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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 16:17. It’s a really important message about how we should live our lives and interact with others. Here's what it means in simpler terms: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Let’s unpack that: "Now I beseech you…" : This is a plea from someone who cares about others. It's like saying “Please listen to me” or "I want to share this with you." “brethren…” : This refers to fellow believers – people in the Christian community who share the same faith. “…mark them…” : This means to notice and identify those who are not following God’s teachings or living according to the truth of Christianity. It's like looking for someone who is being disruptive or causing problems. “which cause divisions and offenses…” : This is the core of the verse. It means these people are causing disagreements , breaking trust , and offending others . Divisions and offenses come from a misalignment with God’s word and principles. Think of it as actions that aren't aligned with what Christians should be doing. “contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned…” : This is crucial . It means they are living their lives in a way that goes against the teachings, beliefs, or understanding they’ve received through their faith. It's like saying they're following a path that doesn't follow God's plan. "Doctrine" refers to the core beliefs and principles of Christianity. “…and avoid them.” : This is the instruction! It means we should consciously choose not to be involved with these people or their ways. We need to steer clear of them so that we don’t contribute to negativity, conflict, or wrongdoing. In short, this verse is a call to vigilance and to prioritize living a righteous life based on God's word. It encourages us to recognize those who are leading astray and to actively work to avoid their influence. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that our faith isn’t just about believing things – it’s also about living them. It’s a reminder that we have a responsibility to maintain harmony within the community of believers and to protect ourselves from those who are causing harm through their actions or words. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of what "causing divisions" might look like? Connect this verse to a specific biblical principle (like forgiveness)?