Romans 14

Romans 14 deals with the issue of how Christians should handle differences in personal convictions, especially concerning dietary practices and the observance of certain days. The apostle Paul urges believers to avoid judging one another and to focus on living in a way that honors God and promotes unity within the church.

Romans 14:1 (NKJV)
1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Paul is encouraging the Roman Christians to welcome those who are "weak in the faith" into their fellowship without engaging in debates over disputable matters. The essence is to foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment that prioritizes unity and love over differing opinions on non-essential issues.

Romans 14:2 (NKJV)
2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.

Paul contrasts two groups of believers: those strong in faith and those weak in faith.

Those Strong in Faith: These believers feel liberated from the traditional Jewish dietary restrictions through their faith in Christ. They understand that in Christ, they have the freedom to eat anything because they believe all foods have been declared spiritually clean or undefiled. This perspective is supported by teachings such as Romans 14:17, where Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not about food and drink but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus explained in Mark 7:18-19 that whatever is eaten is expelled from the body, asserting that physical food does not defile a person spiritually.

Those Weak in Faith: This group primarily consists of believers who are sensitive to specific dietary rules, particularly concerning food sacrificed to idols and the consumption of blood or improperly killed animals. These restrictions align with the advice given in Acts 15:29, where Gentile believers were urged to abstain from such foods to maintain harmony with Jewish Christians, who still held these dietary laws in high regard.

In Romans 14:2, Paul highlights the differing convictions about what is permissible to eat. He notes that while some believers confidently eat all types of food, others, feeling obliged to uphold certain dietary laws, choose to eat only vegetables to avoid any potential violation of their conscience regarding meats that may not have been prepared according to the dietary laws they respect.

Paul's broader message in this discussion is to urge the stronger believers to accept the limitations of the weaker ones without judgment or disdain. This acceptance is vital for maintaining unity and peace within the church, focusing on mutual respect over individual freedoms in disputable matters.

Romans 14:3 (NKJV)
3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.

Those who eat freely should not look down on those who do not, and those who abstain should not judge those who eat, because both are accepted by God.

Romans 14:4 (NKJV)
4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Paul reminds the believers that they have no right to judge someone else’s servant, implying that each Christian answers to God, and God will uphold them.

Romans 14:5 (NKJV)
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.

Here, Paul primarily addresses ceremonial observances, which included various festival days and special practices under Jewish law, as these were likely sources of contention between Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome. Below are a few verses that support the idea that Paul was referring to these ceremonial observances, including feast days and food and drink regulations, rather than the weekly Sabbath. This interpretation is supported by the fact that there are no food and drink regulations or calculations of months, times, and years specifically associated with the weekly Sabbath.

Colossians 2:16-17: "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Here, Paul explicitly mentions food, drink, religious festivals, new moon celebrations, and sabbath days, grouping them together as shadows of what was to come, emphasizing that the substance belongs to Christ.

Galatians 4:9-10: "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years."
Paul criticizes the Galatians for returning to the observance of special days and seasons, which is linked to the Jewish liturgical calendar, suggesting these are not obligatory for Christians.

On the other hand, the weekly Sabbath is a divine gift, established at creation before sin entered, and is meant for all humanity to enjoy for eternity. Observing the Sabbath provides a weekly opportunity to rest and rejuvenate, both physically and spiritually, while deepening one’s relationship with God. It is a time set apart each week where individuals can voluntarily choose to step away from their routine labors, reflect on the goodness of God, celebrate His creation, and engage in activities for holy purposes. This practice is not about legalistic obligation, but about embracing the privilege to connect with God, expressing love and gratitude toward Him.

Furthermore, the weekly Sabbath is not merely a shadow pointing to Christ, as it was instituted before sin entered the world. Unlike certain ceremonial laws which served as types or shadows of Christ's redemptive work, the Sabbath as a creation ordinance was designed to be a perpetual sign of God’s sovereignty and a constant reminder of His intent for human rest and fellowship, independent of the sacrificial system that pointed to redemption."

Romans 14:6 (NKJV)
6 He 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; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

Whether one observes a day or not, or eats certain foods or not, it should all be done with the intention of honoring the Lord and giving thanks to Him.

Romans 14:7-9 (NKJV)
7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Paul reminds believers that their lives belong to the Lord in every aspect. Whether living or dying, they are under Christ’s lordship. Christ’s death and resurrection were to establish His authority over all, both in life and in death. This truth reinforces the idea that each person’s choices and lifestyle are ultimately directed toward God, not toward the judgment of others.

Romans 14:10 (NKJV)
10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Paul's instruction to not judge one another should be understood within the context of ceremonial observances. He emphasizes that these are not matters of salvation but of personal conviction and cultural background. By stating that all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, Paul underscores that ultimate judgment on issues of personal conviction belongs solely to God, not to fellow believers. This reminder serves to discourage believers from judging others over practices that are not fundamental to the Christian faith but are rather expressions of individual and cultural adherence to former religious practices.

Romans 14:11 (NKJV)
11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

This passage reminds believers that everyone will ultimately stand before God to account for their lives, as it says, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (v.11). This passage encourages believers to focus on their own accountability to God rather than judging others on matters of personal conviction, such as dietary practices or ceremonial observance days. Instead of passing judgment, Paul calls on believers to be careful not to place “stumbling blocks” in each other’s paths, which could lead someone into sin or spiritual conflict. In essence, these verses emphasize that God alone is the ultimate judge, and believers should act with love and consideration for each other, mindful of how their actions may impact another’s faith.

Romans 14:14 (NKJV)
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

This verse offers deep insight into the Christian understanding of purity and the nature of things as they relate to personal conscience under the new covenant.

Key Phrase: "Of Itself"
The phrase "of itself" in this verse (in the original Greek, "kath’ heauton") means "in itself" or "by itself." Paul's use of this phrase underscores that in the new covenant, no food (or thing) is intrinsically unclean—neither spiritually, ceremonially, nor as defined by the law. This marks a significant shift from Old Testament dietary laws, where certain foods were explicitly deemed unclean.

Theological Implication
Paul's statement implies that under the new covenant established by Christ, the physical properties of food do not render it spiritually impure. This teaching reflects a broader theological theme in the New Testament, which prioritizes internal purity and moral conduct over external observance of ritual purity.

Paul discusses this within the context of disputes among believers in Rome, who came from diverse backgrounds—including those who strictly observed Jewish dietary laws and those who did not. Paul argues that while nothing is spiritually unclean in itself, if someone believes a food to be unclean, then for that person, it is unclean. This statement by Paul is an appeal to respect each other's consciences regarding non-essential matters of faith, such as dietary habits.

Transition of Covenant Emphasis
This teaching about foods being clean "of itself" underscores the transition from the old covenant's focus on ritual and ceremonial purity to the new covenant's focus on spiritual purity and love. It encourages believers to focus on what truly defiles a person, which, as Jesus taught, comes from the heart and not from what one eats (as seen in Mark 7:18-23).

In summary, Romans 14:14 teaches that all things are spiritually clean in themselves, but the conscience of the individual believer plays a crucial role in determining their personal practice. This promotes a spirit of tolerance and understanding within the Christian community, focusing on unity and peace over disagreements on non-essential issues.

Romans 14:15 (NKJV)
15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.

If eating certain food causes distress to another believer, one should refrain, as it is unloving to harm a fellow believer for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:16 (NKJV)
16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

In this verse, Paul continues to address the issue of Christian liberty, particularly in the context of eating food that some believe to be unclean or observing certain days that others might not hold in the same regard.

Context and Explanation
Paul's message in this part of Romans 14 centers on the use of freedom among believers. He counsels the Christians in Rome to exercise their freedoms thoughtfully, with consideration for how their actions might be perceived by others within the community. The "good" referred to in this verse is the freedom believers have in Christ — freedom from the old covenant's dietary laws and ceremonial requirements, which Paul has established as not being inherently unclean or morally impure.

However, Paul warns that this freedom should not become a source of stumbling or scandal within the Christian community. If exercised without sensitivity, what is inherently "good" — the liberty enjoyed in Christ — could be spoken of as "evil." In other words, if believers flaunt their freedom in ways that offend the consciences of others or lead others into sin, their good actions (exercising liberty) can be misconstrued or criticized as bad.

Application
The admonition here is about the responsible use of Christian liberty. Believers are urged to consider the broader implications of their behavior on the community's spiritual health. Paul is essentially advising that Christians should not only focus on what they know to be permissible but also on how their actions affect other believers. This is in keeping with his broader theological theme that emphasizes love, unity, and peace over individual rights or freedoms.

This verse highlights a key principle for interpersonal relationships within the church: the exercise of freedom should be balanced with love and consideration for others' weaknesses and beliefs. It's a call to live out one's faith in a way that builds up the community and fosters harmony, rather than creating divisions or causing others to fall into sin.

Romans 14:17 (NKJV)
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

In this verse, Paul continues to address the conflicts among believers in Rome regarding dietary laws and observance of days, which he previously discussed. Here, he shifts focus to define what truly constitutes the kingdom of God, emphasizing spiritual virtues over physical observances.

Key Elements of the Kingdom of God
Righteousness: This refers to a state of moral integrity and virtue, which aligns with God's standards. Righteousness in this context is understood as living a life that reflects God's character, influenced by the Holy Spirit. It's about ethical conduct and justice, extending beyond mere legalistic adherence to laws.

Peace: Peace in the New Testament often refers to the tranquility and harmony among individuals and communities. Here, it implies a relationship of reconciliation and unity among believers, fostered by the Holy Spirit. This peace is both internal—peace with God—and external—peace with others.

Joy in the Holy Ghost: Joy here is not simply emotional happiness but a deeper, spiritual joy that comes from one's relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) that sustains believers even in difficult circumstances.

Theological Implication
Paul’s point is that the kingdom of God transcends physical and ceremonial practices like food and drink observances. Instead, it's characterized by living in a way that promotes righteousness, peace, and joy—qualities that reflect the influence and presence of the Holy Spirit in one's life. This perspective challenges believers to focus on the spiritual essence of their faith rather than getting entangled in disputes over non-essential matters.

Application
This verse serves as a reminder that while certain practices may hold cultural or traditional importance, they do not define one's standing in the kingdom of God. The true measure of belonging to God’s kingdom is found in one's adherence to righteousness, the cultivation of peace, and the experience of joy in the Holy Spirit. This encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual development and the quality of their relationships over ritual compliance or dietary habits. It's a call to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of the gospel and the living presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Romans 14:18 (NKJV)
18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Serving Christ in righteousness, peace, and joy is pleasing to God and earns the respect of others.

Romans 14:19 (NKJV)
19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

In this verse, Paul encourages believers to prioritize peace and mutual edification, especially in matters of non-essential religious practices. He advises focusing on actions that enhance unity and build up the faith community, rather than causing division over disputable issues.

Romans 14:20 (NKJV)
20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense.

Paul advises believers not to let their food choices undermine the unity and spiritual growth of their community. While all foods are considered spiritually clean in the New Testament's teaching, if eating certain foods causes others to stumble in their faith, it is deemed wrong. The key is to act in love, prioritizing the well-being of others over personal preferences, especially in matters that are not central to faith.

Romans 14:21 (NKJV)
21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

It is better to avoid anything that might cause a fellow believer to stumble or be offended, even if that means refraining from eating certain foods or drinking wine.

When Paul mentions the potential conflict over wine consumption among Christian converts, he is addressing a broader audience in Rome, which included both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). The concern arises more prominently with Gentile converts for a few reasons:

Association with Paganism: For Gentiles, wine was often used in pagan rituals and ceremonies, which could involve excessive drinking and behavior contrary to Christian teachings. New Christian converts from Gentile backgrounds who had previously participated in these rituals might associate wine with their former religious practices.

Causing Stumbling: For these converts, seeing wine consumed might bring back memories of or temptations toward their old ways, which could potentially hinder their new faith journey. Additionally, for any believer struggling with moderation, wine could pose a spiritual risk.

Differing Backgrounds: Converts from different backgrounds might bring varied perspectives on what is acceptable. While Jewish Christians might view wine as a normal part of religious life, Gentile converts might see it as linked to former pagan practices. This disparity could lead to conflicts or judgments within the community.

Paul's Approach
In this context, Paul’s advice in Romans 14 about abstaining from wine if it causes another believer to stumble is a call for sensitivity and consideration. He is advocating for an awareness of the diverse backgrounds and weaknesses within the Christian community. His focus is on unity and mutual edification rather than strict adherence to personal freedoms, especially when such freedoms might lead to discord or spiritual challenges for others.

Overall, while moderate wine consumption was a part of Jewish tradition and not inherently problematic, the emphasis in Paul’s message is on the communal impact of individual behaviors and the importance of supporting each other's spiritual wellbeing in the diverse body of the early Church.

Romans 14:22 (NKJV)
22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

Key Elements of the Verse
Personal Faith and Convictions: Paul emphasizes that if a believer has faith that permits them to partake in certain practices (like eating certain foods), this faith is something to be held personally and practiced in the presence of God. This suggests that believers should be confident in their personal convictions as long as they align with their understanding of God's will.

Private versus Public Practice: The encouragement to keep one's faith "to thyself before God" underscores a principle of discretion. While believers are free to practice their convictions, they should do so in a way that does not cause discord or lead others into confusion or sin. This part of the verse highlights the introspective and personal nature of faith that does not need public approval but should align with personal integrity and the believer's relationship with God.

Avoiding Self-Condemnation: The latter part of the verse, "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth," addresses the importance of self-consistency and integrity. It implies that believers should act in ways that do not violate their conscience. A believer is "happy" or blessed when they do not feel guilt or internal conflict about their actions, suggesting that their actions are in harmony with their personal faith and moral understanding.

Application
Paul's message here is about the balance between freedom and responsibility in the Christian life. He urges believers to practice their freedom in a manner that is considerate of their own conscience and the well-being of their community. This approach helps maintain peace and unity within the Christian community and ensures that individual actions are both personally fulfilling and communally responsible.

Romans 14:23 (NKJV)
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

This verse concludes Paul's discussion about the freedom of believers concerning disputable matters, such as eating certain foods. It emphasizes the significance of acting according to one's convictions and the spiritual consequences of acting against them.

Key Elements of the Verse
Doubt and Action: The verse starts by addressing those who have doubts about whether a particular action, such as eating certain foods, is permissible. Paul states that if someone goes ahead with an action while still in doubt, this person is "damned" (or stands condemned), not necessarily in an eternal sense but in the context of acting against their conscience.

Role of Faith in Decision Making: The critical phrase here is "because he eateth not of faith." This means that the person's actions are not rooted in a confident belief that what they are doing is right in the eyes of God. Paul underscores that any action not based on faith (or conviction of its correctness) is considered sin. The principle here is that moral and ethical decisions should arise from a clear conviction supported by one's faith, rather than out of peer pressure, doubt, or indifference.

Faith and Sin: Paul rounds out his discussion by establishing a general principle that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin." This statement implies that actions taken without a firm belief in their propriety according to one's understanding of God's will are sinful. This is because they violate the individual's conscience and potentially lead to behaviors that are not aligned with God's desires.

Application
This verse stresses the importance of clear personal convictions in the exercise of Christian liberty. Believers are encouraged to act only on those things that they can do with full faith, without doubts about their moral rightness. This ensures that their actions are not only permissible but also beneficial and edifying to both themselves and the wider Christian community. The broader implication is that faith should inform all aspects of a believer's life, guiding them to live in a way that is consistent with their deeply held beliefs and values.