In concern for the Christians in Rome, Paul gives brief closing instructions: watch out and keep away from those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way. Watch out for smooth talkers and flatterers. In other words, don’t leave your brain at the door…keep thinking…keep checking what you are being told and see if it goes against the grace Paul has emphasized. Paul wants them to be wise and to trust themselves to discern what is sound teaching and who are faithful teachers.
Paul spends time in passing on ‘hellos’ from those who are with him…building and renewing connections among the early Christians.
