Romans 14:1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

◄ Romans 14:1 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

English Standard Version
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

New American Standard Bible
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.

King James Bible
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don't argue about doubtful issues.

International Standard Version
Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of arguing over differences of opinion.

American Standard Version
But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.

Douay-Rheims Bible
NOW him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts.

Darby Bible Translation
Now him that is weak in the faith receive, not to the determining of questions of reasoning.

Young's Literal Translation
And him who is weak in the faith receive ye -- not to determinations of reasonings;

Cross References

Mark 7:19
Because it enters not into his heart, but into the belly, and goes out into the draught, purging all meats?

Acts 28:2
And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Romans 11:15
For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

Romans 14:2
For one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs.

Romans 14:3
Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for God has received him.

Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:7
Why receive you one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumbling block to them that are weak.

1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brothers, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

14:1-6 Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did St. Paul attempt to end them. Compelled assent to any doctrine, or conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would be hypocritical and of no avail. Attempts for producing absolute oneness of mind among Christians would be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdain and blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare I disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty, despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not the scrupulous believer find fault with his brother, for God accepted him, without regarding the distinctions of meats. We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view. The case as to the observance of days was much the same. Those who knew that all these things were done away by Christ's coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. But it is not enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is necessary that it be certified from the word of God. Take heed of acting against a doubting conscience. We are all apt to make our own views the standard of truth, to deem things certain which to others appear doubtful. Thus Christians often despise or condemn each other, about doubtful matters of no moment. A thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all our mercies, sanctifies and sweetens them.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

CHAPTER 14

Ro 14:1-23. Same Subject Continued—Christian Forbearance.

The subject here, and on to Ro 15:13, is the consideration due from stronger Christians to their weaker brethren; which is but the great law of love (treated of in the thirteenth chapter) in one particular form.

1. Him that is weak in the faith—rather, "in faith"; that is, not "him that is weak in the truth believed" [Calvin, Beza, Alford, &c.], but (as most interpreters agree), "him whose faith wants that firmness and breadth which would raise him above small scruples." (See on [2259]Ro 14:22, 23).

receive ye—to cordial Christian fellowship.

but not to doubtful disputations—rather, perhaps, "not to the deciding of doubts," or "scruples;" that is, not for the purpose of arguing him out of them: which indeed usually does the reverse; whereas to receive him to full brotherly confidence and cordial interchange of Christian affection is the most effectual way of drawing them off. Two examples of such scruples are here specified, touching Jewish meats and days. "The strong," it will be observed, are those who knew these to be abolished under the Gospel; "the weak" are those who had scruples on this point.