Watch, turn away, and the God of peace (Romans 16:17–20)

Says “Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them” (16:17, BSB). “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive” (16:18, BSB). “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil” (16:19, BSB). “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (16:20, BSB).

Uncertain Who these people are is not said. Judaizers, libertines, or general factionalists are possible comparisons, not names the text gives. No lean is taken here.

Says The subject of the crushing is God, not the Romans; the place is under their feet; the time is soon. The printed grace wish includes Χριστοῦ. WH and NA28 omit the title, and Tischendorf’s printed text also omits it. Either form is still a grace wish. See the Greek note.

Uncertain A thematic allusion to Gen 3:15 is possible; it shares no Greek word with the verse, and enemies under the feet (Ps 8:6; 110:1) is the main alternative. See the Hebrew note. No lean is taken here.