16:16
We get two greetings in this verse. First is the command to greet one another with a holy kiss. This was a common enough greeting in those days, and still is in some countries, but not in others, and definitely not in Scotland! This is one command which is happily assumed to be cultural, and not applying to all people at all times. Then Paul conveys greetings from all the churches of Christ, presumably speaking mostly of the churches that Paul helped found. He wants the Romans to be assured that they are fully part of the wider church.
16:17,18
Paul then gives a stern warning about those who cause division. If we look at the New Testament writings in the round we see two very clear strands, one is, as here, the strict treatment of anyone who causes division, the second is equally stern warnings against those who teach false doctrine. Indeed, the two will often be the same. Such people are not to be tolerated. Paul is quite clear that such people are not serving Christ, but “their own appetites”. They use smooth talk and flattery to deceive naive people. There are many such people around today, and they should be treated as severely as Paul commands.
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