Romans 16:19

This morning, in my personal Bible study, I came across a verse at the end of the Epistle to the Roman Church. This one hit me squarely between the eyes (how often does He have to do that?) with an action I know I am guilty of. As I am guilty of it, maybe somebody else can relate to this too. So here goes.

 

I feel that too many times, we who have had the 'Lightening Bolt' conversion, like to hold on to a little bit of the 'old self' too much. We snicker about references toward our old sins, and maybe even roll our eyes when our brothers or sisters who have not experienced, praise the Lord, this lifestyle are so innocent about statements they, or others make. You know, those veiled references, or those blatant boasts we sometimes make. In this verse, Paul takes me to task about this 'Pride' of being bad.

 

In this single verse, Paul shows us what a great leader and mentor he is, he uses one of the greatest techniques of mentorship I have ever seen. He begins this verse with praise for the congregants:

 

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you (Romans 16:19a NIV)

Anyone who has taken a course on management skills knows that the best way to counsel somebody is called the 'sandwich method'; you bring up the behavior you want changed between layers of praise on behavior done correctly. Here Paul is telling the Roman church that everyone in Jerusalem, Asia, etc has heard about the Roman Church, they are so obedient to the Gospel they have heard. On top of that, Paul the Apostle, (who has not visited this church) is full of joy (happy) over them. Rock Star time! Right now, these congregants, who either read or hear read this letter are feeling great about themselves, I know I would. Here is an Apostle, one who has seen the Risen Savior face to face, and talked with Him. Paul is praising us, WOW!

Next comes the gentle chiding:

but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. (Romans 16:19b NIV)

Isn't there always a but somewhere in the conversation with a boss or mentor? Here, Paul chastises us so gently, he begins by focusing on the good action he wants us to stress. Be wise in what is good; focus more on what Christ has done for you, learn more about Him, study Him, imitate Him. Here, Paul, enjoins us to strengthen our commitment to, and walk (הלך - halach) with Christ. And (there is a second part to this verse) be innocent about what is evil. Paul wants us to turn away from that which we did before. The Hebrew verb used for repent is (תשובה - teshshuvah) means to physically turn completely away (think walk in a different direction), the Greek word used here is mentonia, and means to change your mind. We can look at this as a turning of our mind from the direction of the evil we knew before to that which is good (the way of Jesus Christ).

 

Chaverim, why did Jesus say that the kingdom of Heaven belonged to the children? (Matt. 19:14) We must change our mind (mentonia) to that like a child, become more like our innocent brothers and sisters. Turn (שׁוב - shuv) and become that innocent, new man (2 Cor.5:17).

 

Baruch Yeshua Moshi'einu