Romans 14
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1Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. 2One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3Don’t let him who eats despise him who doesn’t eat. Don’t let him who doesn’t eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand. 5One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. 6He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn’t eat, to the Lord he doesn’t eat, and gives God thanks. 7For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11For it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’” 12So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. 13Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling. 14I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don’t destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16Then don’t let your good be slandered, 17for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up. 20Don’t overthrow God’s work for food’s sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating. 21It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak. 22Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn’t judge himself in that which he approves. 23But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. 24Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, 25but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; 26to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."”
Romans 14:13
Summary
Romans 14 addresses the issues between believers regarding dietary practices and sacred days. Paul emphasizes the importance of accepting fellow believers who might have different opinions on disputable matters. He urges the church not to pass judgment on one another, for God accepts everyone who serves Him, regardless of their personal convictions on such issues. Paul highlights how each person is accountable to God and should act according to their conscience, doing everything for the Lord. He encourages believers to pursue peace and edification rather than let their liberty cause others to stumble. The chapter underscores the principle of mutual respect and love, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over personal freedoms.
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Chapter outline
How Romans 14 unfolds
Romans 14:1–4 Acceptance and Judgment Among Believers
Paul urges acceptance of those with weaker faith, emphasizing God’s acceptance of believers regardless of their dietary choices and observance of days.
Romans 14:5–9 Observance of Days and Living for the Lord
The chapter discusses differing views on the importance of specific days, asserting that both observance and non-observance can honor the Lord.
Romans 14:10–12 Accountability Before God
Paul highlights the judgment each believer will face before Christ, reminding them to refrain from judging one another.
Romans 14:13–21 Avoiding Stumbling Blocks
Believers are encouraged to act in ways that promote peace and avoid causing others to stumble through their freedoms.
Romans 14:22–23 Personal Faith and Conscience
Paul addresses the importance of personal faith, stating that actions not rooted in faith are sinful.
Romans 14:24–26 God's Sovereignty and Glory
The chapter concludes by affirming God's power to establish believers and highlighting God's glory through Jesus Christ.
Key verses
Romans 14:13This key verse encapsulates the chapter's focus on mutual respect and the importance of not causing others to stumble.
Main themes in Romans 14
Judgment
Judgment is a central theme in Romans 14, seen in verses 10-12 where Paul emphasizes that all believers will stand before Christ's judgment seat. He warns against judging each other, as this undermines the accountability each person has to God. This theme contributes to the chapter's call for mutual respect and understanding among believers.
Christian liberty
Christian liberty arises in the context of dietary practices and observance of days, particularly in verses 2-4 and 20-21, where Paul discusses differing convictions among believers. The freedom to eat or not eat is framed within the responsibility to love and not cause others to stumble. This highlights the balance between personal freedoms and the welfare of the community.
Unity
Unity is emphasized throughout Romans 14, particularly in verses 19-20, where Paul encourages believers to pursue peace and mutual edification. The chapter develops this theme by urging the acceptance of diverse practices among believers, such as dietary choices and observance of special days, to maintain harmony within the church. By affirming that unity in Christ transcends individual differences, the chapter calls for a collective commitment to support one another in faith.
Conscience
Conscience plays a crucial role in Romans 14, especially in verses 14 and 22-23, where Paul discusses how personal convictions guide a believer's actions. He stresses that actions taken against one's conscience are sinful, highlighting the importance of individual faith. This understanding calls believers to be sensitive to their own and others' convictions.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Romans 14
- Matthew 6This passage connects with the call to prioritize God’s kingdom over earthly concerns, similar to Paul’s emphasis on righteousness and peace.
- Romans 15This chapter develops the theme of mutual acceptance and support among believers, echoing Paul's message of unity in diversity.
- 1 Corinthians 8This passage connects by addressing issues of food offered to idols, illustrating the principles of love and consideration for others.
- Philippians 2Philippians 2 echoes the call to humility and considering others’ needs before one’s own, akin to Paul’s arguments in Romans 14.
- Colossians 3This passage develops themes of unity and love among believers, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5This passage connects with the theme of accountability before God, highlighting believers' responsibility to live for Him.
Study questions
Questions for studying Romans 14
- What does Paul mean by accepting those who are weak in faith?
- How does Paul describe the relationship between eating and giving thanks to God?
- What accountability do believers have according to verse 12?
- Why does Paul emphasize avoiding stumbling blocks for others?
- How does the concept of conscience play a role in the decisions of believers?
- What is the significance of Christ being Lord of both the living and the dead?
Romans 14: frequently asked questions
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