Romans 16:18

The parties referred to are men at once sensual and hypocritical; it is therefore under the influence of a deep moral aversion that the Christians of Rome are called to avoid them. They serve their sensual appetites, and not Christ. This feature reminds us of Philippians 3:19, words which apply to the same individuals: “whose god is their belly, and who mind earthly things;” comp. also 2 Corinthians 11:20-21: “If a man bring you into bondage, devour you, take of you, ye suffer it.” It is this sensual and insolent conduct which Paul characterizes, Philippians 3:2, in the severe terms: “Beware of dogs; beware of evil workers.” The gospel ministry was to these people a means of gain, and gain the means of satisfying their gross passions. They were the Tartuffes of the period. Another point of resemblance identifies them more completely still with the type drawn by Molière: they present themselves with a benignant style of speech (χρηστολογία), and with fatherly benedictions (εὐλογίαι); and the simple (ἄκακοι, literally, the innocent), who suspect no evil, allow themselves to be caught with these devout airs and paternal tone. Was it necessary, as Schultz holds, that these men should be already present to account for Paul speaking thus in regard to them? Had he not learned to know them in this light in Galatia and at Corinth, and could he not portray them to the church of Rome, that they might be recognized immediately on their appearing?