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Romans 16 · a question people ask

"look out for those who are causing the divisions" (16:17). Who are they?

In the text

The letter doesn't name them. It says what they do and what to do: they are "causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned", and the readers are to "turn away from them" (16:17). It says, "those who are such don’t serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly", and "by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent" (16:18). These notes don't name them either, and apply the verses to no church, group or person today.

The verses

“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. For those who are such don’t serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent.”
Romans 16:17-18 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Romans 16

Romans 16: Greet one another

In the Greek, Romans has its verb for greet 21 times, and every one is in its last chapter, beside people it calls beloved, fellow workers, and those who labored much in the Lord. And it opens with one person, Phoebe, who "has been a helper of many, and of my own self" (16:2).

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions