Innocent in That Which Is Evil

"I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae," that they receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever she needs, for she herself has been a helper of many, and of Paul himself. "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus," who risked their own necks for his life, to whom not only Paul gives thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles. He greets the assembly that is in their house.

Paul greets many more by name, including those who labored much in the Lord, his relatives, and those who were in Christ before him. "Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you."

"Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them." Paul says such people do not serve our Lord, and by smooth words they deceive the hearts of the innocent. "For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil." "And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet."

Timothy, Paul's fellow worker, greets them, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, his relatives. "I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord." Gaius, Paul's host and host of the whole assembly, greets them, as do Erastus, the treasurer of the city, and Quartus, the brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with them all.