Romans 14:1

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. The subject here-and on to Romans 15:13 - is the consideration due from stronger Christians to their weaker brethren (with special reference to the Jewish peculiarities), which is but the great law of love (treated of in Romans 13:1) in one particular form. HIM THAT IS WEAK IN THE FAITH - rather, 'in faith;' that is, not 'Him that is weak in the truth believed' (as Calvin, Beza, Alford, Webster and Wilkinson), but 'Him whose faith wants that firmness and breadth which would raise him above small scruples.' (So Erasmus, Grotius Estius, Fritzsche, Meyer, DeWette, Tholuck, etc.) Receive ye (to cordial Christian fellowship), [but] not to doubtful disputation...

1._Him indeed, etc. _He passes on now to lay down a precept especially necessary for the instruction of the Church, — that they who have made the most progress in Christian doctrine should accommodate themselves to the more ignorant, and employ their own strength to sustain their weakness; for among the people of God there are some weaker than others, and who, except they are treated with great tenderness and kindness, will be discouraged, and become at length alienated from religion. And it is very probable that this happened especially at that time; for the Churches were formed of both Jews and Gentiles; some of whom, having been long accustomed to the rites of the Mosaic law, having been brought up in them from childhood, were not easily drawn away from them; and there were others who, having never learnt such things, refused a yoke to which they had not been accustomed. (413) Now, as...

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...

CHAPTER XIV. _In things indifferent, Christians should not condemn each_ _other_, 1. _Particularly with respect to different kinds of food_, 2-4. _And the observation of certain days_, 5, 6. _None of us should live unto himself, but unto Christ, who lived_ _and died for us_, 7-9. _We must not judge each other; for all judgment belongs to God_, 10-13. _We should not do any thing by which a weak brother may be_ _stumbled or grieved; lest we destroy him for whom Christ died_, 14-16....

HIM THAT IS WEAK - The design here is to induce Christians to receive to their fellowship those who had scruples about the propriety of certain things, or that might have special prejudices and feelings as the result of education or former habits of belief. The apostle, therefore, begins by admitting that such an one may be “weak,” that is, not fully established, or not with so clear and enlarged views about Christian liberty others might have. IN THE FAITH - In believing. This does not refer to “saving faith” in Christ, for he might have that; but to belief in regard “to the things which the apostle specifies,” or which would come into controversy. Young converts have often a special delicacy or sensitiveness about the lawfulness of many things in relation to which older Christians may be more fully established. To produce peace, there must be kindness, tenderness, and faithful teaching...

EXPOSITION ROMANS 14:1 F. _The duty of enlightened Christians towards weak brethren. _From moral duties in general of Christians towards each other and towards all the apostle now passes to such as they owe peculiarly to each other as members of a religious community, united by a common faith. He has already (Romans 12:16) admonished his readers to be "of the same mind one toward another;" but, as was remarked under that verse, this did not imply agreement of view on all subjects, such as is impossible where there are many minds. In this chapter he recognizes the impossibility, having immediately before him what was then patent, the inability of some, through prejudice or slowness of conception, to enter into views of the meaning of the gospel which to himself a

HIM THAT IS WEAK IN THE FAITH,.... This address is made to the stronger and more knowing Christians among the Romans, how to behave towards those that were inferior in light and knowledge to them, with regard to things of a ritual and ceremonial kind: and by "him that is weak in the faith", is meant, either one that is weak in the exercise of the grace of faith, who has but a glimmering sight of Christ; who comes to him in a very feeble and trembling manner; who believes his ability to save him, but hesitates about his willingness; who casts himself with a peradventure on him; and who is attended with many misgivings of heart, faintings of spirit, and fluctuation of mind, about his interest in him: or one that is weak in the doctrine of faith; has but little light and knowledge in the truths of the Gospel; is a child in understanding; has more affection than judgment; very little able to...

TO DOUBTFUL For decisions of doubts, that is, doubts about meats, etc. The church has no authority to decide questions of personal liberty in things not expressly forbidden in Scripture. (Romans 14:2)....

CHAPTER 14 _ 1. Strong and Weak Brethren are the Lord's Servants. (Romans 14:1 .)_ 2. The True Way of Love. (Romans 14:13 .) Romans 14:1 The question concerning brethren who were weak in faith, how they are to be treated by those who are strong is now taken up. Those weak in the faith had not the complete knowledge of their position in Christ, though they knew Christ and loved Him. They did not realize that certain observances of days, or abstinences from meats and drinks, could not affect their salvation in any way. There were scruples and conscientious difficulties, as there are still among God's people. One believeth he may eat all things, he knew his full Christian freedom--another who i

A LESSON IN TOLERATION. A special homily for Rome (Romans 14:1 to Romans 15:13) follows the comprehensive exhortation of chs. 12 f. Some ascetic circle in the Roman Church (p. 650), led perhaps by Jews of Essenic tenets (see Lightfoot's _Colossians,_ on the Essenes), practised vegetarianism; others made much of sacred days. On such matters Christians should not judge or quarrel with each other. ROMANS 14:1. The man who eats herbs only, has a feeble apprehension of the Gospel, imagining his salvation affected by his diet; see Romans 14:17; _cf._...