A “schism” is an inward split or rift among Christians (1 Cor. 11:18 – marginal reading in the KJV). Those involved in a schism will still meet outwardly with those with whom they differ, but probably unhappily (Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 1:10; 3:3; 11:18). This was the case with the Corinthians. The Apostle Paul warned them that if schisms existed, and were not dealt with and judged as evil, “there must also be heresies” that would grow out of those schisms (1 Cor. 11:18-19). Hence, an inward split left unjudged will develop into an outward split. (See Heresy.)
In Romans 16:17, Paul says, “Mark them which cause divisions and offences [occasions of stumbling]” contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” This refers to those who cause these inward rifts among the saints. Those who “cause” divisions are the leaders or instigators, not those who simply follow in a movement. Thus, we are to distinguish the leaders from those led astray in these issues. We are to “avoid” the leaders, but reach out and try to help those who are being drawn away in a divisive movement.
Paul says that the means by which these divisive workers get a following is through “good words and fair speeches,” and the kind of people who are deceived by them are those who are “simple” and “unsuspecting” (Rom. 16:18). Absalom is a type of a divisive man in the assembly (2 Sam. 15-18). He drew ones after himself, who “in their simplicity,” “knew not anything” (2 Sam. 15:11). His method was to agree with those who had a complaint, and to kiss them. The result was that he “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Sam. 15:1-6). The forming of his party didn’t happen overnight; it took “four years” (2 Sam. 15:7). (The KJV says “forty,” but it is apparently a Hebrew copyist’s mistake.) Slowly but surely, Absalom swung many in Israel after himself and the result was division in Israel.