Romans 14:3

The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.

Study Bible

The one who eats everything
This phrase refers to believers who feel the freedom to eat all types of food, including those that might have been considered unclean under Old Testament law. The Greek word for "eats" is "ἐσθίω" (esthió), which simply means to consume or partake. In the early church, this was a significant issue as Jewish dietary laws were deeply ingrained in the culture. The freedom to eat everything symbolizes the liberty found in Christ, who declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). This liberty, however, is not to be used as a means to look down upon others who may have different convictions.

must not belittle
The Greek word here is "ἐξουθενέω" (exoutheneó), meaning to despise or treat with contempt. In the context of the early church, this was a call to unity and respect among believers with differing practices. The historical context shows that the early church was a melting pot of Jewish and Gentile believers, each bringing their own cultural and religious backgrounds. The admonition is clear: unity in the body of Christ should transcend dietary practices.

the one who does not
This phrase refers to those who abstain from certain foods, often due to religious convictions or adherence to Jewish dietary laws. The Greek word for "does not" is "μὴ" (mē), a simple negation. This group might include Jewish Christians who still observed the dietary laws of the Old Testament. The emphasis here is on respecting their choice and understanding that their abstention is a matter of personal conviction before God.

must not judge
The Greek word for "judge" is "κρίνω" (krinó), which means to separate, distinguish, or make a judgment. In this context, it refers to passing judgment on another's spiritual state based on their dietary practices. The historical context of the early church shows that judgment based on external practices was a common issue. Paul is urging believers to refrain from making spiritual assessments based on non-essential matters.

the one who does
This phrase again refers to those who eat all foods. The repetition emphasizes the mutual respect and acceptance that should exist between believers with differing practices. The early church was called to focus on the essentials of the faith rather than disputable matters like dietary laws.

for God has accepted him
The Greek word for "accepted" is "προσλαμβάνω" (proslambanó), meaning to receive or welcome. This is a powerful reminder that acceptance by God is not based on dietary practices but on faith in Christ. The historical context of the Roman church, with its mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, underscores the importance of this truth. God's acceptance is the ultimate standard, and believers are called to mirror this acceptance in their relationships with one another.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, addressing the church in Rome, which was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

2. The Roman Church
A diverse congregation in Rome, consisting of believers from different backgrounds, including those who observed Jewish dietary laws and those who did not.

3. Jewish and Gentile Believers
The two primary groups within the early church, often with differing views on dietary laws and other cultural practices.

4. Dietary Practices
The specific issue being addressed, where some believers felt free to eat all foods, while others adhered to dietary restrictions.

5. God's Acceptance
The central theme of the verse, emphasizing that God accepts both those who eat everything and those who do not.

Teaching Points

Unity in Diversity
The church is called to embrace diversity in non-essential matters, recognizing that God accepts all believers regardless of their dietary practices.

Avoiding Judgment
Believers should refrain from judging one another over disputable matters, focusing instead on mutual acceptance and love.

Respecting Conscience
Each believer must be fully convinced in their own mind and respect the conscience of others, understanding that God is the ultimate judge.

God's Acceptance
Our acceptance by God is not based on external practices but on faith in Christ. This should be the foundation of our acceptance of others.

Building Up the Body
The goal of our interactions should be to edify and build up the body of Christ, promoting peace and mutual upbuilding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the cultural context of the Roman church help us apply Romans 14:3 to our own church communities today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not belittling or judging fellow believers over disputable matters?

3. How can the principle of God's acceptance in Romans 14:3 guide our interactions with believers who have different convictions?

4. What are some modern-day "disputable matters" that can cause division in the church, and how can we address them biblically?

5. How can we apply the teachings of Romans 14:3 to promote unity and love within our own church or small group?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 10
Peter's vision of the sheet with unclean animals, which illustrates the breaking down of dietary barriers and the acceptance of Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 8
Discusses the issue of food offered to idols and the importance of not causing a fellow believer to stumble.

Colossians 2:16-17
Paul advises against letting anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, emphasizing the freedom found in Christ.

Galatians 5:13-14
Encourages believers to use their freedom to serve one another in love, rather than indulging the flesh.