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Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 16:17-20 Closing Admonition  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
Origen says wisdom in the good comes from being “thoroughly grounded in the Scriptures,” warning of the “peril” of neglecting training; based on the lesson’s suggestion that some Romans weren’t trained, what kind of Scripture formation would actually produce people who can spot flattering deception—and what might your group need to stop doing (or start doing) to get there?
Another way to ask: What kind of Bible training would actually help people spot smooth, flattering lies, and what should your group stop doing or start doing to build that kind of strength?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, Scripture formation must be real “training” that thoroughly grounds believers in the divine Scriptures so they can be “wise” and not easily swayed by flattery. If some Romans were gullible because they weren’t trained, then a church may need to move from shallow exposure to Scripture toward deeper, disciplined learning that strengthens discernment.

Support from Transcript:

  • Origen: “one of the main ways we become wise to what is good is by being thoroughly grounded in the Scriptures.”
  • He warns: “Consider the peril of those who neglect training themselves in the divine scriptures.”
  • Bercot concludes: “Paul is suggesting that some of the Romans are not thoroughly trained in Scripture.”
  • The danger they face is deceptive speech: “by fair speeches… flattery… they deceive the hearts of the simple.”
  • Paul’s goal is discernment with purity: “wise… good” and “innocent… evil,” echoing “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
  • Bercot notes the pattern: because some were gullible, they “have attracted false teachers.”
Discussion Follow-ups What would “training” mean in your context—regular study, memorization, learning how to interpret, or communal testing of teaching—and what current habits keep you shallow?

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