Romans 16:19
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑπακοὴ
obedience
G5218
ὑπακοὴ
obedience
Strong's:
G5218
Word #:
4 of 26
attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission
εἰς
concerning
G1519
εἰς
concerning
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
χαίρω
men I am glad
G5463
χαίρω
men I am glad
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
8 of 26
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
9 of 26
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐφ'
behalf
G1909
ἐφ'
behalf
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
θέλω
I would have
G2309
θέλω
I would have
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
13 of 26
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
μέν
good
G3303
μέν
good
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
εἰς
concerning
G1519
εἰς
concerning
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
concerning
G1519
εἰς
concerning
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
24 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Matthew 10:16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.Jeremiah 4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.Romans 1:8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.Philippians 2:15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Psalms 101:2I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.Ephesians 5:17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.Luke 10:3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Historical Context
Rome's church was famous for faithfulness despite no apostolic founding (Paul hadn't visited, written circa AD 57). Their obedience 'came abroad' (aphiketo) through travelers, trade networks, imperial communications. Yet fame attracts false teachers—success invites infiltration. Paul's counsel balances confidence ('I rejoice') with caution ('be wise'). Early church fathers warned against 'simplicity' becoming naivety: Irenaeus (AD 180) wrote Against Heresies exposing Gnostic deceptions; Tertullian warned against philosophical speculation; Athanasius fought Arianism. Wisdom requires knowing truth deeply while remaining undefiled by error.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your church's 'obedience' (<em>hypakoē</em>) spread—what reputation do you have among other believers?
- What does it mean to be 'wise unto good' (<em>sophous eis to agathon</em>) yet 'simple concerning evil' (<em>akeraious eis to kakon</em>)—shrewd yet innocent?
- How do you cultivate discernment and theological maturity without becoming cynical, suspicious, or defiled by constant exposure to error?
Analysis & Commentary
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men—Hē gar hymōn hypakoē eis pantas aphiketo (ἡ γὰρ ὑμῶν ὑπακοὴ εἰς πάντας ἀφίκετο). Hypakoē (ὑπακοή, obedience) refers to the Roman believers' response to the gospel (1:5, 'obedience of faith'). Eis pantas aphiketo (εἰς πάντας ἀφίκομαι, came to all) means their reputation spread throughout the Christian world. Aphikomai (arrive/reach) suggests news traveled widely—the Roman church's faithfulness was famous (1:8, 'your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world').
I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil—Chairō oun to eph' hymin, thelō de hymas sophous einai eis to agathon, akeraious de eis to kakon (χαίρω οὖν τὸ ἐφ' ὑμῖν, θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς σοφοὺς εἶναι εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, ἀκεραίους δὲ εἰς τὸ κακόν). Sophous eis to agathon (σοφός εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, wise unto good) means shrewd, discerning in righteousness. Akeraious eis to kakon (ἀκέραιος εἰς τὸ κακόν, simple/unmixed concerning evil) means innocent, uncontaminated by evil. This echoes Jesus: 'wise as serpents, harmless as doves' (Matthew 10:16)—shrewd discernment without cynical corruption.