In the concluding remarks of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul offers a powerful affirmation and exhortation to the believers in Rome: “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil” (Romans 16:19). This verse, Romans 16:19, encapsulates a crucial tension within Christian living: the call to steadfast obedience coupled with the imperative for spiritual wisdom and purity. Yet, like many profound biblical statements, it can be easily misconstrued. This article aims to clarify popular myths surrounding this passage, contrasting them with the enduring truths it conveys about our walk with God.
Myth 1: Romans 16:19 Encourages Naiveté or Ignorance of Evil
Some might interpret Paul’s call to be “innocent as to what is evil” as a directive to remain completely ignorant of the world’s darkness, suggesting that a lack of awareness somehow equates to spiritual purity. This view often leads to a sheltered faith that struggles to engage meaningfully with complex moral issues.
Truth: Paul is not advocating for ignorance or a naive withdrawal from the realities of evil. To be “innocent” (akeraios in Greek) here signifies being unmixed, unadulterated, or undefiled by evil, rather than being unaware of its existence. It implies a moral purity that remains untainted despite exposure to evil. The preceding phrase, “wise as to what is good,” provides the necessary context. Paul desires believers to possess acute discernment regarding goodness—to understand it deeply, to embrace it fully, and to actively pursue it. This wisdom empowers them to recognize evil for what it is, not to be ignorant of it, but to refuse its influence and entanglement. Just as a physician understands disease to heal, a believer must understand evil to resist it effectively. Jesus Himself prayed, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Read more about Christian discernment.
Myth 2: Paul is Praising Blind Obedience in Romans 16:19
The opening clause, “For your obedience is known to all,” might lead some to believe that Paul is commending a form of unquestioning, blind obedience, where believers simply follow rules without understanding or critical engagement.
Truth: Paul’s praise for their obedience is not for a robotic adherence to regulations, but for an obedience rooted in their transformation by the gospel and their intelligent faith. Romans, as a whole, is a deeply theological and reasoned letter, appealing to the minds and hearts of believers. The obedience he commends is a response to the truth of God’s grace and a demonstration of genuine conversion (Romans 6:17). Furthermore, this obedience is immediately qualified by the subsequent call to wisdom. True Christian obedience is never blind; it is informed by a deep understanding of God’s character and His good will, requiring spiritual wisdom to navigate the complexities of life. This kind of obedience is active, intentional, and Spirit-led, demonstrating a mature faith. Paul desires them to be discerning, not merely compliant. Read more about the nature of biblical obedience.
Myth 3: This Verse Separates Wisdom and Innocence as Distinct Traits
Some interpretations might view “wise as to what is good” and “innocent as to what is evil” as two separate, potentially unrelated virtues, implying one could exist without the other.
Truth: In the context of Romans 16:19, Paul presents wisdom regarding good and innocence regarding evil as two sides of the same coin, intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing. True wisdom concerning what is good naturally leads to an avoidance and moral separation from evil. Conversely, maintaining innocence from evil requires a profound understanding and embrace of goodness. One cannot genuinely pursue goodness without recognizing and rejecting its opposite. This integrated approach ensures a holistic spiritual maturity. It’s not enough to merely know good; one must actively cultivate it while simultaneously safeguarding oneself from the defilement of evil. This integrated wisdom protects the believer, equipping them to “test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). The commendation for their obedience, coupled with the call to discerning wisdom, serves as a powerful reminder that our faith journey requires both devoted adherence to God’s will and keen spiritual insight.