Warning against Divisive People

17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned.(A) Avoid them,(B) 18 because such people do not serve our Lord Christ(C) but their own appetites.[a](D) They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.(E)

Paul’s Gracious Conclusion

19 The report of your obedience has reached everyone.(F) Therefore I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil.(G) 20 The God of peace(H) will soon crush Satan(I) under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.(J)

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Footnotes

  1. 16:18 Lit belly

Concluding Exhortations

17 Now I exhort you, brothers, to look out for those who cause dissensions and temptations contrary to the teaching which you learned, and stay away from them. 18 For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own stomach, and by smooth speech and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, and I want you to be wise toward what is good, but innocent toward what is evil. 20 And in a short time the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ[a] be with you.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 16:20 Some manuscripts omit “Christ”