Divisions, peace, and the grace wish (16:17–20)

Says They must watch people who create διχοστασίας (dichostasias, “dissensions”) and σκάνδαλα (skandala, “obstacles”) contrary to the teaching they learned, and turn away from them (16:17). Such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own κοιλία (koilia, “belly”). By χρηστολογία (chrēstologia, “fair speaking”) and εὐλογία they deceive the unsuspecting (16:18). Their obedience is known; they should be wise about good and ἀκέραιοι (akeraioi, “guileless”) about evil (16:19). The God of peace will soon crush Satan under their feet. A grace wish follows (16:20).

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.

SBLGNT, Treg, RP, and TR include Χριστοῦ in the grace wish; WH and NA28 omit it, and Tischendorf’s printed text likewise omits it (var.Rom.16.20.christou). Editorial decision: follow SBLGNT, which includes Χριστοῦ. The BSB likewise has “our Lord Jesus Christ.” The mood ἐκκλίνετε / ἐκκλίνατε, added Ἰησοῦ in RP and TR at 16:18, the 16:19 wording, and TR’s Amen after the 16:20 grace (which SBLGNT and RP lack) are minor.