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Romans 14 |
King James Version
Author: Youssef Rank: Bishop Posted on: 2023-01-25
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.
[Rom 14:1-15:13] deals with important principles that should guide God's people when it comes to matters of secondary importance. Unfortunately, these are often the issues over which believers argue, but such conflicts are entirely unnecessary, as we shall see.
A "weak" Christian is someone who has unfounded concerns about certain matters of lesser importance. In this context, it often referred to converted Jews who were still disgusted by non-kosher (unclean) food and did not dare to work on Saturdays.
The first principle is this: A "weak" Christian should be welcomed into the local church, but not to debate their "doubtful issues." Christians can have joyful fellowship with one another without agreeing on minor matters.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 1]. Here begins a new section of the letter. It runs from Romans 14:1-15:7. What these verses are about is shown by the first and last verse. Both verses say that we have to accept one another. This is important because you know that all Christians do not think the same about a number of things. To make the differences clear, Paul presents two believers. The one is called “weak” and the other is called “strong”.
The way faith is experienced doesn’t determine whether someone is strong or weak in the faith. And it isn’t the difference between living fleshly and spiritually either. If so, then in this case, the strong would be living spiritually and the weak would be living fleshly. What we have here is the influences from the past that may be playing a role in the Christian’s life. Most notably, this points to converted Jews who still adhered to certain Old Testament ordinances.
[Verse 2-6]. For examples, to eat or not to eat certain food and observing days as being more important than other days are mentioned. In these things, Christians can be weak.
Those Christians are weak who are of the opinion they must still adhere to ordinances concerning food as given to Israel. In addition the weak are those Christians who feel they must observe certain sacred days as Israel knew them and also think of the so-called Christian feasts. Some think in all sincerity that we must observe these days. So, the weak one in the faith is not the negligent or unfaithful Christian, but rather a Christian who is very meticulous in his Christian walk.
In contrast, the strong one in the faith knows he can eat anything, except the things mentioned in [Acts 15:29]. And he knows the only day that is distinguished from other days for the Christian is the first day of the week. In Revelation 1 this day is called “the Lord’s day” [Rev 1:10], that is, the day which belongs to the Lord.
How you look at certain sacred days depends on your knowledge of your position in Christ. One who knows he is a new creation in Christ will not make an issue of things like food and days. He knows how to deal with them.
But that’s not the end of the subject. The importance of this portion is not how to deal with food and days, but how to deal with one another. If another has a viewpoint different from mine, do I despise him (when I belong to the strong ones) or do I judge him (when I belong to the weak ones)? We must accept one another, keeping in mind that the other one is doing it for the Lord. This is the motive. We should occasionally ask ourselves, and one another, the question: ‘Am I doing, or not doing, this for the Lord?’ Then we will reach a certain conclusion for ourselves while others may reach a different conclusion. Everyone must be fully convinced in his own mind.
If this is accepted by us, there will not arise a dispute when we talk with each other about these differences. Everyone is personally responsible to the Lord. Did you notice how often the Lord is mentioned in this passage? The other one is under His authority and not under yours or mine; he is the servant of Another and subject to Him.
We should be happy that debatable questions are dealt with in this manner. Our inclination is to give out prescriptions and to try to fix everything. This would leave nothing as an exercise of conscience. We need to be kept standing by the Lord. Knowing this will keep us from an arrogant attitude. In addition, we will gain the joyful experience that the Lord is able to make us stand.
Isn’t the aim of what we do, that the Lord will receive the honor due Him? This finds its expression in [Verse 6], saying that both the one and the other “gives thank to God”. Our hearts will go out to Him and we will stay together in His presence.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
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.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
By those described as weak in faith may be meant the Christians of Jewish origin and were still under influence of their previous worship after their conversion. Also it may refer to the Christians of Gentile origin and were under the influence of the Jews who had believed or under influence of certain religious views that distinguished between the various kinds of foods. Those thought that their salvation was dependent on such distinction, not recognizing the reality of salvation that it is not linked to any distinction related to foods, but based only faith in the Lord Jesus as Savior of mankind. Those who were weak in faith refrained from eating certain foods, thinking that these foods would have adverse influence on their spiritual and moral life, and keeping away from them would give them chance for spiritual advancement more than others.
On our part we have to receive those who are weak in faith with mercy, not seeking to judge their thoughts, or as the apostle says in [Rom 15] of the same Epistle, "We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves." [Rom 15:1] And in the First Epistle to the Corinthians, he says, "But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak." [1Cor 8:9]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Paul points out that the person in question here is not healthy and that he must be received because he needs a lot of attention, because of his infirmity. Furthermore, he makes it appear that the weak man’s error is of such a nature that the others, although they do not share his weakness, are nevertheless disconcerted by it and liable to fall into uncertainty themselves.
If, then, she is the beloved and spouse who alone is sanctified by Christ, and alone is cleansed by His washing, it is manifest that heresy, which is not the spouse of Christ, nor can be cleansed nor sanctified by His washing, cannot bear sons to God.
Paul says that we should receive the weak man in order that we might support his weakness by our strength. Neither should we criticize his opinions by daring to pass judgment on someone else’s heart, which we do not see.
As I mentioned in my prologue to the epistle, those who led the Romans to faith had mixed it up with the law because they were Jews, which is why some of them thought that they should not eat meat. But others, who followed Christ apart from the law, thought otherwise, that it was permissible to eat meat, and for this reason there were disputes among them. The apostle tried to solve these disputes by arguing that the person who abstained from eating gained no advantage in the sight of God, nor did the one who ate lose anything thereby. He says that the person who is afraid to eat because the Jews had forbidden it is weak. He wants this person to be left to his own judgment, so as not to be hurt and depart from that love which is a mother of souls. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
A believer who enjoys full Christian freedom has faith that according to the New Testament teaching, "all" foods are clean. They are sanctified by the word of God and prayer [1Tim 4:4-5]. A believer with a weak conscience might have trouble eating pork or any meat at all. For example, they might be a vegetarian.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 1]. Here begins a new section of the letter. It runs from Romans 14:1-15:7. What these verses are about is shown by the first and last verse. Both verses say that we have to accept one another. This is important because you know that all Christians do not think the same about a number of things. To make the differences clear, Paul presents two believers. The one is called “weak” and the other is called “strong”.
The way faith is experienced doesn’t determine whether someone is strong or weak in the faith. And it isn’t the difference between living fleshly and spiritually either. If so, then in this case, the strong would be living spiritually and the weak would be living fleshly. What we have here is the influences from the past that may be playing a role in the Christian’s life. Most notably, this points to converted Jews who still adhered to certain Old Testament ordinances.
[Verse 2-6]. For examples, to eat or not to eat certain food and observing days as being more important than other days are mentioned. In these things, Christians can be weak.
Those Christians are weak who are of the opinion they must still adhere to ordinances concerning food as given to Israel. In addition the weak are those Christians who feel they must observe certain sacred days as Israel knew them and also think of the so-called Christian feasts. Some think in all sincerity that we must observe these days. So, the weak one in the faith is not the negligent or unfaithful Christian, but rather a Christian who is very meticulous in his Christian walk.
In contrast, the strong one in the faith knows he can eat anything, except the things mentioned in [Acts 15:29]. And he knows the only day that is distinguished from other days for the Christian is the first day of the week. In Revelation 1 this day is called “the Lord’s day” [Rev 1:10], that is, the day which belongs to the Lord.
How you look at certain sacred days depends on your knowledge of your position in Christ. One who knows he is a new creation in Christ will not make an issue of things like food and days. He knows how to deal with them.
But that’s not the end of the subject. The importance of this portion is not how to deal with food and days, but how to deal with one another. If another has a viewpoint different from mine, do I despise him (when I belong to the strong ones) or do I judge him (when I belong to the weak ones)? We must accept one another, keeping in mind that the other one is doing it for the Lord. This is the motive. We should occasionally ask ourselves, and one another, the question: ‘Am I doing, or not doing, this for the Lord?’ Then we will reach a certain conclusion for ourselves while others may reach a different conclusion. Everyone must be fully convinced in his own mind.
If this is accepted by us, there will not arise a dispute when we talk with each other about these differences. Everyone is personally responsible to the Lord. Did you notice how often the Lord is mentioned in this passage? The other one is under His authority and not under yours or mine; he is the servant of Another and subject to Him.
We should be happy that debatable questions are dealt with in this manner. Our inclination is to give out prescriptions and to try to fix everything. This would leave nothing as an exercise of conscience. We need to be kept standing by the Lord. Knowing this will keep us from an arrogant attitude. In addition, we will gain the joyful experience that the Lord is able to make us stand.
Isn’t the aim of what we do, that the Lord will receive the honor due Him? This finds its expression in [Verse 6], saying that both the one and the other “gives thank to God”. Our hearts will go out to Him and we will stay together in His presence.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
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.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Some of the believers believe that no food is prohibited, but the weak in faith eats only vegetables and deprive himself of any other kind of food, thinking it will defile him!
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
At that time many people who were strong in their faith and who knew the Lord’s teaching, that it is what comes out of the mouth which defiles a man, not what goes into it, were eating whatever they liked with a clear conscience. But some weaker ones abstained from meat and wine, so as to avoid unknowingly eating foods which had been sacrificed to idols. At that time the Gentiles sold all sacrificed meat in the butcher shops, poured out the first fruits of the wine as a libation to their idols and even made some offerings in the wine presses.
The faithful reader of Scripture will not doubt that everything which is given for human use is fit to be eaten, for it says in Genesis that everything which God created is good. Therefore nothing is to be rejected, for neither Enoch, who was the first to please God, nor Noah, who alone was found righteous at the time of the flood, nor Abraham, who was the friend of God, nor Isaac nor Jacob, both righteous men and friends of God, nor even Lot, nor any other righteous men are said to have abstained from these things. If someone thinks it right to be a vegetarian he is not to be persuaded to eat meat, because if he ignores his own principles and eats with reluctance he will appear to be sinning. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Therefore, the second principle is that we should tolerate one another. The mature Christian must not "despise" the weak, and the weak should not "judge" anyone as a sinner for eating ham, crabs, or clams. "God has accepted him" into His family as a full member.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 1]. Here begins a new section of the letter. It runs from Romans 14:1-15:7. What these verses are about is shown by the first and last verse. Both verses say that we have to accept one another. This is important because you know that all Christians do not think the same about a number of things. To make the differences clear, Paul presents two believers. The one is called “weak” and the other is called “strong”.
The way faith is experienced doesn’t determine whether someone is strong or weak in the faith. And it isn’t the difference between living fleshly and spiritually either. If so, then in this case, the strong would be living spiritually and the weak would be living fleshly. What we have here is the influences from the past that may be playing a role in the Christian’s life. Most notably, this points to converted Jews who still adhered to certain Old Testament ordinances.
[Verse 2-6]. For examples, to eat or not to eat certain food and observing days as being more important than other days are mentioned. In these things, Christians can be weak.
Those Christians are weak who are of the opinion they must still adhere to ordinances concerning food as given to Israel. In addition the weak are those Christians who feel they must observe certain sacred days as Israel knew them and also think of the so-called Christian feasts. Some think in all sincerity that we must observe these days. So, the weak one in the faith is not the negligent or unfaithful Christian, but rather a Christian who is very meticulous in his Christian walk.
In contrast, the strong one in the faith knows he can eat anything, except the things mentioned in [Acts 15:29]. And he knows the only day that is distinguished from other days for the Christian is the first day of the week. In Revelation 1 this day is called “the Lord’s day” [Rev 1:10], that is, the day which belongs to the Lord.
How you look at certain sacred days depends on your knowledge of your position in Christ. One who knows he is a new creation in Christ will not make an issue of things like food and days. He knows how to deal with them.
But that’s not the end of the subject. The importance of this portion is not how to deal with food and days, but how to deal with one another. If another has a viewpoint different from mine, do I despise him (when I belong to the strong ones) or do I judge him (when I belong to the weak ones)? We must accept one another, keeping in mind that the other one is doing it for the Lord. This is the motive. We should occasionally ask ourselves, and one another, the question: ‘Am I doing, or not doing, this for the Lord?’ Then we will reach a certain conclusion for ourselves while others may reach a different conclusion. Everyone must be fully convinced in his own mind.
If this is accepted by us, there will not arise a dispute when we talk with each other about these differences. Everyone is personally responsible to the Lord. Did you notice how often the Lord is mentioned in this passage? The other one is under His authority and not under yours or mine; he is the servant of Another and subject to Him.
We should be happy that debatable questions are dealt with in this manner. Our inclination is to give out prescriptions and to try to fix everything. This would leave nothing as an exercise of conscience. We need to be kept standing by the Lord. Knowing this will keep us from an arrogant attitude. In addition, we will gain the joyful experience that the Lord is able to make us stand.
Isn’t the aim of what we do, that the Lord will receive the honor due Him? This finds its expression in [Verse 6], saying that both the one and the other “gives thank to God”. Our hearts will go out to Him and we will stay together in His presence.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
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.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The person who in strong faith eats all kinds of food should not despise of look with contempt the person who does not eat or treat him as a narrow-minded person of poor mind, thus judging his behavior. The
same applies to him who does not all things he should not judge the person who eats all things as doing wrong, for God has received him who eats all things as member of His church. How then dare you who do not eat all things to cut your relations with him who eats all things, while God has received him as His own. We should not cut relations with those who have a relationship with God as children, nor judge those who are not judged by God. We should not reject those who God is pleased with. The apostle Paul says in his Epistle to the Colossians, "Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths." [Col 2:16]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Paul does not say that the one who eats should simply ignore the one who abstains, nor does he suggest that the latter should not be blamed and put right. All he is saying is that the stronger ones should not look down on the weak or be contemptuous of them. Likewise, those who abstain are not to pass judgment on those who eat. For just as the strong mocked the weak, claiming that they had no faith, that they were not really saved and that they were Judaizers, so the others thought that the strong ones were lawbreakers and gluttonous. Since these were probably mostly Gentiles, Paul adds that God has welcomed them.
We are not to abstain completely from different kinds of food but only not to be preoccupied with them. We are to eat what is set before us, as a Christian should, out of respect to our host.
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
"Let him who eateth, not despise him who eateth not; and let him who eateth not, not judge him who eateth.".
"Qui "itaque "non comedit, comedentem ne spernat. Qui autem comedit, eum qui non comedit non judicet: Deus enim ipsum accepit."
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
The apostle instructed those who ate such food with a clear conscience not to despise the weakness of those who abstained…. And he told the weak not to condemn as polluted those who consumed such meat and wine…. For the strong insisted on despising the weak, and the weak did not hesitate to condemn the strong.
Paul wanted to keep the balance, by which scandals are avoided, between those who fast on Saturday and those who do not, so that the one who eats would not despise the one who does not eat, and the one who fasts would not judge the one who eats.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
The third principle is that we have no right to judge one another as if we were the master of the household. Every believer is a "servant" of the Lord. It is before his "own master" that he will stand or fall. One may look down with icy disdain on someone, certain that they will suffer spiritual ruin because of their beliefs. But such an attitude is wrong. God will uphold them—both the strong and the weak. He has the power to do this in every respect.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 1]. Here begins a new section of the letter. It runs from Romans 14:1-15:7. What these verses are about is shown by the first and last verse. Both verses say that we have to accept one another. This is important because you know that all Christians do not think the same about a number of things. To make the differences clear, Paul presents two believers. The one is called “weak” and the other is called “strong”.
The way faith is experienced doesn’t determine whether someone is strong or weak in the faith. And it isn’t the difference between living fleshly and spiritually either. If so, then in this case, the strong would be living spiritually and the weak would be living fleshly. What we have here is the influences from the past that may be playing a role in the Christian’s life. Most notably, this points to converted Jews who still adhered to certain Old Testament ordinances.
[Verse 2-6]. For examples, to eat or not to eat certain food and observing days as being more important than other days are mentioned. In these things, Christians can be weak.
Those Christians are weak who are of the opinion they must still adhere to ordinances concerning food as given to Israel. In addition the weak are those Christians who feel they must observe certain sacred days as Israel knew them and also think of the so-called Christian feasts. Some think in all sincerity that we must observe these days. So, the weak one in the faith is not the negligent or unfaithful Christian, but rather a Christian who is very meticulous in his Christian walk.
In contrast, the strong one in the faith knows he can eat anything, except the things mentioned in [Acts 15:29]. And he knows the only day that is distinguished from other days for the Christian is the first day of the week. In Revelation 1 this day is called “the Lord’s day” [Rev 1:10], that is, the day which belongs to the Lord.
How you look at certain sacred days depends on your knowledge of your position in Christ. One who knows he is a new creation in Christ will not make an issue of things like food and days. He knows how to deal with them.
But that’s not the end of the subject. The importance of this portion is not how to deal with food and days, but how to deal with one another. If another has a viewpoint different from mine, do I despise him (when I belong to the strong ones) or do I judge him (when I belong to the weak ones)? We must accept one another, keeping in mind that the other one is doing it for the Lord. This is the motive. We should occasionally ask ourselves, and one another, the question: ‘Am I doing, or not doing, this for the Lord?’ Then we will reach a certain conclusion for ourselves while others may reach a different conclusion. Everyone must be fully convinced in his own mind.
If this is accepted by us, there will not arise a dispute when we talk with each other about these differences. Everyone is personally responsible to the Lord. Did you notice how often the Lord is mentioned in this passage? The other one is under His authority and not under yours or mine; he is the servant of Another and subject to Him.
We should be happy that debatable questions are dealt with in this manner. Our inclination is to give out prescriptions and to try to fix everything. This would leave nothing as an exercise of conscience. We need to be kept standing by the Lord. Knowing this will keep us from an arrogant attitude. In addition, we will gain the joyful experience that the Lord is able to make us stand.
Isn’t the aim of what we do, that the Lord will receive the honor due Him? This finds its expression in [Verse 6], saying that both the one and the other “gives thank to God”. Our hearts will go out to Him and we will stay together in His presence.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
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.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Who are you to judge a servant not yours because he did not take you as his master but the Lord?! To his master he stands or falls spiritually. While you judge him, God will strengthen him and make him steadfast in faith. Therefore the Lord Christ warned us against judging others, saying, "Judge not, that you be not judged ... And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye … Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye' …" [Matt 7:1-5] And James the apostle says, "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" [Jas 4:11-12]
- Who are you: Who are you, a weak person, to judge others?
- Another’s servant: The Greek word "oiketys" used in this verse translated "servant" express a relationship stronger and deeper than the word "doulos" which also means "servant", because the former refers to a servant who is in the private service of his master.
- To judge another: All the Christians, whether weak or strong in faith, are brothers, and they all are servants to one Master. So judging one another means putting oneself in the place of the master to the other, and taking God's rank and rights. You try to judge the thoughts and intentions of the others, which none can know except God alone, for He knows the hidden things of the heart. Even if you judge someone according to his apparent actions and behavior, know that one's visible deeds do not give a complete idea about his character and his real intentions, for a person may have hidden intentions other than he shows or does.
- He stands or falls: This does not refer to the reward and punishment on the Day of Judgment, but to spiritual and moral standing and weakness in one's relation with Christ in the earthly life. Concerning moral falling the apostle says, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." [1Cor 16:13] " … I may hear of your affairs that you stand fast in one spirit." [Phil 1:27] "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." [1Cor 10:12] So, do not worry about him, he will be made to stand, for he will be steadfast in faith.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
It is not because someone does things which are worthy of escaping judgment that we are not to judge, but because the person in question is another man’s servant—not ours but God’s. It is up to God to decide what to do.
A servant of Christ is anyone whom Christ has accepted. He is then no longer under the law. Who are you, therefore, to judge someone by the law when he is a stranger to it? Pauline Commentary from the Greek Church.
And in another place he says, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth; yea, he shall stand, for God is able to make him stand.".
Of this same subject to the Romans: "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. But he shall stand; for God is able to make him stand."
Paul says this so that, when something might be done with either good or bad motives, we should leave the judgment to God and not presume to judge the heart of someone else, which we do not see. But when it comes to things which obviously could not have been done with good and innocent intentions, it is not wrong if we pass judgment. So in the matter of food, where it is not known what the motive in eating it is, Paul does not want us to be judges, but God. But in the case of that abominable immorality where a man had taken his stepmother, Paul taught us to judge. For that man could not possibly claim that he committed such a gross act of indecency with good intentions. So we must pass judgment on things which are obviously wrong.
These men were of a mind to pass judgment with regard to things which may indeed be done with a bad intention but which may also be done with an upright, simple and magnanimous motive. Although they were men, they wanted to judge the secrets of the heart—secrets of which God alone is the judge. .
And yet thou, O Novatian, judgest and declarest that the lapsed have no hope of peace and mercy, nor inclinest thine ear to the rebuke of the apostle, when he says "Who art thou, who judgest another man's servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall stand. God is mighty to establish him."
Author: A Treatise Against the Heretic Novatian AD: 255
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Some Jewish Christians still considered the Sabbath as a day that must be observed. Their conscience did not allow them to work in any way on Saturdays. In this sense, they 'esteemed one day above another.' Other believers did not share these Jewish concerns. They considered 'every day alike.' They did not see one day as holy and the remaining six as ordinary weekdays. For them, every day was holy.
But what about the Lord's Day, the first day of the week? Doesn't it have a special significance in the life of a Christian? We learn from the New Testament that this day is the day of our Lord's resurrection [Luke 24:1-9]. On the resurrection day itself and the following Sunday, Christ met with his disciples [John 20:19]; [John 20:26]. The Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost, also on the first day of the week, as Pentecost was celebrated seven Sundays after the Feast of Firstfruits ([Lev 23:15-16]; [Acts 2:1]), which symbolizes Christ's resurrection [1Cor 15:20]; [1Cor 15:23]. The disciples gathered on the first day of the week to break bread [Acts 20:7]. Paul instructed the Corinthians to conduct their collection on the first day of the week. Thus, the Lord's Day is observed in a special way in the New Testament. However, unlike the Sabbath, it is not so much a day that must be kept, but a day that may be kept. We are freed from our normal activities on this day and can spend it in a special way in worship and service to our Lord.
Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians commanded to keep the Sabbath. And yet, we recognize the principle of one day being kept as a day of rest after six days.
Whatever one's views on this topic may be, the principle is as follows: 'Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.' Now, it should be clear that these principles can only apply to matters that are morally neutral. When it comes to the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith, there is no room for individual opinions. But in areas where actions are neither good nor evil in themselves, there is room for different views. One should not base fellowship on these topics.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-03 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 1]. Here begins a new section of the letter. It runs from Romans 14:1-15:7. What these verses are about is shown by the first and last verse. Both verses say that we have to accept one another. This is important because you know that all Christians do not think the same about a number of things. To make the differences clear, Paul presents two believers. The one is called “weak” and the other is called “strong”.
The way faith is experienced doesn’t determine whether someone is strong or weak in the faith. And it isn’t the difference between living fleshly and spiritually either. If so, then in this case, the strong would be living spiritually and the weak would be living fleshly. What we have here is the influences from the past that may be playing a role in the Christian’s life. Most notably, this points to converted Jews who still adhered to certain Old Testament ordinances.
[Verse 2-6]. For examples, to eat or not to eat certain food and observing days as being more important than other days are mentioned. In these things, Christians can be weak.
Those Christians are weak who are of the opinion they must still adhere to ordinances concerning food as given to Israel. In addition the weak are those Christians who feel they must observe certain sacred days as Israel knew them and also think of the so-called Christian feasts. Some think in all sincerity that we must observe these days. So, the weak one in the faith is not the negligent or unfaithful Christian, but rather a Christian who is very meticulous in his Christian walk.
In contrast, the strong one in the faith knows he can eat anything, except the things mentioned in [Acts 15:29]. And he knows the only day that is distinguished from other days for the Christian is the first day of the week. In Revelation 1 this day is called “the Lord’s day” [Rev 1:10], that is, the day which belongs to the Lord.
How you look at certain sacred days depends on your knowledge of your position in Christ. One who knows he is a new creation in Christ will not make an issue of things like food and days. He knows how to deal with them.
But that’s not the end of the subject. The importance of this portion is not how to deal with food and days, but how to deal with one another. If another has a viewpoint different from mine, do I despise him (when I belong to the strong ones) or do I judge him (when I belong to the weak ones)? We must accept one another, keeping in mind that the other one is doing it for the Lord. This is the motive. We should occasionally ask ourselves, and one another, the question: ‘Am I doing, or not doing, this for the Lord?’ Then we will reach a certain conclusion for ourselves while others may reach a different conclusion. Everyone must be fully convinced in his own mind.
If this is accepted by us, there will not arise a dispute when we talk with each other about these differences. Everyone is personally responsible to the Lord. Did you notice how often the Lord is mentioned in this passage? The other one is under His authority and not under yours or mine; he is the servant of Another and subject to Him.
We should be happy that debatable questions are dealt with in this manner. Our inclination is to give out prescriptions and to try to fix everything. This would leave nothing as an exercise of conscience. We need to be kept standing by the Lord. Knowing this will keep us from an arrogant attitude. In addition, we will gain the joyful experience that the Lord is able to make us stand.
Isn’t the aim of what we do, that the Lord will receive the honor due Him? This finds its expression in [Verse 6], saying that both the one and the other “gives thank to God”. Our hearts will go out to Him and we will stay together in His presence.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
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.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
There may someone who distinguishes a certain day, seeing it is more holy than other days, while another person considers every day holy. So, each one should be convinced according to his won conscience.
The "mind" here represents the moral conscience. The apostle here gives weight to the personal conviction and to the judgment of the conscience of everybody. However, we must not forget that the apostle Paul is speaking about the conscience that is enlightened by the guidance and directions of the Holy Spirit, for this is what protects the church from individual inclinations and disorder of judgments and actions. The apostle Paul sees the church always in an organized state as the body having Christ as the Head. Furthermore, the personal considerations which the apostle refers in this verse – as evident from the following verses – are for the glorification of God. The variation of judgments reveals the variation of the degree and extent of faith.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Here it seems to me that Paul is giving a subtle hint about fasting. For it is probable that those who fasted were always passing judgment on those who did not, and it is likely that some of those who fasted did so on particular days…. Paul releases those who fasted out of fear from their bondage by saying that it was something which was basically indifferent.
At the moment, and without any deeper consideration, it seems to me that this is said about God and man, not about two men. He who judges on alternate days is man, who can judge one way today and another way tomorrow…. But the One whose judgment is the same every day is the Lord…. But let everyone dare to judge only insofar as is granted to human intelligence or at least to his own.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
The one who "regards one day as special" is a Jewish Christian who still has a troubled conscience about working on Saturdays. It is not about seeing Sabbath observance as a means to attain or regain salvation. It is simply about wanting to do what he believes "pleases the Lord." Similarly, someone honors Christ by "not considering one day more sacred than another" (ESV) because they honor Christ Himself, not the shadow [Col 2:16-17].
Someone who has the freedom to eat non-kosher (unclean) foods bows his head "and gives thanks to God" for the food. But the believer with a weak conscience, who only eats kosher food, does the same. Both ask for the Lord's blessing over their meal.
In both cases, God is honored and thanked, so there is no reason to turn this difference into a cause for disputes and arguments.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 1]. Here begins a new section of the letter. It runs from Romans 14:1-15:7. What these verses are about is shown by the first and last verse. Both verses say that we have to accept one another. This is important because you know that all Christians do not think the same about a number of things. To make the differences clear, Paul presents two believers. The one is called “weak” and the other is called “strong”.
The way faith is experienced doesn’t determine whether someone is strong or weak in the faith. And it isn’t the difference between living fleshly and spiritually either. If so, then in this case, the strong would be living spiritually and the weak would be living fleshly. What we have here is the influences from the past that may be playing a role in the Christian’s life. Most notably, this points to converted Jews who still adhered to certain Old Testament ordinances.
[Verse 2-6]. For examples, to eat or not to eat certain food and observing days as being more important than other days are mentioned. In these things, Christians can be weak.
Those Christians are weak who are of the opinion they must still adhere to ordinances concerning food as given to Israel. In addition the weak are those Christians who feel they must observe certain sacred days as Israel knew them and also think of the so-called Christian feasts. Some think in all sincerity that we must observe these days. So, the weak one in the faith is not the negligent or unfaithful Christian, but rather a Christian who is very meticulous in his Christian walk.
In contrast, the strong one in the faith knows he can eat anything, except the things mentioned in [Acts 15:29]. And he knows the only day that is distinguished from other days for the Christian is the first day of the week. In Revelation 1 this day is called “the Lord’s day” [Rev 1:10], that is, the day which belongs to the Lord.
How you look at certain sacred days depends on your knowledge of your position in Christ. One who knows he is a new creation in Christ will not make an issue of things like food and days. He knows how to deal with them.
But that’s not the end of the subject. The importance of this portion is not how to deal with food and days, but how to deal with one another. If another has a viewpoint different from mine, do I despise him (when I belong to the strong ones) or do I judge him (when I belong to the weak ones)? We must accept one another, keeping in mind that the other one is doing it for the Lord. This is the motive. We should occasionally ask ourselves, and one another, the question: ‘Am I doing, or not doing, this for the Lord?’ Then we will reach a certain conclusion for ourselves while others may reach a different conclusion. Everyone must be fully convinced in his own mind.
If this is accepted by us, there will not arise a dispute when we talk with each other about these differences. Everyone is personally responsible to the Lord. Did you notice how often the Lord is mentioned in this passage? The other one is under His authority and not under yours or mine; he is the servant of Another and subject to Him.
We should be happy that debatable questions are dealt with in this manner. Our inclination is to give out prescriptions and to try to fix everything. This would leave nothing as an exercise of conscience. We need to be kept standing by the Lord. Knowing this will keep us from an arrogant attitude. In addition, we will gain the joyful experience that the Lord is able to make us stand.
Isn’t the aim of what we do, that the Lord will receive the honor due Him? This finds its expression in [Verse 6], saying that both the one and the other “gives thank to God”. Our hearts will go out to Him and we will stay together in His presence.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
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.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-6
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
He who esteems a day more than other days, does so for the glorification of the Lord's name. And he who does not esteem one day but considers every day holy, he does this for the glory of God. Likewise, he who eats all kinds of food without distinction, he does so for the glory of God, for when he eats he gives thanks to God who gave them. And he who does not eat he does so for the glory of God, for he also gives thanks to God. Therefore the apostle Paul in his First Epistle to the Corinthians says, "But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." [1Cor 10:30-33]
Whatever a believer does, the following consideration should be taken into consideration. These protect the church against the danger of individuality and personal inclinations, as well as against the danger of the confusion of personal convictions in judgments and actions. These considerations are:
1. Every thing should be done for the glory of God, rather than for personal self-glorification.
2. In everything a believer should seek the benefit of the others not of himself.
3. In everything we should be concerned about the salvation of the others.
4. Personal freedom should be confined to and considering the freedom of the others: "If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, 'This was offered to idols,' do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for 'the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness.' 'Conscience,' I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience?" [1Cor 10:27-29] (1)
5. Christ is the Example for whatever judgments and spiritual measures we make, as the apostle says, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." [1Cor 11:1]
Footnote (1) See our book in Arabic titled: "Faith in the Epistles of Paul the Apostle", pp. 45
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Paul continues his exposition [from the previous verse]. The issue at stake is not a fundamental one. Both sides are acting for God’s sake, and both end up by giving him thanks. Thus the difference between them turns out to be a minor one. Nevertheless, Paul aims a blow at the Judaizers, because he accepts the validity of all foods.
And a little way on he explains the reason of the command, when he says, "He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, and giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks."
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
When someone observes the day well, he keeps the day for the Lord. To judge the day well means you are not to despair over the future correction of the person whose guilt might appear now to be clean. .
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Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
The lordship of Christ extends to every aspect of a believer's life. We do not live for ourselves, but "for the Lord." We do not die for ourselves, but "for the Lord." It is true that everything we do and say affects others, but that is not the point here. Paul emphasizes that the Lord should be the purpose and focus of His people's lives.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offense; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-13
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Both of them – who observes the day, and who does not observe the day – do so for the glory of God, for none of us believers lives to himself. Our existence is not our own; we are not our own masters nor own ourselves. Our goal in life is not to do what pleases us but what pleases God. And if we are exposed to death, we do not do this for selfglorification, but for glorification of God.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
This means that we are not free. We have a master who wants us to live and not die, and to whom life and death matter more than they do to us…. For if we die, we do not die to ourselves alone but to our master as well. By “death,” Paul means apostasy from the faith.
A man would be living for himself if he did not act according to the law. But whoever is controlled by the brake of the law is not living for himself but for God, who gave the law so that it might be possible to live according to his will. Likewise, whoever dies dies to God, for he is the Judge who will either condemn or reward him. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
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Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Everything we do in our lives is subject to Christ's scrutiny and judgment. We best examine our actions by considering how they appear in His presence. Even in death, we seek God's glory by going to Him. Both in life and in death, we belong to Him.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offense; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-13
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
If we live, we live to minister to God, and if we die, we die submitting to God's will. In our life and in our death God's authority and glory are revealed, for we belong to God, and to Him we live and die.
Paul the apostle says, "He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." [2Cor 5:15] And "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." [Gal 2:20] "If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus." [1Thess 4:14] "… Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." [1Thess 5:10]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Here, one of the reasons why "Christ died and returned to life" is mentioned: He should "be Lord of both the dead and the living," and we should be His willing subjects, bringing Him our grateful hearts in joyful devotion. His lordship extends even over our death when our bodies lie in the grave, and our souls live in His presence.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offense; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-13
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
All of us living or dead are His own. For this purpose Christ died and arose and lived as a man to be Master and Lord over the dead and the living.
The words "to this end" mean that Christ did this to be Lord of His own, whether living or dead. By His death and resurrection He took rule over the dead and the living, so the Lord Christ after His resurrection said that He was given all authority in heaven and on earth. The Lord Christ paid an expensive price to have this authority over all the living and the dead.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Look how Christ takes care of the dead. If he is concerned about the departed, it is clear that he will be concerned about the living as well. For nothing escapes his lordship…. Christ put down his own life for our salvation. Having gone to so much trouble and expense, he is not likely to consider us as being of no value.
And he renders the reason why the Son of God did these things, saying, "For to this end Christ both lived, and died, and revived, that He might rule over the living and the dead."
The creation was made by Christ the Lord, but because of sin it has become separated from its maker and taken captive. But God the Father sent his Son from heaven to earth to teach his creation what to do in order to escape the hands of its captors, so that his work should not perish. For this reason he allowed himself to be killed by his enemies, so that by going down to hell he could condemn sin, because he was killed as an innocent man, and liberate those whom the devil held there. Therefore, since he showed the way of salvation to the living and offered himself for them and also delivered the dead from hell, he is Lord of both the living and the dead. For he has turned the lost into his servants. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Because this is true, it is foolish for a Jewish Christian, who has a sensitive conscience about many things, to judge the "brother" who does not adhere to the Jewish calendar and does not restrict himself to the appropriate foods. Similarly, it is wrong for the strong brother to "despise" the weak "brother." The fact is that each of us will one day "stand before the judgment seat of Christ." [1] That will be the only judgment that truly matters.
This judgment will concern the believer's service, not his sins [1Cor 3:11-15]. It will involve examination and reward. This judgment should not be confused with the judgment of the Gentile nations [Matt 25:31-46] or the judgment before the great white throne [Rev 20:11-15]. The latter is the final judgment of all unconverted dead.
Footnote [1] Some ancient manuscripts (NA) read "judgment seat of God" instead of "judgment seat of Christ" (Textus Receptus and Majority Text). However, we know that Christ will be the judge, as the Father has entrusted all judgment to Him [John 5:22].
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offense; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-13
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
If all of us are the ownership of Christ, why then you, who do not eat all kinds of food, judge your brother who eats all kinds of food, disdaining and showing contempt for him. Nobody (whether who eats or does not eat) has any right to condemn or disdain his brother, because all of us will stand before the seat of Christ who alone ahs the right to judge. The apostle Paul in this respect, while in Areopagus, said, "He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." [Acts 17:31] (See also [Matt 25:31]) "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." [2Cor 5:10]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
At first sight, Paul seems to be attacking the stronger here, but he is also laying into the legalists, by calling their attention to the great benefit which they have received in Christ and to the terror of the judgment to come.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:11 For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
The certainty of our appearance before the "judgment seat" (bēma) of Christ is reinforced by a quote from [Isa 45:23], in which Yahweh Himself assures that "every knee will bow" before Him, acknowledging Him as the supreme authority.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offense; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-13
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The apostle here is referring to the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath." [Isa 45:23] "Lift up your eyes, look around and see; all these gather together and come to you. As I live, says the Lord." [Isa 49:18] Of course here is reference to the coming life. On final judgment all mankind will offer submission and praise to the Lord.
- ''As I live'': By these words God affirms that He is living, and always have power to fulfill this matter, that is, submission and worship to Him by everybody. We can understand the words otherwise as meaning: As life for Me (for God) is an evident and certain actuality, so also submission and worship by people to Me is a certain actuality that accepts no doubt.
- ''Every knee shall bow to Me": These words are used by Isaiah the prophet to refer to God, and the apostle Paul uses them to refer to Christ. This reveals the equality between the Son and the Father.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Be careful when you see the Master sitting on his judgment seat, and do not make schisms or divisions in the church by breaking away from grace and running back to the law. For the law belongs to Christ as well.
For having been killed, the future Judge rose from the dead, and therefore he rightly said: “As I live.” … For not only do I live, but I will come to judge, and my enemies will confess my name and kneel before me, acknowledging that I am God from God. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
"Therefore," it is clear that we all must "give an account of ourselves to God," not for our brother. We judge one another far too much, without having the appropriate authority or knowledge.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offense; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-13
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The result of all this is that each one of us will give account to the Lord for Himself. So, one should judge his own deeds not the deeds of the others. The apostle Paul, in his Epistle to the Galatians, says, "For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load." [Gal 6:3-5]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
If we ask the Lord to forgive us we should also forgive, for we stand before the eyes of the Lord God, and “we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ,” and “each must give account of himself.”
I have replied, dearest son, to your letter, so far as my poor ability prevailed; and I have shown, as far as I could, what I think; prescribing to no one, so as to prevent any prelate from determining what he thinks right, as he shall give an account of his own doings to the Lord, according to what the blessed Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans writes and says: "Every one of us shall give account for himself: let us not therefore judge one another."
Since we are not going to give account of each other, says Paul, let us not condemn one another over the issues mentioned above. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Instead of judging our fellow Christians on such neutral matters, we should resolve not to hinder any "brother" in his spiritual growth. None of these minor issues is important enough for us to become a "stumbling block or cause of offense" to our brother.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offense; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-13
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The apostle Paul asks those who are strong in faith not condemn or judge those who are weak in faith for their weak faith. Rather they ought not to put a stumbling block or a hindrance in their way lest they stumble. The apostle gives in his First Epistle to the Corinthians an example of such stumbling blocks, saying, "However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." [1Cor 8:7-13]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Consider the great punishment we shall suffer if we give offense at all. If the thing concerned was against the law and some people rebuked others wrongly, Paul forbade them to do so, in order not to cause a brother to stumble and fall. If we give offense without having anything to put right, what treatment will we deserve? For if not saving others is a crime (as is demonstrated by the man who buried his one talent), what will be the result if we offend him as well? But you may say: What if he brings the offense on himself, by being weak? Well, this is precisely why you ought to be patient. For if he were strong, he would not require so much care.
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Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Paul and we know that no food makes us ritually 'common' or unclean anymore, as was the case for a Jew living under the law. Our foods are sanctified by the Word of God and prayer [1Tim 4:5]. They are sanctified by the Word in the sense that the Bible explicitly calls them 'good.' And they are sanctified by prayer when we ask God to use them for His glorification and to strengthen our bodies in service to the Lord. However, if a weak brother, for example, believes that it is wrong for him to eat pork, then it is wrong for him. If he were to eat it, he would be violating his God-given conscience.
Paul says here, 'nothing is unclean in itself.' However, we must recognize that he is only talking about morally neutral things. There are many things in life that are unclean in themselves, such as pornography in word and image, suggestive jokes, dirty movies, and any form of immorality. Paul's statement must be understood in the context. Christians do not become unclean by eating foods that the Law of Moses designated as unclean.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-03 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 7-8]. We are to “live for the Lord” and to “die for the Lord”. Everything is for the Lord. Today and tomorrow. When you gave your life to the Lord and started listening to His commands, was He oppressive? No, it was liberating when you made the choice to surrender to the Lord Jesus. From the moment you surrendered to Him, you became completely His.
[Verse 9]. Once it appeared as if you were your own boss, but in fact you were a slave of sin. Therefore, it can only be liberating to belong to Someone Who has died and become alive again.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus have been spoken of extensively in Romans. The Lord Jesus rules over the living and dead now, and that includes you too.
[Verse 10-11]. Because of that fact, you can’t enter into the rights of the Lord by judging or despising your brother. I don’t say this is what you’re doing, but these verses aren’t put here for nothing. God knows how we can talk about one another. Every Christian is able to make these two mistakes. Denying this means you don’t know yourself. And self-knowledge is an important weapon to guard you against these dangers.
Even more important than seeing these dangers is thinking of God’s judgment seat. We all will stand before it once. This is a compelling thought. A judgment seat, not one on which an earthly and fallible judge will sit, but a Judge Who has perfect knowledge of all we have said and done. He will review all our motives. He knows exactly why we did or didn’t eat some food. He knows exactly why we observed certain days as sacred or why all days were the same to us. He will make it perfectly clear on which points we have judged or despised our brother. And He will show us that the other was living for Him too.
As a reminder, these verses are not about wrong and sinful things such as immoral conduct and wrong doctrine. If we see something wrong in someone else, we must say something about it to him or her. We do this because of other verses in the Bible. Here we have our personal conscience. The conscience is not a perfect guideline for our lives; only the Word of God is such, but God will take the conscience into account. And this is what we must do in dealing with others as well.
[Verse 12]. The fact that a moment is coming when each of us will render a personal account to God, will have a positive effect upon us today. When I’m thinking of God’s judgment seat before which I’ll have to stand, I want to live now as if I’m already now standing before it. Then I would like to give account to God right now, at this very moment.
[Verse 13]. This thought then will bring us to the conclusion that we shouldn’t judge each other. We’ll leave that to God. Everyone will personally bow before God and acknowledge Him as God. This makes us realize how small we are.
This also makes us careful in expressing our criticism of what a brother or sister feels he or she must do for the Lord. In our attitude, we’ll be careful in what we think we should or should not do for the Lord. It is possible too that our behavior is a stumbling block for spiritual growth to our brother who is a recent convert or who has little knowledge of his position in Christ. If you say you’d like to serve the Lord, everything you do has a considerable influence on those who want to serve as well, while having a different understanding of certain matters of personal conscience.
[Verse 14]. You may be convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Here it’s not the uncleanness found in the world, but certain Old Testament regulations. For example, in those days someone could become unclean by touching or eating something that was declared unclean by God.
This is no longer the case. God looks at every Christian in connection with Christ’s work. Someone who still thinks some things are unclean, shows he has not appropriated the full freedom in Christ.
Keep it always in your mind that here we have the personal conscience and the differences that can result in living the life of faith. The following verses make it clear how you should deal with this.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 7-14
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.11For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ’s death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from speaking evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good we profess and practice, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ’s death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them; following peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable. Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the opinion of others is not to be regarded.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 14-18
14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The apostle explains that what he was going to say is built on knowledge and conviction, both of which are inspired within him by his unity with Christ "by the Lord Jesus". What he says is that no food is unclean by nature, but it becomes unclean to him who considers it so. This means that the uncleanness of a certain food is not something related to the food itself but is related to one's judgment. That is why the Lord Christ says, "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." [Matt 15:11] (see also [Acts 10:11-15]) And the apostle Paul in his First Epistle to the Corinthians says, " Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; for the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." [1Cor 10:26-27]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
If I sit at a table with a weak "brother," should I insist on my right to eat escargot or crab, even if I know he believes it is wrong? If I do, then I am "no longer acting in love." Love gives up its own rights for the sake of the other's well-being. Food is not as important as the spiritual well-being of a person "for whom Christ died." If I selfishly flaunt my freedom in this matter, I could cause irreparable harm to the life of a weak brother. It is not worth it, considering that his soul was bought at such a great price—the blood of the Lamb.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ’s death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from speaking evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good we profess and practice, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ’s death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them; following peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable. Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the opinion of others is not to be regarded.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 14-18
14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
It is not sufficient to merely be convinced so that we may be sinning when we eat such foods, but we also we should behave with love towards the others. If eating such food grieves your brother, making him think evil, you will no longer be walking in love by continuing in eating such food. So let us be aware lest we destroy by eating this food our brothers for whom Christ died. We all have knowledge, but let us beware that "Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies." [1Cor 8:1] "And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ." [1Cor 8:11-12]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
One who ruins his brother has subverted peace and harmed joy in a way which is more serious even than stealing money. What is worse is that although another has saved him, you have wronged him and ruined him.
You see how far Paul bends in the name of charity, endeavoring to draw the erring brother by yielding to him so as not to hurt him. For even when he has freed him from his fears, he does not drag or force him but leaves him to his own decision. Abstaining from food is not in the same category as seriously injuring somebody by what you eat. Do you not value your brother enough even to purchase his salvation at the price of abstaining from certain types of food? Christ did not refuse to become a servant and even to die for him, but you will not even give up your food in order to save him! Homilies on Romans
For "if for the sake of meat our brother be made sad, or shocked, or made weak, or caused to stumble, we are not walking in the love of God. For the sake of meat thou causest him to perish for whose sake Christ died."
In another epistle Paul says: Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy both one and the other. Since God does not care one way or the other about food, Paul tells us to maintain a spirit of charity, by which God has seen fit to deliver us from sin. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Therefore, the principle here is that we should not give others a reason to judge us for our "laxity" or "lack of love" with these minor things, which may be entirely permissible in themselves. It would be like putting our good reputation at risk for the sake of a whim.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ’s death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from speaking evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good we profess and practice, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ’s death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them; following peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable. Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the opinion of others is not to be regarded.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 14-18
14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
A person who has strong faith, if he eats of the different kinds of food, will be exposed to be spoken of as evil by those who are weak in faith and prohibit eating all kinds of food. In such a case the weak in faith will speak evil against the strong in faith because of his steadfastness in faith. In this case the good steadfastness by which you allow yourself to eat all kinds of food without distinction will make you exposed to be spoken of as evil.
Now let us see what the following expressions mean:
- Spoken of as evil: Speaking evil here does not come from outside but from those who are weak in faith as we read in [1Cor 10:29-30]. These evil words include insults, slander, and blaming. These came in the New Testament in the following meanings:
• Criticizing, dispraise, betrayal, insulting, censuring, defaming, contempt, disdain, reviling, degrading (see [Matt 27:39])
• Speaking about matters related to God in a disdainful way implying contempt, disrespect, blasphemy, and cursing [Matt 9:3]
The words "speak evil of" in Greek mean "Blasphymw/Blasphymia"
- Your good: By this is meant your freedom to eat all kinds of food without distinction, as said in [1Cor 10:29], or your steadfast faith which makes you not distinguish between the different kinds of food.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
By “what is good to you” Paul means either their faith, or the hope of reward in the hereafter, or the perfection of their religious state. For it is not just that you fail to do anything to help your brother, Paul says, but you even cause the doctrine itself, the grace of God and his gift, to be spoken evil of.
"Let not, then, your good be evil spoken of; for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink "says the apostle, in order that the meal spoken of may not be conceived as ephemeral, "but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
Since God’s teaching is good and salutary, it should not be blasphemed, because of something trivial. Yet it is blasphemed when doubts are cast on the goodness of God’s creation. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
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Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
What really matters in the "kingdom of God" is not the observance of dietary regulations but the spiritual condition of the person. The "kingdom of God" is the realm where God is recognized as the supreme ruler. In the broadest sense, it includes all who claim to be associated with God. However, the kingdom of God in the narrower sense consists only of those who are born again. This is how the term is used in this verse.
The subjects of the kingdom should not succumb to fleeting trends in the food industry, nor be gourmets or wine connoisseurs. Their lives should be characterized by practical "righteousness," their nature by "peace" and the pursuit of harmony, and their mindset by "joy in the Holy Spirit."
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ’s death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from speaking evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good we profess and practice, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ’s death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them; following peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable. Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the opinion of others is not to be regarded.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 14-18
14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The kingdom of heavens which the Lord Christ has founded on the earth is not based on food to be eaten as one wills, but on righteousness, peace, and joy. These three virtues are among the fruit and work of the Holy Spirit. (1)
The apostle Paul in his First Epistle to the Corinthians says, "But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse." [1Cor 8:8]
Now see what these words mean:
- Righteousness (in Greek: dikaiosuny): This word refers to the virtuous spiritual life in general, or to the moral perfection which appears in giving one another what is due to him, especially respecting his spiritual tendencies and inner convictions provided that these do not contradict faith.
- Peace: By this is meant peace towards others, or the harmony and interrelations among the faithful.
- Joy: This is the result of peace and righteousness.
- In the Holy Spirit: Actually all these virtues are the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the faithful. The Holy Spirit is the cause of the virtuous life.
Footnote (1) See our book in Arabic "The Holy Spirit in the Epistles of Paul the Apostle" (the Holy Spirit and the Church)
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
And if he has "delivered you the keys of the meat-market "permitting the eating of "all things "with a view to establishing the exception of "things offered to idols; "still he has not included the kingdom of God in the meat-market: "For "he says, "the kingdom of God is neither meat nor drink; "
Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220
Quomodo ergo esuriunt, et sitiunt, et camis patiuntur affectiones, et alia, quae non patietur, qui per Christum accepit perfectam, quae speratur, resurrectionem? Quin etiam ii, qui colunt idola, a cibis et venere abstinent. "Non est "autem, inquit, "regnum Dei cibus est potus.".
Atqui hic ipse exclamavit: "Non est regnum Dei esca et potus: "neque vero abstinentia a vino et carnibus; "sed justitia, et pax, et gaudium in Spiritu sancto."
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
It is not what a person eats or does not eat that matters. Rather, honor with God and people is attained through a sanctified life. Those who pursue righteousness, peace, and joy serve "Christ" by obeying His teachings.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ’s death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from speaking evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good we profess and practice, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ’s death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them; following peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable. Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the opinion of others is not to be regarded.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 14-18
14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The man who is acceptable to God is approved by men. Why? Because he has accepted the gift through which he appears worthy in the sight of God. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
This leads to yet another principle. Instead of getting upset over relatively trivial matters, we should do everything possible to maintain "peace" in the Christian community. Rather than causing others to stumble by insisting on our rights, we should strive to build up others in their most holy faith.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offense given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offense to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ’s kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 19-23
19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
If these virtues bear such results, we will have to seek whatever leads to peace and spiritual benefit, and to spiritual progress and growth for one another. Paul the apostle in his First Epistle to the Corinthians says, "God has called us to peace." [1Cor 7:15] "Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being." [1Cor 10:24] "Let all things be done for edification." [1Cor 14:26]
The word "edification" means trying to assist others for their progress and spiritual growth. Such edification of course requires that there be peace among the faithful.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
This applies to both sides equally. The one must become peaceable and the other must not destroy his brother. Without peace it is impossible to edify anyone.
Since disapproval leads to discord, Paul teaches us to be peaceful and to avoid arguments over eating or not eating. Instead, he encourages us to follow the way of upbuilding. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.
"God" is doing His "work" in each of His children. It is alarming to think that we can hinder this work in the life of a weaker brother by arguing over trivial matters like "food," drink, or days. For a child of God, all foods are clean today. However, it would definitely be wrong to eat something specific if it causes a brother to stumble or hinders his Christian walk.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offense given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offense to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ’s kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 19-23
19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
With such matters which are unessential for worship, like food, do not try to hinder or destroy the salvation act arranged by God for your brother. All foods are pure and do not defile man spiritually, but they may cause inner harm and offense to the weak in faith, "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled." [Titus 1:15]
Now see the meaning of some expressions:
- For the sake of food: This means for trivial things.
- The work of God: This refers to the salvation of the others through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Evil for the man who eats with offense: This means that although the food is actually pure it becomes unclean and evil for whoever eats it with offense. It will be a sin if one eats something with unbelief and offense.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Here “the work of God” means the salvation of a brother. For these people were so far away from building others up that they were prepared to destroy what God had made, and not for any great matter but for something very trivial. It is not the eating which is unclean but the intention behind it. If you have not put that right but forced him to eat anyway, you have done it to no purpose and have made everything worse. Thinking that something is unclean is not as bad as tasting it when you think it is unclean. In that case you are committing two errors: first, by increasing his opposition by your quarrelsome attitude, and second, by getting him to taste what to him is unclean. As long as you have not persuaded him, do not try to force him.
It is the mark of a silly mind to be amazed and stupefied at what is presented at vulgar banquets after having enjoyed the rich fare which is in the Word of God.
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
Only let him partake temperately, not dependent on them, nor gaping after fine fare. For a voice will whisper to him, saying, "Destroy not the work of God for the sake of food."
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
Man is the work of God by creation, and again by his renewal in regeneration, and food is God’s work as well. But man was not made for food; food was made for man, which is very different! Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:21 [It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
It is a thousand times better to abstain from "meat" or "wine" or anything else than to cause a brother to stumble or to cause him to fall back spiritually. Giving up our rights is a small price to pay for the sake of a weak brother.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offense given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offense to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ’s kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 19-23
19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
It is good to eat of these foods, but it is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that may cause your brother to stumble or to become weak in faith. As the apostle says in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, "Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." [1Cor 8:13]
A Christian is not responsible for himself only, but bears the responsibility for the others. Such responsibility imposes on him to deprive himself of things not in origin prohibited. Food for instance is not unclean nor does it defile who eats of it, but for the sake of those who are weak in faith and suspect any food to be unclean, a believer deprives himself. He deprives himself of eating what is slain for the unbelievers, because the weak of faith suspects the cleanness of this kind of food.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
If you force him he will be immediately destroyed and will condemn you, strengthening himself all the more by refusing to eat. But if you yield to him, then he will love you and will not suspect you as a teacher, and afterward you will discover that you have gained the power of sowing in him the right views. But once he starts hating you, you have closed the door to reason. Do not compel him therefore, but refrain for his sake, not because the thing is unclean but because he is offended, and then he will love you all the more.
Neither in discourse or food are we to join, looking with suspicion on the pollution thence proceeding, as on the tables of the demons. "It is good, then, neither to eat flesh nor to drink wine".
Scriptum est enim: "Bonum est carnero non coined ere, nec vinum bibere, si quis comedat per offendiculum."
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
Although the issue involves only meat, Paul adds drink here as well, in order to nurture those who abstain from both of these things, so that they will not be hurt by those who eat and drink, on the ground that it is lawful to do so. Paul gives them peace of mind by telling them to make their own decision and putting an end to the disagreement through which the dispute had arisen. No one will dispute that either option is legitimate in itself. For the creation was given for voluntary use. There is no necessity imposed on anybody, one way or the other. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
I may have full freedom to eat anything. I know that God has given it to us so that we may give thanks for it. However, I should not flaunt my freedom unnecessarily before others who may be weak. It is better to enjoy this freedom only when I am alone or when no one can take offense.
It is good to rejoice in one's Christian freedom and not be hindered by unfounded concerns. But it is better to give up one's rights than to have to condemn oneself for having been a stumbling block to others. Those who avoid causing others to stumble are truly "blessed."
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offense given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offense to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ’s kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 19-23
19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
To the strong in faith the apostle says, you have sound faith concerning foods, well, let this faith be for you and God knows it. Happy is this person who does not feel remorse or blame himself for what he does which he had previously examined accurately and approved. The apostle therefore says in the First Epistle to the Corinthians, "Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; for 'the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness.' If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake." [1Cor 10:25-27] "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." [1Cor 11:31]
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
It seems to me that here Paul is gently warning the stronger ones against the temptation of vanity. He does not want them to go around boasting of their superiority but to be happy with having a clear conscience.
This should be read in connection with [verse ] above…. Let us make good use of what we have, lest we sin against our brothers by creating a stumbling block for the weaker ones. For when we offend the weak we condemn ourselves by the very good by which we approve ourselves when this faith pleases us.
This means that if you are happy to eat because you know that everything God made is good, there is no need to judge anyone else. Rather, you should be at peace with your brother, for this is what God wants. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
As far as the weak brother is concerned, it is wrong for him to eat something that his conscience forbids. If he eats it anyway, then he is not acting 'from faith.' This means he has a guilty conscience about it, and therefore it is a 'sin' to violate his conscience.
It is true that a person's conscience is not an infallible standard and must find its guidelines in the Word of God. 'Yet,' writes Merrill Unger, 'Paul provides a general rule here: According to it, a person should follow their conscience, even if it is weak, otherwise their integrity as a moral personality would be destroyed.' [1]
Footnote [1] Merrill F. Unger, Unger’s Bible Dictionary, S. 219.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-03 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
[Verse 15]. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” [Rom 13:10].
You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.
[Verse 16]. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.
[Verse 17]. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.
His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results:
1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others.
2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others.
3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.
[Verse 18]. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.
[Verse 19-21]. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.
For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.
[Verse 22]. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.
[Verse 23]. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?
Verses that belong to this explanation: 15-23
15But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source:
Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offense given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offense to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ’s kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 19-23
19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.21[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.22Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Who doubts whether the food will defile him or not, with such suspect and doubt he will fall under condemnation and judgment, for not eating with conviction and faith, not being sure that the food is clean. Whatever act is done without conviction and inner faith or is done without faith will be sin. Faith for an act is like the soul for life, and any act without faith is sin. And any act done by a person not saved by the blood of the Redeemer Jesus Christ is sin.
Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source:
Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373
Once again, Paul shows what great harm people do if they force people to do things which go against their conscience. When a person does not feel sure or believe that something is clean, how can he do other than commit sin? Homilies on Romans
Every word or deed or thought which does not look to Christ looks completely to the adversary of Christ. For it is not possible for what is outside of light or life not to be completely in darkness or death…. The person outside of Christ rejects him by what he thinks, does or says. .
If “all that is not of faith is sin, and faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God,” then everything outside holy Scripture, not being of faith, is sin.
It is true that if someone thinks it wrong to eat but does so anyway, he is condemned. For he makes himself guilty when he does what he thinks he ought not to. If someone acts against his better judgment in a matter of conscience, then Paul says that it is a sin. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
