Read the larger text of Romans 16.
Remember, Paul, who was Saul, was a legalistic Pharisitic Jew before his conversion on the road to Damascus. Some of his old theology and personal character traits still came through after his conversion.
Romans 16: 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
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.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Do you greet people with a Holy Kiss? Do you follow Paul’s assertions regarding women? Don’t be a hypocrite and pick and choose Paul’s words that appear to support your theology.
“Paul also wants for these believers in Rome to continue to be “innocent about what is evil.”
The Greek word here is “akeraios,” which can also mean “unmixed, pure, or simple.” He wants them to continue to avoid sinful practices instead of becoming tainted or scarred by participating in them.
Jesus said something similar: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
However, look at the differences in the m8nistry of Peter and Paul.
Paul’s ministry was a legalistic, judgemental rule oriented leader/teacher. Peter guided people to accept and experience the Holy Spirit and grow in Christ, like at Pentecost.
Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees like Saul his entire ministry. They lived with constant condemnation and judgement. Such judgement was constantly rebuked by Jesus as I rebuke you. Your judgement is not out of love. It blocks love.
As Jesus stated several times, “I have not come to judge, but to save.”
I read and study Jesus’s word. Like Bart Ehrman, I have a problem with Paul’s teachings. I do not agree with Paul on everything he said, as he often contradicted himself.
I understand why Paul said what he did, especially about women, marriage, homosexuality, and other matters, as I see how the individual soul and consciousness responds in these situations.
I will not waste my time on hypocrites. If I feel Love coming from your heart, my ears and mind are open to hear your words, even if they differ from my current understanding. I am learning and changing as my soul grows and my expanded awareness allows me to perceive more. As such, I always seek to listen and learn from those whose heart is open. I have difficulty with those who teach God’s word in judgement and condemnation and have not Love in their hearts.
Without Love, people are blind. May the blind lead the blind. Let those who have eyes to see and ears to hear open their hearts to Love and allow the Holy Spirit to enter and guide them.
This is why Jesus stated, most will not see Him. They cannot see Him without Love. He is here now, but most cannot see or experience Him as they have no Love.
” He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
Well, putting the verse in context is always the right approach but your exposition changes nothing.
God does not want His children to intentionally engage in sin or evil, or, as you wrote, “choose evil and learn from our (their) error”.
The indwelling Holy Spirit should be instructing His believers “giving the way out” of the temptation to sin. God hates sin.
I just read the rest of your reply and I have a question for you.
Maybe it’s bad wording, but it looks like you think Paul wrote his letters and epistles independently. Specifically, that he writes without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Is that correct?
You imply that Paul’s and Peter’s messages differ, not just their strategies. “ I have a problem with Paul’s teachings”
I infer this from your words. Please tell me that it’s just another case of bad wording.
If I “infer“ correctly, then I’m done with you.