What Would This Verse Mean to You?

[Old Paths]

Rom 16:17

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

[Brett Prince]

Originally Posted by Old Paths

Rom 16:17

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

It seems to me that the verse is quite clear. Let me interpret it like this:

Rom 16:17
(ALT) Now I call on [or, plead with] you*, brothers [and sisters], to be watching out for [or, to be keeping a close eye on] the [ones] causing divisions [or, discords] and the stumbling-blocks contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.

(ASV) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.

(BBE) Now, it is my desire, brothers, that you will take note of those who are causing division and trouble among you, quite against the teaching which was given to you: and keep away from them.

(CEV) My friends, I beg you to watch out for anyone who causes trouble and divides the church by refusing to do what all of you were taught. Stay away from them!

(Darby) But I beseech you, brethren, to consider those who create divisions and occasions of falling, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learnt, and turn away from them.

(ESV) 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.

(GW) Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for those people who create divisions and who make others fall away from the Christian faith by teaching doctrine that is not the same as you have learned. Stay away from them.

(ISV) Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and sinful enticements in opposition to the teaching you have learned. Stay away from them!

(MKJV) And I exhort you, brothers, to watch those making divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them.

(Murdock) And I beseech you, my Brethren, that ye beware of them who cause divisions and stumblings [among you], aside from the doctrine which ye have learned: and that ye stand aloof from them.

(RV) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.

(Webster) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

(YLT) And I call upon you, brethren, to mark those who the divisions and the stumbling-blocks, contrary to the teaching that ye did learn, are causing, and turn ye away from them;

I can't find anything in any of these versions/translations that would bring one to consider it differently than it is. We need to avoid those that cause division, by their desire to put into the Kingdom things different than the teachings that we have previously received. We are to "turn away," from them, that is to avoid them, stay away from them, or prohibit contact with them.

[Old Paths]

Thanks, my Friend.

Sometimes the problem becomes "avoiding them" when other friends are involved.

The "avoiding" tends to cause a division among the innocent.

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by Old Paths

Rom 16:17

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

I guess you take it in context. It is always good to avoid people that pull you down or away from what you believe, but the following verse talk about how these people do not follow God anyway.

Are you fishing for an arguement or just asking?

[Old Paths]

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

I guess you take it in context. It is always good to avoid people that pull you down or away from what you believe, but the following verse talk about how these people do not follow God anyway.

Are you fishing for an arguement or just asking?

Asking.

My real concern is how a person would appear to innocent bystanders that observe the person "avoiding" one that "cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine"?

Maybe I'm not making sense....






















again!

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by Old Paths

Asking.

My real concern is how a person would appear to innocent bystanders that observe the person "avoiding" one that "cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine"?

Maybe I'm not making sense....






















again!

You are, but I was just checking. I agree with Keith it is tough to find which person is the one making the trouble.

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by Old Paths

Rom 16:17

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

The actual hard part is determining who actually is a trouble maker and who is someone who disagrees with my interpretation of scripture. When flesh is involved the details become fuzzy.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by keith4him

The actual hard part is determining who actually is a trouble maker and who is someone who disagrees with my interpretation of scripture. When flesh is involved the details become fuzzy.

That's a good point. After 2,000 years things have only become more complex. Those causing division contrary to the Apostle's teachings may not just be the wolves lurking around the periphery. Those causing the division may be those who are in charge at a particular location. And so in separating from them you may appear to be the one who is causing the division.

The real test comes down to: who is obeying the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by pelathais

That's a good point. After 2,000 years things have only become more complex. Those causing division contrary to the Apostle's teachings may not just be the wolves lurking around the periphery. Those causing the division may be those who are in charge at a particular location. And so in separating from them you may appear to be the one who is causing the division.

The real test comes down to: who is obeying the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles?

You know, when he says what they taught and we think doctrine...it does not necessarily have to be just what we normally call the Apostolic doctrine.

There is a whole NT full of teachings that can be referred too..It could be lack of love. Some saints cause division and ill feelings by talking bad about others, the pastor, his family, brother so and so that plays an instrument.

That kind of stuff is like a cancer when you get other people willing to listen, believe it and then spread it too

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by keith4him

The actual hard part is determining who actually is a trouble maker and who is someone who disagrees with my interpretation of scripture. When flesh is involved the details become fuzzy.

Absolutely. I agree.
*I think many Apostolics can agree to disagree without it causing a division, especially about non-essentials such as T.V., and many dress standard issues.
*If a church member disagrees with a doctrinal point the Pastor preaches the right thing to do would be to keep their mouth shut and go to the Pastor in private stating the reason why they are leaving and they do not want to cause church trouble, and if they are a good saint and tithe payer ask for a letter of transfer. Then keep their mouth shut.
*If this thread was about the voting at GC...it is an organization, chosen for democracy, and runs politically and people have the right to vote as they wish and withdraw membership if that is what they wish...but they do not have the right to cause trouble, fan the flame, and spread lies...that is what this scripture is talking about.

Blessings, Rhoni