Romans 16:19

For your obedience, &c. This verse is sometimes explained q. d., "You are known to be singularly docile;a good thing in itself, but which may be abused by these false teachers: therefore see that your simplicity is in the right place, and be on the watch." But this is unlikely. For (1) St Paul would scarcely commend, even passingly, the spirit which listens deferentially (" obedience") to any teacher whoever he may be;(2) this Epistle alone proves that, as a fact, the Roman Christians were "in understanding, men;" (3) the word rendered "obedience" is always, elsewhere in N. T., a word of pure good; (4) the closing words of this verse do not agree with the suggested explanation, which would rather demand "simple (in listening) to good, but wise (in watching) against evil." Far more probably the ver. may be paraphrased: "These sectaries deceive the simple. I do not say they deceive you;for your heartfelt acceptance of the Truth is known everywhere; and I rejoice to think of youin this light, whatever I may have to mourn over in others. But a caution, even for you, may be in season: do not be led astray by tempting baits of fancied wisdom. Be deep in the wisdom of humble faith; be content to be untainted by acquaintance with a wisdom which at its root is evil."

is come abroad Lit. did come. Probably the occasion of their first definite acceptance of the Gospel is referred to. Their strong and deep allegiance to the Truth, ("obedience,") was at that time famous everywhere.

on your behalf Lit. as to what concerns you. The word "you" is emphatic, with a reference to others who might give St Paul less cause for joy.

but yet I would, &c. See the paraphrase above, in the last note but two. Cp. Revelation 2:24, where probably the words imply that the false teachers at Thyatira tempted the believers to listen to them by promising to reveal "depths" of wisdom; depths which were really, says the Lord, "depths of Satan."

simple Lit. untainted. Same word as Matthew 10:16; Philippians 2:15; (E. V., "harmless"). The original idea (freedom from alloy,) passes into that of freedom from ill motives, or (as here) from defiling knowledge.