Romans 16:19: For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
Paul hastened to assure the Romans that he did not consider them naive. Their obedience was well known and Paul was glad for them. But he was concerned that they be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The word for “innocent” is “unmixed, simple, pure.” In Greek it was used of wine that was not diluted and of metal that was not weakened in any way. The word is used in the New Testament in only two other places: Matthew 10:16 (“innocent”) and Philippians 2:15 (“pure”). Christians should be innocent about evil, not following the ways of the world (Rom. 12:2). 1
Application
1 Samuel 15:22: So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.
- Have you been experiencing the blessedness of obedience to Jesus and His Word lately?
- Wise people work towards simplicity in doing good towards others.
Prayer
Lord, make me known for my obedience to Your Word. Forgive me for my rebellion.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
