Romans 16:20

"For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil."

Key Reflection

Paul's statement highlights both his recognition of the community's faithful obedience and his wish for them to grow in wisdom and righteousness. He desires them to be discerning in what is good while maintaining innocence or purity regarding evil, embodying a balanced and virtuous life.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 20. And the God of peace. The God who promotes peace, Ro 15:33. Shall bruise. The language here refers to the prediction in Ge 3:15. It here means to subdue, to gain the victory over. It denotes Paul's confidence that they would gain the victory, and would be able to overcome all the arts of those who were endeavouring to sow discord and contention among them. Satan. The word Satan is Hebrew, meaning, originally, an accuser, a calumniator, and then an enemy. It is given to the prince of evil spirits from his enmity to God and men. He is here regarded as the author of all attempts to promote discord in the church, by whomsoever those attempts were made.

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