Final Instructions and Greetings

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles (A)contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; (B)avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but (C)their own appetites,[a] and (D)by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For (E)your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you (F)to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 (G)The God of peace (H)will soon crush Satan under your feet. (I)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 16:18 Greek their own belly

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