◄ Romans 14 ►
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The Law of Liberty (Matthew 7:1–6; Luke 6:37–42) 1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.a 2For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The 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. 4Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who observes a special day does so to the Lord;b he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.”c 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. The Law of Love (Ezekiel 14:1–11; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13) 13Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 14I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. 19So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.d 22Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God.e Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.f Footnotes: 1 a Or without quarreling over disputable matters 6 b BYZ and TR include he who does not regard the day, to the Lord he does not regard it; 11 c Or will give praise to God or will acknowledge God; Isaiah 45:23 (see also LXX) 21 d SBL, BYZ, and TR include or to be hindered or weakened. 22 e Literally Keep the faith that you have to yourself before God 23 f Some manuscripts place the text of Romans 16:25–27 here. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Romans 14 Summary The Law of Liberty Verses 1–4 – Welcoming Believers with Tender Faith Paul urges the church to receive those whose faith is fragile, especially on disputed matters such as food. Stances on diet do not determine a person’s acceptance with God, so believers must stop ranking one another. God Himself is able to make His servants stand. Verses 5–9 – Honoring the Lord in Every Choice Whether one esteems a day as special or treats all days alike, each person must be “fully convinced in his own mind” and act “to the Lord.” Every meal, every fast, every calendar decision is to be saturated with thanksgiving, because believers belong to Christ in life and in death. Verses 10–12 – Remembering the Judgment Seat of God Paul warns against looking down on or condemning fellow believers. All will “stand before God’s judgment seat,” where every tongue will confess and each person will give an account. Since Jesus is the true Judge, believers are relieved of the burden of judging one another. Verses 13–18 – Choosing Love over Liberties Freedom must bow to love. If eating meat—or any liberty—causes a brother to stumble, love refrains. The kingdom of God is “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” not the dinner menu. Serving Christ by protecting a weaker conscience wins God’s approval and human respect. Verses 19–23 – Living by Faith, Guarding Conscience “Let us pursue what leads to peace.” Destroying God’s work over food is unthinkable. All food may be “clean,” yet it becomes “unclean” for the person pressured to act against conscience. “Everything that does not come from faith is sin,” so each believer must walk by personal conviction before God. Romans 14 invites us to a complex discussion on diverse beliefs within the Christian community, specifically around dietary habits and observance of special days. Paul emphasizes tolerance, acceptance, and unity, reminding the believers that each will stand before God's judgement and therefore they must refrain from judging each other. Authorship and Setting • Paul writes from Corinth (c. A.D. 56) to a mixed Roman congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers. • The letter’s address hints at internal tensions: newly returned Jewish believers (after Claudius’s 49 A.D. expulsion, noted by Suetonius) and long-standing Gentile house-churches are learning to worship together. • Chapter 14 tackles practical divisions over diet (likely kosher vs. common meat, or meat once sacrificed to idols) and sacred days (Sabbaths, feast days, or Roman civic holidays). Historical Context of Food and Festivals • Rome’s meat supply often came from temple markets; devout Jews avoided such meat (Acts 15:29). Gentile believers considered it mere food (1 Corinthians 8:4–8). • Archaeological digs around the Forum reveal numerous butcher stalls linked to pagan temples, confirming how hard it was to find “neutral” meat. • Sacred days: Jewish believers cherished weekly Sabbaths and annual feasts (Leviticus 23). Gentiles treated all days alike, but some embraced new “Lord’s Day” gatherings (Acts 20:7). The clash was cultural as much as spiritual. Key Words and Themes • “Accept” (v. 1) – ongoing welcome, not grudging tolerance. • “Weak/Strong” – not insulting labels but descriptions of conscience sensitivity. • “Judge/Contemn” (vv. 3, 10) – attitudes reserved for divine prerogative. • “Stumble/Offend” (vv. 13, 21) – causing spiritual harm by pressuring another’s conscience. • “Faith” (v. 23) – personal trust that a choice pleases God. Connections to Other Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 8–10 parallels Romans 14, stressing that knowledge must serve love. • Galatians 5:13 – “do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another in love.” • Matthew 7:1–2 – Jesus’ warning about judging matches Paul’s call for restraint. • Isaiah 45:23 – quoted in Romans 14:11 about every knee bowing to God. • Acts 10:9–16 – Peter’s vision on clean and unclean foods foreshadows Gentile inclusion and conscience shifts. Archaeological Insights • Inscriptions from the Synagogue of Rome (Trastevere) show Jewish community organization; tensions over diet likely spilled from dinner tables into worship halls. • The Edict of Claudius (tablet fragments from Delphi) confirms Jewish expulsion and later return, explaining renewed disputes on their re-entry. • House-church remnants on the Aventine Hill indicate communal meals were central; a single roof forced believers to negotiate menu differences face-to-face. Practical Application for Churches Today • Gray areas remain: entertainment choices, holiday observance, medical decisions, social media usage. The principle stands—liberty is filtered through love. • Unity grows when believers: – Speak grace before scrutiny. – Assume the other’s action is “to the Lord” unless clearly sinful. – Give thanks openly; gratitude shifts conversations from rules to worship. – Treat personal convictions as private property, not public law. • Leaders guard the “weak” by refusing to flaunt freedoms. The “strong” are called to self-sacrifice, mirroring Christ (see 15:1–3). Christ in Romans 14 • Lordship repeated (vv. 4, 6, 8, 9): Jesus died and rose “that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” • Christ’s servant-first model undergirds the chapter; His cross demonstrates giving up rights for others’ good (Philippians 2:5–8). • At the final judgment, believers rest in Christ’s righteousness, freeing them from judging roles now. Outline of Paul’s Argument 1. Welcome without debating every opinion (vv. 1–2). 2. Remember God’s acceptance (vv. 3–4). 3. Elevate the Lord’s honor above personal preference (vv. 5–9). 4. Leave judgment to God (vv. 10–12). 5. Choose love that protects weaker brothers (vv. 13–18). 6. Pursue peace and mutual growth (vv. 19–21). 7. Live by faith; avoid condemning yourself through doubt (vv. 22–23). Common Misunderstandings Addressed • “Everything is relative.” – Paul never calls moral absolutes negotiable (see Romans 13). Romans 14 deals with disputable, secondary matters. • “The weak should just grow up.” – Growth is desired, but the mature assist by bearing burdens, not mocking sensitivities. • “This chapter excuses sin if someone feels okay about it.” – Conscience is guided by Scripture; blatant sin (e.g., sexual immorality, greed) is never protected here (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). Closing Perspective Romans 14 paints a portrait of a church that takes holiness seriously, yet loves people more than polarizing preferences. When every choice—eat or abstain, celebrate or refrain—is offered “to the Lord,” the family of God finds the unity, peace, and joy that mark His kingdom. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Teaching Points Accepting Differences Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions (Romans 14:1). Paul encourages believers to welcome those with differing convictions, emphasizing acceptance over judgment. Personal Convictions One person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables (Romans 14:2). Paul acknowledges that believers may have different convictions about non-essential matters, and that's okay. Living for the Lord For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone (Romans 14:7). Our lives should be lived in service to the Lord, not in pursuit of personal agendas. Avoiding Stumbling Blocks Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way (Romans 14:13). We are called to be considerate of others' weaknesses and avoid causing them to stumble. Pursuing Peace and Edification So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19). The focus should be on building each other up and fostering peace within the community. Practical Applications Practice Acceptance Make a conscious effort to accept fellow believers who have different views on non-essential matters, focusing on shared faith in Christ. Respect Personal Convictions Recognize that others may have different convictions and respect their choices, even if they differ from your own. Live for Christ Evaluate your actions and decisions to ensure they are aligned with living for the Lord, rather than for personal gain. Be Considerate Be mindful of how your actions might affect others, especially those who may be weaker in faith. Promote Unity Actively seek ways to promote peace and unity within your church community, prioritizing edification over division. People 1. The Weak in Faith Description: This person is described as having a weaker faith, particularly in the context of dietary restrictions and observing certain days as more sacred than others. They may abstain from certain foods or observe specific days due to their personal convictions. The Greek term used here, "ἀσθενέω" (astheneō), implies a lack of strength or firmness in faith. 2. The Strong in Faith Description: This person is implied rather than directly mentioned, as the counterpart to the weak in faith. They have a more robust understanding of Christian liberty, recognizing that all foods are clean and that no day is inherently more sacred than another. They are encouraged to act in love and not to cause the weak to stumble. 3. The Lord (Jesus Christ) Description: Jesus is the ultimate judge and master of all believers. The passage emphasizes that each person is accountable to the Lord, who is able to make them stand. The Greek term "Κύριος" (Kyrios) is used, signifying authority and lordship. 4. God Description: God is the one to whom all believers will ultimately give an account. The passage underscores God's sovereignty and the fact that judgment belongs to Him alone. The Greek term "Θεός" (Theos) is used, denoting the divine being. 5. Your Brother or Sister Description: This refers to fellow believers within the Christian community. The passage encourages believers to avoid passing judgment on one another and to live in harmony, respecting each other's convictions. The Greek term "ἀδελφός" (adelphos) is used, meaning brother or fellow believer. Places Romans 14 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on themes of personal conviction, judgment, and living in harmony with others despite differences in beliefs and practices. Since there are no specific places mentioned in this chapter, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. However, I can offer a brief summary of the chapter's themes if that would be helpful. Let me know if you would like that or any other information! Events 1. Acceptance of the Weak in Faith (Romans 14:1) "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions." The Greek word for "accept" (προσλαμβάνεσθε, proslambanesthe) implies a welcoming or receiving into fellowship, emphasizing the importance of unity despite differing levels of faith. 2. Dietary Practices and Judgment (Romans 14:2-3) "One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables." The passage highlights differing dietary practices among believers and warns against judging one another. The Greek term for "judge" (κρίνει, krinei) suggests a critical or condemning evaluation. 3. The Lordship of Christ (Romans 14:4) "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls." This verse underscores that each believer is accountable to Christ, their master, not to other believers. 4. Observance of Special Days (Romans 14:5-6) "One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike." The text addresses differing views on the observance of special days, encouraging believers to be fully convinced in their own minds and to honor the Lord in their practices. 5. Living and Dying for the Lord (Romans 14:7-9) "For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone." This passage emphasizes that believers live and die for the Lord, reinforcing the centrality of Christ in all aspects of life. 6. Judgment Seat of God (Romans 14:10-12) "For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." The Greek term for "judgment seat" (βῆμα, bēma) refers to a tribunal or place of judgment, reminding believers of their ultimate accountability to God. 7. Avoiding Stumbling Blocks (Romans 14:13) "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." The focus is on avoiding actions that might cause another believer to stumble in their faith. 8. Clean and Unclean Foods (Romans 14:14-15) "I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself." Paul acknowledges that while all foods are clean, believers should be considerate of others' consciences. 9. Pursuing Peace and Edification (Romans 14:19) "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." The Greek word for "edification" (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē) refers to building up or strengthening the community of believers. 10. Faith and Personal Convictions (Romans 14:22-23) "The faith you have, keep between yourself and God." This passage encourages believers to hold personal convictions in faith, without causing themselves or others to stumble. Lessons from Romans 14 1. Embrace Differences in Faith Romans 14:1 encourages us to "accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions." This verse reminds us that the body of Christ is diverse, and we are called to embrace our differences. Instead of focusing on what separates us, let's celebrate the unique ways God works in each of our lives. By doing so, we create a community that reflects the love and unity found in Christ. 2. Live for the Lord In Romans 14:8, Paul writes, "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord." This powerful statement calls us to dedicate every aspect of our lives to God. Whether in our daily routines or in moments of decision, our ultimate purpose is to honor Him. By living with this mindset, we align our actions with His will and find true fulfillment. 3. Avoid Judging Others Romans 14:10 asks, "Why, then, do you judge your brother?" This question challenges us to examine our hearts and refrain from judging others. We are all on a journey of faith, and only God knows the full story of each person's walk. Instead of judging, let's offer grace and encouragement, helping each other grow in Christ. 4. Pursue Peace and Edification Paul urges us in Romans 14:19 to "pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Our interactions should build up, not tear down. By focusing on peace and edification, we create an environment where everyone can thrive spiritually. Let's be intentional about speaking words that uplift and actions that promote harmony. 5. Respect Personal Convictions Romans 14:5 highlights that "each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind." This teaches us to respect personal convictions, understanding that God may lead each of us differently. While we hold firm to core truths, we can allow for diversity in non-essential matters, trusting that God is at work in each believer's heart. 6. Accountability to God Alone Romans 14:12 reminds us that "each of us will give an account of himself to God." This truth frees us from the burden of pleasing others and focuses our accountability on God alone. By living with this perspective, we can confidently pursue His calling, knowing that our ultimate responsibility is to Him. 7. Do Not Cause Others to Stumble In Romans 14:13, Paul advises, "Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." Our actions can impact others' faith journeys, so we must be mindful of how we live. By considering the effects of our choices, we can help others grow closer to Christ rather than causing them to falter. 8. Prioritize Love Over Liberty Romans 14:15 states, "If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love." This verse teaches us to prioritize love over personal freedom. While we may have the liberty to do certain things, love compels us to consider how our actions affect others. Let's choose love, ensuring our freedom never harms a fellow believer. 9. Keep Your Faith Personal Paul advises in Romans 14:22, "Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God." This encourages us to maintain a personal relationship with God, where our faith is nurtured and strengthened. While community is vital, our individual walk with God is where we find guidance and growth. 10. Trust in God's Sovereignty Finally, Romans 14:4 reminds us, "To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." This reassures us of God's sovereignty over our lives and the lives of others. Trusting in His power and grace, we can rest assured that He will sustain us and those around us, guiding us all toward His perfect will. Topics 1. Acceptance of the Weak in Faith Romans 14:1 discusses the importance of accepting those who are weak in faith without passing judgment on disputable matters. The Greek word for "accept" (προσλαμβάνεσθε, proslambanesthe) implies a welcoming or receiving into fellowship. 2. Judgment on Dietary Practices Verses 2-3 address differing opinions on eating certain foods. One person may eat anything, while another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The emphasis is on not judging one another, as God has accepted both. 3. Observance of Special Days Romans 14:5-6 speaks to the observance of special days, where one person considers one day more sacred than another, while another considers every day alike. The key is that each should be fully convinced in their own mind, doing so to honor the Lord. 4. Living and Dying for the Lord In verses 7-9, Paul emphasizes that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. This reflects the Greek concept of living (ζῶμεν, zōmen) and dying (ἀποθνῄσκωμεν, apothnēskōmen) as acts of devotion to God. 5. Avoiding Judgment of Others Romans 14:10-12 warns against judging others, as all will stand before God's judgment seat. The Greek term for "judgment seat" (βῆμα, bēma) refers to a place of accountability. 6. Not Causing Others to Stumble Verses 13-15 urge believers not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in a brother's way. The Greek word for "stumble" (πρόσκομμα, proskomma) suggests causing someone to fall into sin. 7. The Kingdom of God and Righteousness Romans 14:17-18 highlights that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The focus is on spiritual values rather than external practices. 8. Pursuing Peace and Edification In verses 19-21, Paul encourages believers to pursue what leads to peace and mutual edification. The Greek word for "edification" (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē) implies building up the community in faith. 9. Personal Convictions and Faith Romans 14:22-23 discusses the importance of keeping personal convictions between oneself and God. Acting against one's faith is considered sin, emphasizing the Greek concept of faith (πίστις, pistis) as trust and conviction. Themes 1. Acceptance of the Weak in Faith Romans 14:1 states, "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions." This theme emphasizes the importance of welcoming believers who may have a weaker faith without criticizing their personal convictions. The Greek word for "accept" (προσλαμβάνεσθε, proslambanesthe) suggests a warm and personal reception. 2. Judgment and Personal Convictions Romans 14:4 asks, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?" This theme highlights the idea that believers should not judge one another over disputable matters, as each person is accountable to God. The Greek term for "judge" (κρίνεις, krineis) implies making a decision or forming an opinion. 3. Living for the Lord Romans 14:8 declares, "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord." This theme underscores the principle that both life and death are dedicated to the Lord, reflecting a life of devotion and service to God. 4. Avoiding Stumbling Blocks Romans 14:13 advises, "Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." This theme stresses the responsibility of believers to avoid causing others to stumble in their faith. The Greek word for "stumbling block" (πρόσκομμα, proskomma) refers to something that causes someone to trip or fall. 5. The Kingdom of God Romans 14:17 states, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." This theme focuses on the spiritual nature of God's kingdom, which transcends physical practices and emphasizes inner virtues. 6. Pursuing Peace and Edification Romans 14:19 encourages, "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." This theme highlights the call for believers to actively seek peace and build each other up in faith. The Greek word for "edification" (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē) means building up or strengthening. 7. Faith and Personal Conviction Romans 14:22-23 discusses, "Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God...everything that does not come from faith is sin." This theme emphasizes the importance of acting according to one's faith and personal convictions, recognizing that actions not rooted in faith are considered sinful. Prayer Points Pray for Unity Ask God to help the church maintain unity amidst diversity, focusing on what unites rather than divides. Pray for Wisdom Seek wisdom to discern when to stand firm in your convictions and when to yield for the sake of peace. Pray for Love Request a heart of love and acceptance towards those with differing opinions, reflecting Christ's love. Pray for Edification Pray for opportunities to build up and encourage fellow believers, contributing to a stronger, more unified body of Christ. Answering Tough Questions 1. Romans 14:5 – How does allowing each person to decide which day is sacred align with Old Testament mandates on the Sabbath? 2. Romans 14:14 – If nothing is inherently unclean, does this contradict Levitical dietary laws in the Old Testament? 3. Romans 14:10 – Why emphasize not judging others when other passages in the New Testament do pronounce judgment on certain behaviors? 4. Romans 14:15 – How can eating or not eating certain foods truly “destroy” another believer, and has this ever been historically evident? 5. Romans 14 (entire chapter) – Does this chapter’s emphasis on personal conviction over collective rules lead to moral relativism within the church? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Romans 14 challenge the way we deal with differences in the church today? 2. How can you apply the teaching of accepting those with different beliefs in your community? 3. How can you avoid being a stumbling block to others? 4. What does it mean to "live for the Lord" in your daily life? 5. How does the concept of the Kingdom of God in this chapter challenge your current focus in your Christian walk? 6. How does Romans 14 teach us to deal with judgement among believers? 7. What does it mean to keep personal beliefs about disputable matters between yourself and God? 8. How can we differentiate between disputable matters and fundamental Christian beliefs? 9. How does Paul's instruction about dietary habits and special days apply to our context today? 10. How does the teaching in this chapter influence your understanding of Christian liberty? 11. How can you strive for peace and mutual edification in your community? 12. What are some current examples of "disputable matters" within the Christian community? 13. How does knowing we will stand before God's judgement influence your actions and attitudes towards others? 14. How does Paul's teaching on acceptance challenge you in your personal life? 15. How can you practically show acceptance and avoid passing judgement on fellow believers with different convictions? 16. How can the Church better promote unity amidst diverse beliefs? 17. What lessons does Romans 14 teach us about tolerance and understanding? 18. How can you ensure that your personal convictions do not become a stumbling block to others? 19. How can the concepts in this chapter help in resolving disputes or disagreements within your church or community? 20. How does Romans 14 guide your perspective on cultural and personal differences within the body of Christ? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions