Romans 16:19

In Romans 16:19, the Apostle Paul concludes his monumental letter with a heartfelt commendation and a crucial exhortation to the believers in Rome. He praises their widely known faithfulness and obedience to the gospel, expressing his joy. However, he immediately follows this with a vital instruction: they are to be profoundly wise concerning all that is good, yet utterly innocent and uncorrupted regarding evil. This verse serves as a powerful summary of Christian living – a balance of active discernment and moral purity.

Context

Romans 16 is primarily a chapter of personal greetings and final instructions. Paul has just issued a serious warning against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine they had learned (Romans 16:17-18). Verse 19 transitions from this warning to a statement of trust and hope, acknowledging the Roman church's positive reputation for adherence to the faith. Their "obedience" (obedience to the faith) had spread, indicating a strong and healthy spiritual foundation, which Paul celebrates before imparting further wisdom.

Key Themes

• Commendation of Christian Obedience: Paul's opening statement, "For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]," highlights the positive impact of their faithful walk. Their commitment to Christ and His teachings was evident and widely recognized, bringing glory to God and joy to Paul.
• Spiritual Discernment: The core of Paul's exhortation is the call to be "wise unto that which is good." This isn't mere intellectual knowledge but practical wisdom (Greek: sophos), implying keen insight, sound judgment, and skill in living out God's will. It means actively understanding, pursuing, and applying what is morally excellent and divinely approved.
• Moral Purity and Innocence: Complementing wisdom concerning good is the instruction to be "simple concerning evil." The Greek word for "simple" (akeraios) literally means "unmixed" or "unadulterated," conveying a sense of innocence, purity, and freedom from malice or cunning. It implies being uncorrupted by evil, not participating in its ways, and not being tainted by its influence. This is not ignorance of evil's existence, but an intentional detachment from its practice and principles.
• Protection from Deception: This dual instruction provides a safeguard against the very deceptions and divisions Paul warned against. By being profoundly rooted in good and utterly disengaged from evil, believers can stand firm against false teachings and corrupting influences.

Linguistic Insights

• The word "obedience" (Greek: hypakoe) signifies a hearing that results in submission or compliance. It's not just passive listening but active response to God's command and gospel.
• "Wise" (Greek: sophos) denotes practical wisdom, skill, and prudence, especially in discerning and applying moral and spiritual truth. It's the ability to live skillfully according to God's principles.
• "Simple" (Greek: akeraios) is a powerful term. It means "unmixed," "pure," "innocent," or "guileless." It suggests being free from the complexity, cunning, and corrupting influence of evil. It's akin to being "harmless" as doves, as Jesus taught (Matthew 10:16), while still retaining the "wisdom of serpents" regarding discernment.

Practical Application

Romans 16:19 offers timeless guidance for navigating the Christian life:

1. Cultivate a Reputation for Righteousness: Just as the Roman believers were known for their obedience, our lives should reflect a genuine commitment to Christ and His teachings. This witness can impact others and bring joy to fellow believers.
2. Actively Pursue Goodness: We are called to deeply understand and embrace what is truly good, righteous, and holy according to God's Word. This involves diligent study of scripture, prayer, and seeking to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
3. Maintain Purity from Evil: While we must be aware of evil's existence and strategies, we are not to dabble in it, be fascinated by it, or allow ourselves to be corrupted by its ways. This means avoiding participation in sin, resisting temptation, and cultivating a conscience that is sensitive to God's standards.
4. Balance Discernment and Innocence: The verse teaches a crucial balance: be shrewd and discerning about good, but naive and uncorrupted by evil. It's not about being ignorant of evil, but about refusing to let it penetrate our hearts or dictate our actions.