Romans 14

King James Version

Full text for Romans Chapter 14

1¶ Him 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.

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.

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.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Romans 14 addresses the issue of Christian liberty and conscience, urging believers to accept those weak in faith without engaging in doubtful disputations concerning matters like food and observance of days. The chapter emphasizes that each individual is accountable to the Lord and should not judge fellow believers on these non-essential practices. Instead, the focus should be on pursuing peace and mutual edification, ensuring that one's freedom does not become a stumbling block for another.

Medium Summary

This chapter instructs believers to receive those who are weak in faith, particularly concerning disputable matters such as dietary choices and the observance of specific days. It asserts that individuals should not judge or despise one another over these issues, as each person stands or falls before their own Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul clarifies that Christ died and rose to be Lord of both the living and the dead, and therefore, all will give account to God. He urges against placing stumbling blocks before others, explaining that while nothing is inherently unclean, it becomes so to the one who deems it unclean. The true nature of the Kingdom of God is defined as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, rather than external practices like eating and drinking. Believers are encouraged to prioritize actions that promote peace and edification within the community.

Long Summary

Romans 14 begins by instructing the stronger in faith to receive those who are weak, avoiding contentious debates over matters of conscience. It highlights examples such as dietary practices—where some believe they may eat all things, while others, being weak, eat only herbs—and the observance of particular days. The core principle is that neither the one who eats nor the one who abstains should judge or despise the other, for God has accepted both. The chapter underscores that each believer is a servant of the Lord and will ultimately give an account to Him, as Christ is Lord over both the living and the dead. Therefore, judging a brother is inappropriate, as all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. A crucial admonition is given to refrain from putting a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in a brother's way. Paul affirms his conviction that no food is inherently unclean, but it becomes unclean to the one who considers it so. However, if one's exercise of liberty causes a brother to be grieved or stumble, it is an uncharitable act that can destroy one for whom Christ died. The Kingdom of God is not about external matters like meat and drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Therefore, believers are exhorted to pursue peace and mutual edification, avoiding actions that might cause a brother to stumble, be offended, or be made weak. Finally, it emphasizes that one's faith in disputable matters should be held before God, and any action taken without conviction of faith is considered sin.

Core Concepts

  • Receiving the Weak in FaithBelievers are instructed to welcome those who are weak in faith without engaging in contentious arguments over non-essential practices, such as dietary laws or the observance of specific days.
  • Individual Accountability to GodThe chapter emphasizes that each person is a servant of the Lord and will ultimately give an account to God, rather than being judged by fellow believers for matters of conscience.
  • Avoiding Stumbling BlocksA primary command is to ensure that one's exercise of Christian liberty does not become an obstacle or cause another believer to stumble, be offended, or be weakened in their faith.
  • The Nature of the Kingdom of GodThe Kingdom of God is defined not by external practices like eating and drinking, but by internal realities of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
  • Conscience and FaithWhile nothing is inherently unclean, it becomes so to the one who believes it is. Actions taken without a clear conscience or conviction of faith are considered sin.
  • Pursuit of Peace and EdificationBelievers are encouraged to actively pursue things that contribute to peace and mutual upbuilding within the community, prioritizing unity over personal preferences in disputable matters.