Romans 16:17-20
(17) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
(18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
(19) For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
(20) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Paul could not resist giving a final word of warning that they watch out for spiritual enemies: those who are divisive and seek to hinder the Lord’s work (who put obstacles [skandala, “traps, snares”; cf. 14:13] in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned). Believers are to keep away (pres. imper., “keep on turning away”) from such false teachers, who were not serving (douleuousin, “serving as slaves”; cf. 14:18) Christ, but were slaves to their own appetites (lit., “bellies”; cf. Phil. 3:19). They were selfish gluttons. The problem, however, was that by smooth talk and flattery they deceived the minds (lit., “hearts”) of naive people (akakon, “innocent, unsuspecting”).
Paul hastened to assure the Romans that he did not consider them naive. Their obedience (to Christ; cf. Rom. 1:5; 15:18; 1 Peter 1:2) was well known and Paul was glad for them. But he was concerned that they be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil (kakon). The word for “innocent” is akeraious, “unmixed, simple, pure.” In Greek it was used of wine that was not diluted and of metal that was not weakened in any way. The word is used in the New Testament in only two other places: Matthew 10:16 (“innocent”) and Philippians 2:15 (“pure”). Christians should be innocent about evil, not following the ways of the world (Rom. 12:2).
To conclude this warning Paul added the promise, The God of peace (cf. 15:33; Heb. 13:20) will soon crush Satan under your feet (cf. Gen. 3:15). The false teachers (Rom. 16:17-18) were under Satan’s influence, but he will be destroyed and God will establish peace (Rev. 20:1-6). Then Paul gave another benediction (cf. Rom. 15:13, 33) about God’s grace.
Excerpt from:
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
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