141 Now accept the one who is weak in faith , but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions . 2 One person has faith that he may eat all things , but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat , and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats , for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another ? To his own master he stands or falls ; and he will stand , for the Lord is able to make him stand . 5 One person regards one day above another , another e regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind . 6 He who observes the day , observes it for the Lord , and he who eats , does so for the Lord , for he gives thanks to God ; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat , and gives thanks to God . 7 For not one of us lives for himself , and not one dies for himself ; 8 for if we live , we live for the Lord , or if we die , we die for the Lord ; therefore whether e we live or e die , we are the Lord's . 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living . 10 But you, why do you judge your brother ? Or you again , why do you regard your brother with contempt ? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God . 11 For it is written , " AS I LIVE , SAYS THE Lord , EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD ." 12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God . 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore , but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself ; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean , to him it is unclean . 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt , you are no longer walking according to love . Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died . 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil ; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking , but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 14:1-17
Commentary on Romans 14:1-6
(Read Romans 14:1-6)
Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did St. Paul attempt to end them. Compelled assent to any doctrine, or conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would be hypocritical and of no avail. Attempts for producing absolute oneness of mind among Christians would be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdain and blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare I disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty, despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not the scrupulous believer find fault with his brother, for God accepted him, without regarding the distinctions of meats. We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view. The case as to the observance of days was much the same. Those who knew that all these things were done away by Christ's coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. But it is not enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is necessary that it be certified from the word of God. Take heed of acting against a doubting conscience. We are all apt to make our own views the standard of truth, to deem things certain which to others appear doubtful. Thus Christians often despise or condemn each other, about doubtful matters of no moment. A thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all our mercies, sanctifies and sweetens them.
Commentary on Romans 14:7-13
(Read Romans 14:7-13)
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 offence; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Commentary on Romans 14:14-18
(Read Romans 14:14-18)
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 practise, 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.