Note Divisive Disciples

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he unveils God’s righteousness revealed through faith in Christ—justifying sinners by His grace, uniting all believers into one body, and calling them to transformed lives of worship and holiness. While the apostle was pleased with the church, it behooved him, in Romans 16:17-20, to issue a critical warning: watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to sound doctrine. The church must mark and avoid such deceivers who serve themselves rather than Christ, while trusting that the God of peace will crush Satan beneath their feet.

Paul’s charge requires careful discernment and prayer. He acknowledged to the Corinthians that “there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized” (1 Corinthians 11:19). Notice, however, that not all conflict is sinful—sometimes, theological disputes expose truth and reveal faithful leaders. When the early church confronted the Judaizers’ false gospel, sharp disagreement was necessary to preserve the truth that justification comes through faith alone (Acts 15:1-2; Galatians 2:11-14). Such factions served God’s purposes by clarifying doctrine and testing character.
However, Scripture sharply distinguishes approved factions from sinful divisiveness. Paul lists divisions and factions among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-20), warning that they exclude people from God’s kingdom. The difference lies in motive and fruit. Approved factions arise from defending essential truth—“one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5)—while divisiveness stems from selfish ambition, quarrelsomeness, and pride. Jesus rebuked the Corinthians’ “I follow Paul” sectarianism (1 Corinthians 1:10-13), and Paul warned against those who “cause divisions...contrary to the doctrine you have learned” for their own gain (Romans 16:17-18).

How do we discern the difference? Divisive people refuse correction, create unnecessary obstacles over non-essentials, and fail to heed: “have nothing to do with foolish controversies” that breed quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9-10). After proper warning, such individuals must be avoided (Titus 3:10). But when core gospel truth is at stake, we must “contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Our calling remains clear: pursue “what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19), walk in humility and gentleness (Ephesians 4:2-3), and let love cover offenses (1 Peter 4:8). We must forgive as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32) while standing firm on essential doctrine. The God of peace will prevail when we distinguish necessary truth-testing from fleshly quarreling, modeling grace while protecting His church from deception.