Romans 14:1

In this chapter, and part of the following, the apostle urges the duty of mutual forbearance and charity, in respect to non-essential points of difference. Among the Roman Christians these had respect to certain outward distinctions of food, days, and the like. These would be best overcome, not by scornful and bitter judgments of each other, but by the spirit of mutual love and conciliation.

Him that is weak in the faith; namely, the faith of the gospel. The apostle has in mind the conscientious believer, who has not attained to such enlarged views of the liberty of the gospel as to raise him above bondage to unessential outward observances.

Receive ye; to your fellowship, treat him as a Christian.

Not to doubtful disputations; or, not to discernings of thoughts; in other words, not for the purpose of setting yourselves up to try and pass judgment upon his religious scruples. Persons may have erroneous views with regard to many unessential things, and yet be real Christians; and those who give evidence of being received of Christ as his disciples, should be received by us, and treated as Christian brethren.