedience, Paul desires (G2309, _thélō_) them to grow in two specific areas of spiritual maturity. To be "wise" (G4680, _sophós_) "unto that which is good" (G18, _agathós_) means to possess discerning insight and practical skill in understanding, pursuing, and applying moral excellence and divine truth. Conversely, to be "simple" (G185, _akéraios_) "concerning evil" (G2556, _kakós_) means to be innocent, unmixed, and uncorrupted by wickedness. This is not an ignorance of evil, but a deliberate refusal to engage with it, be fascinated by it, or allow it to taint one's character or actions.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:19 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, clearly seen in the contrasting pair: "wise unto that which is good" versus "simple concerning evil." This juxtaposition highlights the dual nature of Christian maturity, emphasizing that believers must be shrewd and discerning in pursuing righteousness, yet utterly guileless and uncorrupted by sin. This creates a powerful and memorable ethical imperative. Paul also uses **Commendation** ("For your obedience is come abroad... I am glad therefore on your behalf"), which serves to affirm the recipients and build rapport before delivering the subsequent **Exhortation**. The commendation acts as a pastoral softening, making the subsequent instruction more palatable and impactful. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** where "obedience" stands for the entire faithful conduct and reputation of the Roman church, signifying the fruit of their faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's exhortation in Romans 16:19 encapsulates a profound theological truth about the nature of Christian sanctification: it is a dynamic process involving both active pursuit of righteousness and vigilant avoidance of sin. This balance is crucial for spiritual maturity and reflects God's desire for His people to be both discerning and pure. The call to be "wise unto that which is good" aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom as a gift from God, guiding believers in righteous living and discerning His will. Simultaneously, the command to be "simple concerning evil" underscores the necessity of moral purity and blamelessness, reflecting God's holy character. This dual imperative equips believers to navigate a fallen world, resisting its corrupting influences while actively embodying divine virtues. It is a call to intentional engagement with truth and intentional disengagement from wickedness, ensuring that Christian conduct is both intelligent and undefiled.

* [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves")
* [1 Corinthians 14:20](/1_corinthians/14-20 "1 Corinthians 14:20 - Be Children in Malice, Mature in Understanding")
* [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Blameless and Innocent Children of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:19 offers timeless and profoundly practical guidance for every believer. It challenges us to move beyond mere passive avoidance of sin to an active, intentional pursuit of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Being "wise unto that which is good" means diligently studying God's Word, seeking His wisdom through prayer, and cultivating a discerning mind that can identify, embrace, and apply what is truly excellent and pleasing to Him. This involves a lifelong commitment to learning and growing in our understanding of God's character and His will. Simultaneously, being "simple concerning evil" does not mean being ignorant of evil's existence or strategies; rather, it means cultivating a heart that is unmixed, uncorrupted, and unentangled by its allure. It calls for a radical detachment from the practice of sin, a refusal to dabble in its ways, and a commitment to maintain a pure conscience. This balance enables us to be effective witnesses in a complex world, discerning its dangers while radiating God's goodness, protecting our hearts from corruption, and living lives that bring glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you actively seeking to be "wise unto that which is good"?**
* **How does your pursuit of good manifest in your daily choices and relationships?**
* **What does it mean for you, practically, to be "simple concerning evil" in today's world?**
* **Are there any areas where you might be inadvertently compromising your "simplicity concerning evil" by engaging with or being fascinated by ungodly influences?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater balance between spiritual discernment and moral purity in your walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "simple concerning evil"? Is it about being ignorant of evil?**

Answer: No, Paul does not advocate for ignorance of evil. The Greek word translated "simple" is _akéraios_ (G185), which literally means "unmixed" or "unadulterated." It conveys the idea of innocence, purity, and freedom from malice or cunning. To be "simple concerning evil" means to be uncorrupted by evil, to not participate in its ways, and to not allow its influence to taint one's character or actions. It's about maintaining a moral purity that refuses to engage with or be fascinated by wickedness. As Jesus taught in [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves"), believers should be "wise as serpents" (discerning and shrewd) but "harmless as doves" (innocent and pure). So, it's about being aware of evil's existence and strategies, but refusing to let it penetrate our hearts or dictate our actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of one who was perfectly "wise unto that which is good" and absolutely "simple concerning evil." Christ's entire life was a seamless demonstration of divine wisdom, as He consistently discerned and perfectly executed the will of His Father, always pursuing and embodying what is good, true, and righteous. His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount in [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), are the epitome of wisdom concerning good, guiding His followers into a life of profound righteousness. Simultaneously, Jesus was utterly "simple concerning evil." Though He encountered evil in its most potent forms—from the temptations in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")) to the schemes of His adversaries and the ultimate confrontation with sin on the cross—He remained entirely unmixed, uncorrupted, and untainted by it. He "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin")) and was "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), demonstrating perfect innocence and purity. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only provides forgiveness for our past evils but also empowers believers by His Spirit to increasingly live out this dual imperative: to grow in wisdom concerning good and to remain simple and pure concerning evil, reflecting His own blameless character.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Romans 1:8

¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;