Are separatists divisive? The answer is “yes” when they are disobedient with reference to character. The answer is “no” with reference to content. What does this mean? Romans 16:17 explains this seeming contradiction. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” As Paul concludes the letter he wrote to the church at Rome, he grabs our attention by a dramatic change of mood. For 14 verses (Romans 16:3–16), Paul has been greeting and commending faithful believers.