Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them .
Paul, the author of Romans — a letter written to early Christians living in the city of Rome — is wrapping up with some final, urgent warnings. He urges the community to watch out for people within their own ranks who create factions and lead others away from the core teachings of the faith. 'Contrary to the teaching you have learned' refers to the gospel — the foundational message about Jesus that the community had received and built their lives on. Notably, Paul's instruction isn't to argue or correct — it's to keep your distance. This was a real and constant threat in early churches, where divisive personalities and false teachers could fracture fragile communities.
Lord, give me the wisdom to know the difference between a hard conversation worth having and a cycle of conflict that only drains and divides. Help me guard what I know to be true — not with rigidity, but with quiet confidence. And give me the peace to step back when that is the wiser, harder thing to do. Amen.
There's a kind of person in almost every community — church, family, workplace — who seems to thrive on stirring things up. They frame their disruption as honesty or boldness, but you always walk away from conversations with them feeling confused, depleted, or somehow further from yourself. Paul knew this type intimately. His churches weren't just threatened by outside persecution; they were threatened from within — by people who twisted the gospel, pitted believers against each other, and somehow called it ministry. The damage was quiet, cumulative, and hard to name until it was already done. The counterintuitive thing here is what Paul does *not* say. He doesn't say engage them, correct them, or win the argument. He says: keep away. That's not cowardice — that's wisdom with teeth. Not every person seeking conflict deserves your energy, your attention, or your sleepless nights. Some situations call for discernment and distance, not endless debate. It's worth asking honestly: who in your life consistently pulls you away from what you know to be true? And is your constant engagement actually helping them — or just costing you?
What do you think Paul means by teaching 'contrary to the teaching you have learned'? How would an early Christian community have discerned which teachings were foundational and which were dangerous distortions?
Is there someone in your life — or a type of conversation — that consistently leaves you more confused or divided rather than more grounded? How do you currently handle that influence?
Is it possible to use the label 'divisive' too easily, as a way to avoid difficult but necessary conversations? How do you tell the difference between a disruptive influence and a voice that's just challenging your comfort?
How does a faith community protect itself from harmful division without becoming closed-off or defensive toward outside perspectives or honest questions?
Based on this verse, is there a relationship boundary you may need to draw — or redraw — for the sake of your own spiritual health and clarity?
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 3:5
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:5
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Titus 3:10
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1 Corinthians 5:11
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1 Timothy 6:3
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Ephesians 5:11
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness , whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:14
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and create obstacles or introduce temptations [for others] to commit sin, [acting in ways] contrary to the doctrine which you have learned. Turn away from them.
AMP
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
ESV
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
NASB
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
NIV
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
NKJV
And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.
NLT
One final word of counsel, friends. Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble. Give these people a wide berth.
MSG