Exposition of Romans 16:17-20 and Church Discipline
Exposition of Romans 16:17-20
The Apostle Paul concludes his epistle to the Romans with a solemn exhortation regarding church discipline, warning the believers to "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the doctrine you have learned" (Romans 16:17) [2]. This passage is part of the larger context of Paul's letter, which emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony within the church.
Literary Context
Romans 16:17-20 is situated within the concluding chapter of Paul's epistle, where he addresses various practical concerns and personal greetings. The preceding verses (Romans 16:1-16) contain a series of commendations and greetings to various individuals and groups within the Roman church. The warning in verse 17 serves as a cautionary note, urging the believers to be vigilant against those who would seek to disrupt their unity and undermine their faith.
Historical Setting
The Roman church, to which Paul writes, was likely composed of Jewish and Gentile believers, with potential tensions between different factions or interpretations of the faith [7]. Paul's warning against those causing divisions reflects his concern for the church's integrity and his awareness of the challenges posed by false teachers.
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The term "divisions" (Greek: dichostasiai) refers to the creation of factions or splits within the church. Paul's use of this term highlights the importance of unity and the dangers of internal strife. The phrase "contrary to the doctrine you have learned" underscores the significance of adhering to the apostolic teaching and resisting innovations or deviations from it [2].
The identity of those "causing divisions" is not explicitly stated, leaving room for interpretation. Some traditions interpret this as a reference to false teachers or schismatics, while others see it as a more general warning against any who would seek to disrupt the church's unity [7].
Range of Interpretations
Various commentators and traditions have understood Romans 16:17-20 in different ways. John Gill, representing a Baptist/Reformed perspective, sees Paul's warning as directed against false teachers who had caused uneasiness within the church [7]. This interpretation is consistent with the broader context of Paul's letters, where he frequently addresses the issue of false teaching and its consequences for the church.
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony within the church, highlighting the need for believers to be united in their faith and practice [5]. This perspective is echoed in the Protestant academic tradition, which stresses the significance of the church as the "body of Christ," comprising diverse members united in their allegiance to Jesus as Lord [3, 4].
Church Discipline
The passage has significant implications for the practice of church discipline. Paul's instruction to "turn away from them" (Romans 16:17) suggests that the church should take a firm stance against those who cause divisions or promote false teaching. This is consistent with other New Testament passages that address the issue of church discipline, such as Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus instructs his followers on how to handle conflicts and sin within the community [6].
The goal of church discipline, as reflected in Romans 16:17-20 and other related passages, is not punitive but restorative. The church is called to maintain its integrity and purity while also seeking the restoration of those who have erred or caused divisions. The promise that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20) serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God's purposes and the church's role in participating in that victory [2].
The practice of church discipline is rooted in the conviction that God's people are to be holy and that sin corrupts fellowship, both between people and between the people and God. This understanding is reflected in various New Testament passages, including 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 [1, 6].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Discipline of the Church — Ministers authorised to establish -- Mt 16:19; 18:18. Consists in Maintaining sound doctrine. -- 1Ti 1:3; Tit 1:13. Ordering its affairs. -- 1Co 11:34; Tit 1:5. Rebuking offenders. -- 1Ti 5:20; 2Ti 4:2. Removing obstinate offenders. -- 1Co 5:3-5,13; 1Ti 1:20. Should be submitted to -- Heb 13:17. Is for edification -- 2Co 10:8; 13:10. Decency and order, the objects of -- 1Co 14:40. Exercise, in a spirit of charity -- 1Co 2:6-8. Prohibits women preaching -- 1Co 14:34; 1Ti 2:12.”
- Romans “Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. -- Romans 16:17”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:14: For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 18:17: 18:17 The church is the local Christian community. • The unrepentant person is to be considered a pagan or a corrupt tax collector, a wicked transgressor of the law. Church discipline by exclusion (excommunication; see Acts 5:1-6; Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 5:1-13; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Gal 5:7-12; 2 Thes 3:14-15) is rooted in the conviction that God’s people are to be holy and that sin corrupts fellowship, both between people and between the people and God. The goal is neither vindictive retribution nor a public display of power, but restoration of the wayward to holiness and f”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 16:16: Now I beseech you, brethren,.... The apostle being about to finish his epistle, and recollecting that he had not given this church any instructions about the false teachers, who had been the cause of all their differences and uneasiness, inserts them here; or he purposely put them in this place, amidst his salutations, that they might be taken the more notice of; and very pertinently, since nothing could more express his great affection and tender concern for them; and these instructions he delivers to them, not in an authoritative way, as he might, and sometimes did”