Scripture Reading: Romans 14 and 15; 16:17
Romans 16:17 is employed by many Christians to justify their separation from other Christians who do not espouse the same interpretation advocated by their particular fellowship. This Scripture is utilized by many zealous believers in a way that is the very opposite of what Paul intended by his remarks. Frequently, Christians are so use to reading the Bible as they have been taught by generations of interpreters that they no longer look at the intent of the author. In the analysis of any passage, one must learn to reevaluate and reinterpret what has been handed down to the Christian community. The traditions of one’s particular heritage make it difficult, if not almost impossible to study the Word of God objectively. Isolated Scriptures do not stand alone. When one seeks to understand any Scripture, one must consult the context, that is to say, the larger portion of Scripture in which a passage occurs.
Paul, as he concludes this Book, issues a warning to the believers “to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned” (16:17, NIV). Who were the ones causing divisions? Who were the ones putting obstacles in the way of unity? What was the teaching they had learned? An answer to these questions must be learned from the context, especially chapters 14 and 15.
Before proceeding to an examination of the exegetical evidence in seeking to grasp the significance of this passage toward unity of God’s people, it is necessary to point out what it is not. For example, almost all fellowships within the Churches of Christ apply the “the teaching you have learned” to their particular interpretation of the Scriptures. Generally this teaching, by many believers, is associated with a cappella singing, non-Sunday school, grape juice only, wine only, manner of distributing the bread in the Lord’s Supper—break or pinch, kitchens in the church building, women leading in prayer in the assembly, and so on. This Scripture (Romans 16:17) is claimed by each distinctive fellowship as its own property in order to give validity to withdrawing from every believer who does not subscribe to its own exclusive teachings.
The objective of this essay is to assist individuals not to approach the text with strong subjective biases, that is to say, to view the text through colored glasses. As one seeks to understand Romans 16:17, one must ever be conscious that the process of meaning to application is like the flow of a river. It is possible for the interpreter to miss the meaning of a passage if he/she fails to observe the flow of the context. The immediate context supplies a clue to the particular narrative found in 16:17. Romans 14-16 must be read together if one wishes to arrive at a correction interpretation of this frequently abused passage.
Chapter fourteen begins with the admonition: “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters” (14:1). Again, Paul asks the question: “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” (14:4). Then he adds: “To his own master he stand or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (14.4). Once more, he instructs: “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mine” (14:5). This chapter deals with differences within the congregation. Some individuals were correct in their understanding, but some were wrong. How were they to react toward these differences? They were to exercise the spirit of toleration for differences.
The next chapter (15) begins with the warning: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” (15:1). Then Paul prays that “May the Go who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:5-6). What was Paul’s rationale for such directions? Listen to him once more: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (15:7). What is the “teaching” in Romans 16:17? It is the teaching of a spirit of toleration for differences. If one is not willing to abide by that instruction, then Paul says, “watch out for those who cause division” (16:17).