Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 16:17

17. Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences , contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them .

He shuts up the Epistle with a seasonable admonition, which he reserved to the last, that it might be the better remembred: It is to beware of those that cause divisions and offences: By the former, some understand those that corrupt the Doctrine of the Church; by the latter those that violate the Discipline thereof; others refer divisions to faith, and offences to manners. There are that like neither of these distinctions, but think he only cautions them against Church dividers; and mentions Scandal or Offences as the effect or fruit of Church-divisions. He seems to aime more especially at those, who together with the Christian Faith, did obtrude upon Believers, the Ceremonies of the Law, as necessary to Salvation; of these he often complaines as enemies to the Gospel and Cross of Christ. vid. Gal. 1.7. Phil. 3.2, 18, 19. Tit. 1.10.

i. e. That you have learned from those that first taught you and converted you to Christ. q. d. You have been instructed in the true Doctrine of Christ; and there are some that would innovate and teach another Doctrine, that broach Opinions that are contrary; or at least, besides the Doctrine which is Pure and Apostolical, and so make Divisions and Factions amongst you: Of such as those he speaks what follows.

Here are two Precepts with respect to Innovators and Church-Dividers. The first is, That they should be marked. The word signifies such a marking, as a Watchman useth that standeth on a Tower to descry Enemies; he marketh diligently all commers, and giveth notice accordingly, for the safety of the Place. The Second is, That they should be avoided or declined; the like counsel is given, 2 Thes. 3.6, 14. 1 Tim. 6.3, 4, 5. 2 Tim. 3.5. Tit. 3.10. 2 Ioh. 10. The Sum is, the Church should Excommunicate them, and all sound Christians should turn away from them, and shun their Society, that they may be ashamed.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 word]; Or, turn a [illegible: 2 letters] from.