Romans 16:17-20 - Concluding Exhortations

¹⁷ 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. ¹⁸ For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites and base desires. By smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting [the innocent and the naive].

¹⁹ For the report of your obedience has reached everyone, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. ²⁰ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

The [wonderful] grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

¹³ Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

¹⁵ Brothers and sisters, you know that those of the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to God’s people—now I urge you ¹⁶ to be subject to such leaders [treating them with courtesy and respect], and to everyone who helps in the work and labors [for the benefit of yourselves and the church]. ¹⁷ I rejoice because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have arrived, for they have made up for your absence. ¹⁸ They have refreshed my spirit as well as yours. So fully acknowledge such men and deeply appreciate them.