ROMANS Chapter 14
THE fourteenth chapter is designed to settle some difficult and
delicate questions that could not but arise between the Jews and
Gentiles respecting food and the observance of particular days,
rites, etc. The occasions of these questions were these: The
converts to Christianity were from both Jews and Gentiles. There
were many Jews in Rome; and it is probable that no small part of
the church was composed of them. The New Testament everywhere shows
that they were disposed to bind the Gentile converts to their own
customs, and to insist on the observance of the peculiar laws of Moses.
See Acts 15:1,2, etc.; Galatians 2:3,4. The subjects on which
questions of this kind would be agitated, were circumcision, days of
fasting, the distinction of meats, etc. A part of these only are
discussed in this chapter. The views of the apostle in regard to
circumcision had been stated in chapters 3 and 4.
In this chapter he notices the disputes which would be likely to
arise on the following subjects:
(1.) The use of meat--evidently referring to the question whether it
was lawful to eat the meat that was offered in sacrifice to idols,
Romans 14:2.
(2.) The distinctions and observances of the days of Jewish fastings,
etc., Romans 14:5,6.
(3.) The laws observed by the Jews in relation to animals as clean
or unclean, Romans 14:14. It is probable that these are mere
specimens adduced by the apostle to settle principles of conduct
in regard to the Gentiles, and to show to each party how they ought to
act in all such questions.
The apostle's design here is to allay all these contentions by
producing peace, kindness, charity. This he does by the following
considerations, viz.:
(1.) That we have no right to judge another man in this case, for he
is the servant of God, Romans 14:3,4.
(2.) That whatever course is taken in these questions, it is done
conscientiously, and with a desire to glorify God. In such a case
there should be kindness and charity, Romans 14:6, etc.
(3.) That we must stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, and give an
account there; and that we, therefore, should not usurp the
office of judging, Romans 14:10-13.
(4.) That there is really nothing unclean of itself, Romans 14:14.
(5.) That religion consisted in more important matters than such
questions, Romans 14:17,18.
(6.) That we should follow after the things of peace, etc.,
Romans 14:19-23. The principles of this chapter are applicable to all
similar cases of difference of opinion about rites and ceremonies,
and unessential doctrines of religion; and we shall see that if they
were honestly applied, they would settle no small part of the
controversies in the religious world.
Verse 1. 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 peculiar 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, i.e., not fully established, or not with so clear and
enlarged views about Christian liberty as 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 peculiar 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; not
denunciation, or harshness, on one side or the other.
Receive ye. Admit to your society or fellowship; receive him kindly,
not meet with a cold and harsh repulse. Comp. Romans 15:7.
Not to doubtful disputations. The plain meaning of this is, "Do not
admit him to your society for the purpose of debating the matter in an
angry and harsh manner; of repelling him by denunciation; and
thus, by the natural reaction of such a course, confirming him in
his doubts." Or, "do not deal with him in such a manner as shall
have a tendency to increase his scruples about meats, days, etc."
(Stuart.) The leading idea here--which all Christians should
remember--is, that a harsh and angry denunciation of a man in relation
to things not morally wrong, but where he may have honest scruples, will
only tend to confirm him more and more in his doubts. To denounce and
abuse him will be to confirm him. To receive him affectionately, to
admit him to fellowship with us, to talk freely and kindly with him, to
do him good, will have a far greater tendency to overcome his scruples.
In questions which now occur about modes of dress, about
measures and means of promoting revivals, and about rites and
ceremonies, this is by far the wisest course, if we wish to overcome the
scruples of a brother, and to induce him to think as we do.--Greek,
"Unto doubts or fluctuations of opinions or reasonings." Various senses
have been given to the words, but the above probably expresses the true
meaning.
2. For one believeth. This was the case with the Gentiles in
general, who had none of the scruples of the Jew about the propriety of
eating certain kinds of meat. Many of the converts who had been Jews
might also have had the same view--as the apostle Paul evidently
had--while the great mass of Jewish converts might have cherished these
scruples.
May eat all things. That is, he will not be restrained by any
scruples about the lawfulness of certain meats, etc.
Another, who is weak. There is reference here, doubtless, to the
Jewish convert. The apostle admits that he was weak, i.e., not fully
established in the views of Christian liberty. The question with the Jew
doubtless was, whether it was lawful to eat the meat which was offered
in sacrifice to idols. In those sacrifices a part only of the animal
was
offered, and the remainder was eaten by the worshippers, or offered for
sale in the market like other meat. It became an inquiry whether it was
lawful to eat this meat; and the question in the mind of a Jew would
arise from the express command of his law, Exodus 34:15. This question
the apostle discussed and settled in 1 Corinthians 10:20-32, which see. In
that place the general principle is laid down, that it was lawful to
partake of that meat as a man would of any other, unless it was
expressly pointed out to him as having been sacrificed to idols,
and unless his partaking of it would be considered as countenancing
the idolaters in their worship, 1 Corinthians 10:28. But with this
principle many Jewish converts might not have been acquainted; or what
is quite as probable, they might not have been disposed to admit its
propriety.
Eateth herbs. Herbs or vegetables only; does not partake of meat
at all, for fear of eating that, inadvertently, which had been
offered to idols. The Romans abounded in sacrifices to idols; and it
would not be easy to be certain that meat which was offered in the
market, or on the table of a friend, had not been offered in this
manner. To avoid the possibility of partaking of it, even ignorantly,
they chose to eat no meat at all. The scruples of the Jews on the
subject might have arisen in part from the fact, that sins of
ignorance among them subjected them to certain penalties,
Leviticus 4:2,3, etc.; Leviticus 5:15; Numbers 15:24,27-29.
Josephus says, (Life, % 3,) that in his time there were certain
priests of his acquaintance who "supported themselves with figs
and nuts." These priests had been sent to Rome to be tried on
some charge before Caesar; and it is probable that they abstained
from meat because it might have been offered to idols. It is expressly
declared of Daniel when in Babylon, that he lived on pulse and water,
that he might not "defile himself with the portion of the king's meat,
nor with the wine which he drank," Daniel 1:8-16.
Verse 3. Let not him that eateth. That is, he who has no scruples
about eating meat, etc., who is not restrained by the law of the
Jews respecting the clean and unclean, or by the fact that meat
may have been offered to idols.
Despise him. Hold him in contempt, as being unnecessarily
scrupulous, etc. The word despise here is happily chosen. The
Gentile would be very likely to despise the Jew as being restrained
by foolish scruples and mere distinctions in matters of no importance.
Him that eateth not. Him that is restrained by scruples of
conscience, and that will eat only vegetables, Romans 14:2. The
reference here is doubtless to the Jew.
Judge him. To judge here has the force of condemn. This
word also is very happily chosen. The Jew would not be so likely
to despise the Gentile for what he did as to judge or condemn
him. He would deem it too serious a matter for contempt. He would
regard it as a violation of the law of God, and would be likely to
assume the right of judging his brother, and pronouncing him
guilty. The apostle here has happily met the whole case in all
disputes about rites, and dress, and scruples in religious matters
that are not essential. One party commonly despises the other as
being needlessly and foolishly scrupulous; and the other makes it
a matter of conscience, too serious for ridicule and contempt; and a
matter, to neglect which is, in their view, deserving of condemnation.
The true direction to be given in such a case is, to the one party,
not to treat the scruples of the other with derision and contempt, but
with tenderness and indulgence. Let him have his way in it. If he can be
reasoned out of it, it is well; but to attempt to laugh him out
of it is unkind, and will tend only to confirm him in his views. And
to the other party it should be said, they have no right to judge or
condemn another. If I cannot see that the Bible requires a particular
cut to my coat, or makes it my duty to observe a particular festival, he
has no right to judge me harshly, or to suppose that I am to be rejected
and condemned for it. He has a right to his opinion; and while I do
not despise him, he has no right to judge me. This is the foundation
of true charity; and if this simple rule had been followed, how much
strife, and even bloodshed, would it have spared in the church. Most of
the contentions among Christians have been on subjects of this nature.
Agreeing substantially in the doctrines of the Bible, they have been
split up into sects on subjects just about as important as those
which the apostle discusses in this chapter.
For God hath received him. This is the same word that is translated
"receive" in Romans 14:1. It means here, that God hath received him
kindly; or has acknowledged him as his own friend; or he is a true
Christian. These scruples, on the one side or the other, are not
inconsistent with true piety; and as God has acknowledged him as
his, not-withstanding his opinions on these subjects, so we also
ought to recognise him as a Christian brother. Other denominations,
though they may differ from us on some subjects, may give evidence that
they are recognised by God as his, and where there is this evidence, we
should neither despise nor judge them.
Verse 4. Who art thou, etc. That is, who gave you this right to sit
in judgment on others? Comp. Luke 12:14. There is reference
here particularly to the Jew, who on account of his ancient
privileges, and because he had the law of God, would assume the
prerogative of judging in the case, and insist on conformity to
his own views. See Acts 15. The doctrine of this epistle
is, uniformly, that the Jew had no such privilege, but that in
regard to Salvation he was on the same level with the Gentile.
That judgest, etc. Comp. James 4:12. This is a principle
of common sense and common propriety. It is not ours to
sit in judgment on the servant of another man. He has the
control over him; and if he chooses to forbid his doing anything,
or to allow him to do anything, it pertains to his affairs, not
ours. To attempt to control him, is to intermeddle improperly,
and to become a "busy-body in other men's matters," 1 Peter 4:15. Thus
Christians are the servants of God; they are answerable to him; and
we have no right to usurp his place, and to act as if we were
"lords over his heritage," 1 Peter 5:3.
To his own master. The servant is responsible to his master only. So
it is with the Christian in regard to God.
He standeth or falleth. He shall be approved or condemned. If his
conduct is such as pleases his master, he shall be approved; if not, he
will be condemned.
Yea, he shall be holden up. This is spoken of the Christian only. In
relation to the servant, he might stand or fall, he might be approved or
condemned. The master had no power to keep him in a way of obedience,
except by the hope of reward, or the fear of punishment. But it was not
so in regard to the Christian. The Jew, who was disposed to condemn
the Gentile, might say that he admitted the general principle which the
apostle had stated about the servant; that it was just what he was
saying, that he might fall, and be condemned. But no, says the
apostle, this does not follow in relation to the Christian. He shall not
fall. God has power to make him stand; to hold him; to keep him from
error, and from condemnation, and he shall be holden up.
He shall not be suffered to fall into condemnation, for it is the
purpose of God to keep him. Comp. Psalms 1:3. This is one of the
incidental but striking evidences that the apostle believed that all
Christians should be kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation.
Is able. See John 10:29. Though a master cannot exert such an
influence over a servant as to secure his obedience, yet God has
this power over his people, and will preserve them in a path of
obedience.
{l} "Who art thou that" James 4:12
{m} "God is able" Isaiah 40:29
Verse 5. One man esteemeth. Gr., judgeth, (\~krinei\~). The word
is here properly translated esteemeth. Comp. Acts 13:46; 16:15.
The word originally has the idea of separating, and then
discerning, in the act of judging. The expression means, that one
would set a higher value on one day than on another, or would regard it
as more sacred than others. This was the case with the Jews
uniformly, who regarded the days of their festivals, and fasts, and
Sabbaths as peculiarly sacred, and who would retain, to no
inconsiderable degree, their former views, even after they became
converted to Christianity.
Another esteemeth. That is, the Gentile Christian. Not having
been brought up amidst the Jewish customs, and not having imbibed their
opinions and prejudices, they would not regard these days as having any
special sacredness. The appointment of those days had a special
reference to the Jews. They were designed to keep them as a separate
people, and to prepare the nation for the reality, of which their
rites were but the shadow. When the Messiah came, the passover, the
feast of tabernacles, and the other peculiar festivals of the Jews, of
course vanished; and it is perfectly clear that the apostles never
intended to inculcate their observance on the Gentile converts. See this
subject discussed in the second chapter of the epistle to the Galatians.
Every day alike. The word "alike" is not in the original, and it may
convey an idea which the apostle did not design. The passage means, that
he regards every day as consecrated to the Lord, Romans 14:6. The
question has been agitated, whether the apostle intends in this to
include the Christian Sabbath. Does he mean to say that it is a matter
of indifference whether this day be observed, or whether it be
devoted to ordinary business or amusements? This is a very important
question in regard to the Lord's day. That the apostle did not mean
to say that it was a matter of indifference whether it should be kept as
holy, or devoted to business or amusement, is plain from the following
considerations:
(1.) The discussion had reference only to the peculiar customs of
the Jews, to the rites and practices which they would attempt to
impose on the Gentiles, and not to any questions which might arise among
Christians as Christians. The inquiry pertained to meats, and
festival observances among the Jews, and to their scruples about
partaking of the food offered to idols, etc.; and there is no more
propriety in supposing that the subject of the Lord's day is introduced
here than that he advances principles respecting baptism and
the Lord's Supper.
(2.) The Lord's day was doubtless observed by all Christians,
whether converted from Jews or Gentiles. See 1 Corinthians 16:2; Acts 20:7
Revelation 1:10. See Barnes "John 20:26". The propriety of observing
that day does not appear to have been a matter of controversy. The
only inquiry was, whether it was proper to add to that the
observance of the Jewish Sabbaths, and days of festivals and fasts.
(3.) It is expressly said, that those who did not regard the day
regarded it as not to God, or to honour God, Romans 4:6. They did it as
a matter of respect to him and his institutions, to promote his glory,
and to advance his kingdom. Was this ever done by those who disregard
the Christian Sabbath? Is their design ever to promote his honour, and
to advance in the knowledge of him, by neglecting his holy day? Who
knows not that the Christian Sabbath has never been neglected or
profaned by any design to glorify the Lord Jesus, or to promote his
kingdom? It is for purposes of business, gain, war, amusement,
dissipation, visiting, crime. Let the heart be filled with a sincere
desire to honour the Lord Jesus, and the Christian Sabbath will be
reverenced, and devoted to the purposes of piety. And if any man is
disposed to plead this passage as an excuse for violating the
Sabbath, and devoting it to pleasure or gain, let him quote it,
just as it is, i. e., let him neglect the from a conscientious
desire to honour Jesus Christ. Unless this is his motive, the
passage cannot avail him. But this motive never yet influenced a
Sabbath-breaker.
Let every man, etc. That is, subjects of this kind are not to be
pressed as matters of conscience. Every man is to examine them for
himself, and act accordingly. This direction pertains to the subject
under discussion, and not to any other. It does not refer to subjects
that were morally wrong, but to ceremonial observances. If the
Jew esteemed it wrong to eat meat, he was to abstain from it; if the
Gentile esteemed it right, he was to act accordingly. The word
"be fully persuaded" denotes the highest conviction--not a matter
of opinion or prejudice, but a matter on which the mind is made
up by examination. See Romans 4:21; 2 Timothy 4:5. This is the general
principle on which Christians are called to act in relation
to festival days and fasts in the church. If some Christians deem
them to be for edification, and suppose that their piety will be
promoted by observing the days which commemorate the birth,
and death, and temptations of the Lord Jesus, they are not to be
reproached or opposed in their celebration. Nor are they to
attempt to impose them on others as a matter of conscience, or to
reproach others because they do not observe them.
Verse 6. He that regardeth. Greek, Thinketh of; or pays
attention to; that is, he that observes it as a festival, or as holy
time.
The day. Any of the days under discussion; the days that the Jews
kept as religious occasions.
Regardeth it unto the Lord. Regards it as holy, or as set apart
to the service of God. He believes that he is required by God to
keep it, i.e., that the laws of Moses in regard to such days are binding
on him.
He that regardeth not the day. Or who does not observe such
distinctions of days as are demanded in the laws of Moses.
To the Lord, etc. That is, he does not believe that God requires
such an observance.
He that eateth. The Gentile Christian, who freely eats all kinds
of meat, Romans 14:2.
Eateth to the Lord. Because he believes that God does not forbid it;
and because he desires, in doing it, to glorify God, 1 Corinthians 10:31. To
eat to the Lord, in this case, is to do it believing that such is
his will. In all other cases, it is to do it feeling that we receive our
food from him; rendering thanks for his goodness, and desirous of being
strengthened that we may do his commands.
He giveth God thanks. This is an incidental proof that it is our
duty to give God thanks at our meals for our food. It shows that it was
the practice of the early Christians, and has the commendation of
the apostle. It was also uniformly done by the Jews, and by the Lord
Jesus, Matthew 14:19; 26:26; Mark 6:41; 14:22; Luke 9:16; 24:30.
To the Lord he eateth not. He abstains from eating because he
believes that God requires him to do it, and with a desire to obey and
honour him.
And giveth God thanks. That is, the Jew thanked God for the
law, and for the favour he had bestowed on him in giving him
more light than he had the Gentiles. For this privilege they
valued themselves highly, and this feeling, no doubt, the converted
Jews would continue to retain; deeming themselves as specially
favoured in having a peculiar acquaintance with the law of God.
{1} "regardeth" or "observeth"
Verse 7. For none of us, etc. Whether by nature Jews or Gentiles.
In the great principles of religion we are now united. Where
there was evidence of a sincere desire to do the will of God there
should be charitable feeling, though there was difference of opinion
and judgment in many smaller matters. The meaning of the expression is,
that no Christian lives to gratify his own inclinations or appetites. He
makes it his great aim to do the will of God; to subordinate all his
desires to his law and gospel; and though, therefore, one should eat
flesh, and should feel at liberty to devote to common employments time
that another deemed sacred, yet it should not be uncharitably set down
as a desire to indulge his sensual appetites, or to become rich.
Another motive may be supposed, and where there is not positive
proof to the contrary, should be supposed. See the beautiful
illustration of this in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. To live to ourselves is to
make it the great object to become rich or honoured, or to indulge in
the ease, comfort, and pleasures of life. These are the aim of all men
but Christians; and in nothing else do Christians more differ from the
world than in this. See 1 Peter 4:1,2; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; Matthew 10:38;
Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; 10:21; Luke 9:23. On no point does it become
Christians more to examine themselves than on this.
To live to ourselves is an evidence that we are strangers to piety.
And if it be the great motive of our lives to live at ease,
(Amos 6:1)--to gratify the flesh, to gain property, or to be
distinguished in places of fashion and amusement--it is evidence
that we know nothing of the power of that gospel which teaches
us to deny ourselves, and take up our cross daily.
No man. No one, the same Greek word (\~oudeiv\~) which is used in
the former part of the verse. The word is used only in reference to
Christians here, and makes no affirmation about other men.
Dieth to himself. See Romans 4:8. This expression is used to denote
the universality or the totality with which Christians belong to
God. Everything is done and suffered with reference to his will. In our
conduct, in our property, in our trials, in our death, we are his;
to be disposed of as he shall please. In the grave, and in the future
world, we shall be equally his. As this is the great principle on
which all Christians live and act, we should be kind and tender
towards them, though in some respects they differ from us.
{o} "none of use" 1 Peter 4:2
Verse 8. For whether we live. As long as we live.
We live unto the Lord. We live to do his will, and to promote his
glory. This is the grand purpose of the life of the Christian. Other men
live to gratify themselves; the Christian to do those things which the
Lord requires. By the Lord here the apostle evidently intends
the Lord Jesus, as it is evident from Romans 14:9; and the truth taught
here is, that it is the leading and grand purpose of the Christian
to do honour to the Saviour. It is this which constitutes his
peculiar character, and which distinguishes him from other men.
Whether we die. In the dying state, or in the state of the dead;
in the future world. We are nowhere our own. In all conditions
we are his, and bound to do his will. The connexion of this
declaration with the argument is this:--Since we belong to another
in every state, and are bound to do his will, we have no right to
assume the prerogative of sitting in judgment on another. We
are subjects, and are bound to do the will of Christ. All other
Christians are subjects in like manner, and are answerable, not to
us, but directly to the Lord Jesus, and should have the same
liberty of conscience that we have. The passage proves also that
the soul does not cease to be conscious at death. We are still the
Lord's; his even when the body is in the grave; and his in all
the future world. See Romans 14:9.
Verse 9. For to this end. For this purpose or design. The apostle
does not say that this was the only design of his death, but that it
was a main purpose, or an object which he had distinctly in view.
This declaration is introduced in order to confirm what he had
said in the previous verse, that in all circumstances we are the
Lord's. This he shows by the fact that Jesus died in order that
we might be his,
And rose. This expression is rejected by most modern critics. It is
wanting in many manuscripts, and has been probably introduced in the
text from the margin.
And revived. There is also a variation in the Greek in this place,
but not so great as to change the sense materially. It refers to his
resurrection, and means that he was restored to life in order
that he might exercise dominion over the dead and the living.
That he might be Lord. Greek, That he might rule over. The Greek
word used here implies the idea of his being proprietor or
owner, as well as ruler. It means, that he might exercise entire
dominion over all, as the sovereign Lawgiver and Lord.
Both of the dead. That is, of those who are deceased, or who
have gone to another state of existence. This passage proves that those
who die are not annihilated; that they do not cease to be conscious; and
that they still are under the dominion of the Mediator. Though their
bodies moulder in the grave, yet the spirit lives, and is under his
control. And though the body dies and returns to its native
dust, yet the Lord Jesus is still its Sovereign, and shall raise it
up again.
"God our Redeemer lives;
And often from the skies
Looks down and watches all our dust,
Till he shall bid it rise."
It gives an additional sacredness to the grave when we reflect that the
tomb is under the watchful care of the Redeemer. Safe in his hands, the
body may sink to its native dust with the assurance that in his own time
he will again call it forth, with renovated and immortal powers, to be
for ever subject to his will. With this view, we can leave our friends
with confidence in his hands when they die, and yield our own bodies
cheerfully to the dust when he shall call our spirits hence. But it is
not only over the body that his dominion is established. This
passage proves that the departed souls of the saints are still subject
to him. Comp. Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:27. He not only has dominion over
those spirits, but he is their Protector and Lord. They are safe under
his universal dominion. And it does much to alleviate the pains
of separation from pious, beloved friends, to reflect that they depart
still to love and serve the same Saviour in perfect purity, and unvexed
by infirmity and sin. Why should we wish to recall them from his perfect
love in the heavens to the poor and imperfect service which they would
render if in the land of the living?
And living. To the redeemed, while they remain in this life. He died
to purchase them to himself, that they might become his obedient
subjects; and they are bound to yield obedience by all the sacredness
and value of the price which he paid, even his own precious blood. Comp.
1 Corinthians 6:20, "For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in
your body and in your spirit, which are God's;" Romans 7:23; Revelation 14:4,
(Greek, bought;) 1 Peter 2:9, (Greek, purchased.) If it be
asked how this dominion over the dead and the living is connected
with the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, we may reply,
(1.) that it is secured over Christians from the fact that they are
purchased or ransomed by his precious blood; and that they are
bound by this sacred consideration to live to him. This obligation every
Christian feels, (1 Peter 1:18) and its force is continually resting on
him. It was by the love of Christ that he was ever brought to love God
at all; and his deepest and tenderest obligations to live to him arise
from this source, 2 Corinthians 5:14,15
(2.) Jesus, by his death and resurrection, established a dominion over
the grave. He destroyed him that had the power of death, (Hebrews 2:14)
and triumphed over him, Colossians 2:15. Satan is a humbled foe; and his
sceptre over the grave is wrested from his hands. When Jesus rose, in
spite of all the power of Satan and of men, he burst the bands of death,
and made an invasion on the dominions of the dead, and showed that he
had power to control all.
(3.) This dominion of the Lord Jesus is felt by the spirits on high.
They are subject to him because he redeemed them, Revelation 5:9.
(4.) It is often revealed in the Scriptures that dominion was
to be given to the Lord Jesus as the reward of his sufferings and
death. See Barnes "John 17:2"; also John 17:4,5; 5:26-29
Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 1:20,21; Hebrews 2:9,10; 12:2. The extent of his
dominion as Mediator is affirmed, in this place, only to be over the
dead and the living; that is, over the human race. Other passages of the
Scripture, however, seem to imply that it extends over all worlds.
{p} "For to this end" Philippians 2:9-11.
Verse 10. But why, etc. Since we are all subjects and servants
alike, and must all stand at the same tribunal, what right have we to
sit in judgment on others?
Thou judge. Thou who art a Jewish convert, why dost thou attempt
to arraign the Gentile disciple, as if he had violated a law of God?
Comp. Romans 14:3.
Thy brother. God has recognised him as his friend, (Romans 14:3,)
and he should be regarded by thee as a brother in the same family.
Or why dost thou set at nought. Despise, (Romans 14:3) why dost
thou, who art a Gentile convert, despise the Jewish disciple as
being unnecessarily scrupulous and superstitious?
Thy brother. The Jewish convert is now a brother; and all the
contempt which you Gentiles once cherished for the Jew should cease,
from the fact that he is now a Christian. Nothing will do so
much, on the one hand, to prevent a censorious disposition, and, on the
other, to prevent contempt for those who are in a different rank in
life, as to remember that they are Christians, bought with the same
blood, and going to the same heaven as ourselves.
We shall all stand, etc. That is, we must all be tried alike at the
same tribunal; we must answer for our conduct, not to our fellow-men,
but to Christ; and it does not become us to sit in judgment on each
other.
Verse 11. For it is written. This passage is recorded in
Isaiah 45:23. It is not quoted literally, but the sense is preserved.
In Isaiah there can be no doubt that it refers to Jehovah. The speaker
expressly calls himself JEHOVAH, the name which is appropriate to
God alone, and which is never applied to a creature, Isaiah 45:18,21,
Isaiah 45:24,25. In the place before us, the words are applied by Paul
expressly to Christ. Comp. Romans 14:10. This mode of quotation is a
strong incidental proof that the apostle regarded the Lord Jesus as
Divine. On no other principle could he have made these quotations.
As I live. The Hebrew is, "I have sworn by myself." One expression
is equivalent to the other. An oath of God is often expressed by the
phrase "as I live," Numbers 14:21; Isaiah 49:18; Ezekiel 5:11; 14:16, etc.
Saith the Lord. These words are not in the Hebrew text, but are
added by the apostle to show that the passage quoted was spoken by the
Lord, the Messiah. Comp. Isaiah 45:18,22.
Every knee shall bow to me. To bow the knee is an act expressing
homage, submission, or adoration. It means, that every person shall
acknowledge him as God, and admit his right to universal dominion. The
passage in Isaiah refers particularly to the homage which
his own people should render to him; or rather, means that all who
are saved shall acknowledge him as their God and Saviour. The
original reference was not to all men, but only to those who should
be saved, Isaiah 45:17,21,22,24. In this sense the apostle uses it;
not as denoting that all men should confess to God, but that
all Christians, whether Jewish or Gentile converts, should alike
give account to him. They should all bow before their common God,
and acknowledge his dominion over them. The passage originally did
not refer particularly to the day of judgment, but expressed the truth
that all believers should acknowledge his dominion. It is as applicable,
however, to the judgment, as to any other act of homage which his people
will render.
Every tongue shall confess to God. In the Hebrew, "Every tongue
shall swear." Not swear by God, but to him; that is, pay to him
our vows, or answer to him on oath for our conduct; and this is the
same as confessing to him, or acknowledging him as our Judge.
{q} "As I live" Isaiah 14:23.
Verse 12. So then. Wherefore; or according to the doctrine of the
Old Testament.
Every one of us. That is, every Christian; for the connexion
requires us to understand the argument only of Christians. At the same
time it is a truth abundantly revealed elsewhere, that all men shall
give account of their conduct to God, 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25; Ecclesiastes 12:14.
Give account of himself". That is, of his character and conduct; his
words and actions; his plans and purposes. In the fearful arraignment of
that day, every work and purpose shall be brought forth, and tried by
the unerring standard of justice. As we shall be called to so fearful
an account with God, we should not be engaged in condemning our
brethren, but should examine whether we are prepared to give up our
account with joy, and not with grief.
To God. The judgment will be conducted by the Lord Jesus,
Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 17:31. All judgment is committed to the Son,
John 5:22,27. Still we may be said to give account to God,
(1.) because he appointed the Messiah to be the Judge,
(Acts 17:31) and,
(2.) because the Judge himself is Divine. The Lord Jesus being
God as well as man, the account will be rendered directly to the
Creator as well as the Redeemer of the world. In this passage
there are two incidental proofs of the Divinity of the Lord Jesus
Christ. First, the fact that the apostle applies to him language
which in the prophecy is expressly spoken by Jehovah; and,
secondly, the fact that Jesus is declared to be the Judge of all. No
being that is not omniscient can be qualified to judge the secrets
of all men. None who has not seen human purposes at all times, and
in all places; who has not been a witness of the conduct by day and
by night; who has not been present with all the race at all times;
and who, in the great day, cannot discern the true character of the
soul, can be qualified to conduct the general judgment. Yet none
can possess these qualifications but God. The Lord Jesus, "the
Judge of quick and dead," (2 Timothy 4:1,) is therefore Divine.
Verse 13. Let us not therefore judge, etc. Since we are to give
account of ourselves at the same tribunal; since we must be there on the
same level, let us not suppose that we have a right here to sit in
judgment on our fellow-Christians.
But judge this rather. If disposed to judge, let us be employed
in a better kind of judging; let us come to a determination not to
injure the cause of Christ. This is an instance of the happy turn which
the apostle would give to a discussion. Some men have an irresistible
propensity to sit in judgment, to pronounce opinions. Let them make good
use of that. It will be well to exercise it on that which can do no
injury, and which may turn to good account. Instead of forming a
judgment about others, let the man form a determination about his
own conduct.
That no man, etc. A stumbling-block literally means anything laid in
a man's path, over which he may fail. In the Scriptures, however, the
word is used commonly in a figurative sense, to denote anything which
shall cause him to sin, as sin is often represented by falling.
See Barnes "Matthew 5:29". And the passage means, that we should resolve
to act so as not by any means to be the occasion of leading our
brethren into sin, either by our example, or by a severe and harsh
judgment, provoking them to anger, or exciting jealousies, and envyings,
and suspicions. No better rule than this could be given to promote
peace. If every Christian, instead of judging his brethren severely,
would resolve that he would so live as to promote peace, and so as not
to lead others into sin, it would tend more, perhaps, than any other
thing to advance the harmony and purity of the church of Christ.
Verse 14. I know. This is an admission made to the Gentile
convert, who believed that it was lawful to partake of food of every
kind. This the apostle concedes; and says he is fully apprized of this.
But though he knew this, yet he goes on to say, (Romans 14:15) that it
would be well to regard the conscientious scruples of others on the
subject. It may be remarked here, that the apostle Paul had formerly
quite as many scruples as any of his brethren had then. But his views
had been changed.
And am persuaded. Am convinced.
By the Lord Jesus. This does not mean by any personal instruction
received from the Lord Jesus; but by all the knowledge which he had
received, by inspiration, of the nature of the Christian religion. The
gospel of Jesus had taught him that the rites of the Mosaic economy
had been abolished, and among those rites were the rules respecting
clean and unclean beasts, etc.
There is nothing unclean. Greek, common. This word was used by
the Jews to denote that which was unclean, because, in their
apprehension, whatever was partaken by the multitude, or all men, must
be impure. Hence the words common and impure are often used as
expressing the same thing. It denotes that which was forbidden
by the laws of Moses.
To him that esteemeth, etc. He makes it a matter of conscience. He
regards certain meats as forbidden by God; and while he so regards them,
it would be wrong for him to partake of them. Man may be in error, but
it would not be proper for him to act in violation of what he supposes
God requires.
{1} "common" or, "unclean"
Verse 15. But if thy brother, etc. This address is to the Gentile
convert. In the previous verse, Paul admitted that the prejudice of
the Jew was not well founded. But, admitting that, still the question
was how he should be treated while he had that prejudice.
The apostle here shows the Gentile that he ought not so to act as
necessarily to wound his feelings, or to grieve him.
Be grieved. Be pained; as a conscientious man always is, when he
sees another, and especially a Christian brother, do anything which he
esteems to be wrong. The pain would be real, though the opinion
from which it arose might not be well founded.
With thy meat. Greek, On account of meat, or food; that is,
because you eat that which he regards as unclean.
Now walkest. To walk, in the sacred Scriptures, often denotes to
act, or to do a thing, Mark 7:5; Acts 21:21; Romans 6:4; 8:1,4. Here it means,
that if the Gentile convert persevered in the use of such food,
notwithstanding the conscientious scruples of the Jew, he violated the
law of love.
Charitably. Greek, According to charity, or love; that is, he would
violate that law which required him to sacrifice his own comfort to
promote the happiness of his brother, 1 Corinthians 13:5; 10:24,28,29
\\Php 2:4,21\\.
Destroy not him. The word destroy here refers, doubtless, to the
ruin of the soul in hell. It properly denotes ruin or destruction, and
is applied to the ruin or corruption of various things, in the
New Testament. To life, (Matthew 10:39) to a reward, in the sense of
losing it, (Mark 9:41; Luke 15:4) to food, (John 6:27) to the
Israelites represented as lost or wandering, (Matthew 10:6) to
wisdom that is rendered vain,
(1.) 1 Corinthians 1:19) to bottles rendered useless, (Matthew 9:17) etc.
But it is also frequently applied to destruction in hell, to the
everlasting ruin of the soul. Matthew 10:28, "Who is able to destroy
both soul and body in hell." Matthew 18:14; John 3:15; Romans 2:12.
That this is its meaning here is apparent from the parallel place in
1 Corinthians 8:11, "And through thy knowledge shall thy weak brother
perish?" If it be asked how the eating of meat by the Gentile
convert could be connected with the perdition of the Jew, I reply,
that the apostle supposes that in this way an occasion of stumbling
would be afforded to him, and he would come into condemnation.
He might be led by example to partake against his own conscience,
or he might be excited to anger, disgust, and apostasy from the
Christian faith. Though the apostle believed that all who were
true Christians would be saved, Romans 8:30-39, yet he believed
that it would be brought about by the use of means, and that
nothing should be done that would tend to hinder or endanger
their salvation, Hebrews 6:4-9; 2:1. God does not bring his people
to heaven without the use of means adapted to the end; and one of
those means is that employed here to warn professing Christians
against such conduct as might jeopard the salvation of their brethren.
For whom Christ died. The apostle speaks here of the possibility of
endangering the salvation of those for whom Christ died, just as he does
respecting the salvation of those who are in fact Christians. By those
for whom Christ died, he undoubtedly refers here to true Christians,
for the whole discussion relates to them, and them only. Comp.
Romans 14:3,4,7,8. This passage should not be brought, therefore, to
prove that Christ died for all men, or for any who shall finally perish.
Such a doctrine is undoubtedly true, (comp. 2 Corinthians 5:14,15; 1 John 2:2;
2 Peter 2:1,) but it is not the truth which is taught here. The design
is to show the criminality of a course that would tend to the ruin of a
brother. For these weak brethren, Christ laid down his precious life. He
loved them; and shall we, to gratify our appetites, pursue a course
which will tend to defeat the work of Christ, and ruin the souls
redeemed by his blood?
{2} "charitably" or "according to charity"
{r} "destroy not him" 1 Corinthians 8:11
Verse 16. Let not then your good, etc. That which you esteem to be
right, and which may be right in itself. You are not bound by
the ceremonial law. You are free from the yoke of bondage. This
freedom you esteem to be a good--a favour--a high privilege. And
so it is; but you should not make such a use of it as to do injury
to others.
Be evil spoken of. Greek, Be blasphemed. Do not so use your
Christian liberty as to give occasion for railing and unkind remarks
from your brethren, so as to produce contention and strife, and thus to
give rise to evil reports among the wicked about the tendency of the
Christian religion, as if it were adapted only to promote controversy.
How much strife would have been avoided if all Christians had regarded
this plain rule. In relation to dress, and rites, and ceremonies in the
church, we may be conscious that we are right; but an obstinate
adherence to them may only give rise to contention and angry discussion,
and to evil reports among men, of the tendency of religion. In such a
case we should yield our private, unimportant, personal indulgence to
the good of the cause of religion and of peace.
Verse 17. For the kingdom of God. For an explanation of this phrase,
See Barnes "Matthew 3:2". Here it means, that the peculiarities of the
kingdom of God, or of the church of Christ on earth, do not
consist in observing the distinctions between meats and drinks.
It was true that by these things the Jews had been particularly
characterized, but the Christian church was to be distinguished in
a different manner.
Is not. Does not consist in. or is not distinguished by.
Meat and drink. In observing distinctions between different kinds of
food, or making such observances a matter of conscience, as the Jews
did. Moses did not prescribe any particular drink, or prohibit any; but
the Nazarites abstained from wine, and all kinds of strong liquors; and
it is not improbable that the Jews had invented some distinctions on
this subject which they judged to be of importance. Hence it is said in
Colossians 2:16, "Let no man judge you in meat or in drink." Comp.
1 Corinthians 8:8; 4:20.
But righteousness. This word here means virtue, integrity,
a faithful discharge of all the duties which we owe to God or to
our fellow-men. It means, that the Christian must so live as to be
appropriately denominated a righteous man, and not a man whose
whole attention is absorbed by the mere ceremonies and outward
forms of religion. To produce this, we are told, was the main
design and the principal teaching of the gospel, Titus 2:12. Comp.
Romans 8:13; 1 Peter 2:11. Thus it is said, (1 John 2:2) "Every one that
doeth righteousness is born of God;" 1 John 3:10, "Whosoever doeth not
righteousness is not of God." Comp. 1 John 3:7; 1 Corinthians 15:34; 2 Corinthians 3:9;
2 Corinthians 6:7,14; Ephesians 5:9; 6:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 4:24. He that is a
righteous man, whose characteristic it is to lead a holy life, is a
Christian. If his great aim is to do the will of God, and if he
seeks to discharge with fidelity all his duties to God and man, he
is renewed. On that righteousness he will not depend for salvation,
(Philippians 3:8,9) but he will regard this character and this
disposition as evidence that he is a Christian, and that the Lord Jesus
is made unto him "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
and redemption," 1 Corinthians 1:30.
And peace. This word, in this place, does not refer to the internal
peace and happiness which the Christian has in his own mind, (comp.
See Barnes "Romans 5:1") but to peace or concord in opposition to
contention among brethren. The tendency and design of the kingdom of
God is to produce concord and love, and to put an end to alienation and
strife. Even though, therefore, there might be ground for the opinions
which some cherished in regard to rites, yet it was of more importance
to maintain peace than obstinately to press those matters at the
expense of strife and contention. That the tendency of the gospel
is to promote peace, and to induce men to lay aside all causes of
contention and bitter strife, is apparent from the following passages
of the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 7:15; 14:33; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:13;
2 Timothy 2:22; James 3:18; Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 4:31,32; Colossians 3:8; John 13:34,35; 17:21-23.
This is the second evidence of piety on which Christians should examine
their hearts--a disposition to promote the peace of Jerusalem,
Psalms 122:6; 37:11. A contentious, quarrelsome spirit; a disposition
to magnify trifles; to make the shibboleth of party an occasion of
alienation, and heart-burning, and discord; to sow dissensions on
account of unimportant points of doctrine or of discipline, is full
proof that there is no attachment to Him who is the Prince of Peace.
Such a disposition does infinite dishonour to the cause of religion, and
perhaps has done more to retard its progress than all other causes put
together. Contentions commonly arise from some small matter in doctrine,
in dress, in ceremonies; and often the smaller the matter the more
fierce the controversy, till the spirit of religion disappears, and
desolation comes over the face of Zion.
"the Spirit, like a peaceful dove,
Flies from the reahns of noise and strife."
And joy. This refers, doubtless, to the personal happiness
produced in the mind by the influence of the gospel.
See Barnes "Romans 5:1"; also Romans 5:2-5.
In the Holy Ghost. Produced by the Holy Ghost,
Romans 5:5. Comp. Galatians 5:22,23.
{s} "the kingdom of God" Matthew 6:33
Verse 18. In these things. In righteousness, peace, and joy.
Serveth Christ. Or obeys Christ, who has commanded them. He receives
Christ as his Master or Teacher, and does his will in regard to them.
To do these things is to do honour to Christ, and to show the
excellency of his religion.
Is acceptable to God. Whether he be converted from the Jews or the
Gentiles.
And approved of men. That is, men will approve of such conduct;
they will esteem it to be right, and to be in accordance with the spirit
of Christianity. He does not say that the wicked world will love
such a life, but it will commend itself to them as such a life as men
ought to lead.
Verse 19. Let us therefore follow, etc. The object of this verse is
to persuade the church at Rome to lay aside theft causes of contention,
and to live in harmony. This exhortation is founded on the
considerations which the apostle had presented, and may be regarded as
the conclusion to which the argument had conducted him.
The things which make for peace. The high purposes and objects
of the Christian religion, and not those smaller matters which
produce strife. If men aim at the great objects proposed by the
Christian religion, they will live in peace. If they seek to promote
theft private ends, to follow their own passions and prejudices,
they will be involved in strife and contention. There are great
common objects before all Christians in which they can unite, and
in the pursuit of which they will cultivate a spirit of peace. Let
them all strive for holiness; let them seek to spread the gospel;
let them engage in circulating the Bible, or in doing good in any
way to others, and their smaller matters of difference will sink
into comparative unimportance, and they will unite in one grand
purpose of saving the world. Christians have more things in which
they agree than in which they differ. The points on which they
are agreed are of infinite importance; the points on which they
differ are commonly some minor matters in which they may "agree
to differ," and still cherish love for all who bear the image of Christ.
And things wherewith, etc. That is, those things by which we
may render aid to our brethren; the doctrines, exhortations,
counsels, and other helps which may benefit them in their Christian
life.
May edify. The word edify means, properly, to build,
as a house; then to rebuild or reconstruct; then to adorn or
ornament; then to do anything that will confer favour or advantage,
or which will further an object. Applied to the church, it means,
to do anything by teaching, counsel, advice, etc., which will tend
to promote its great object; to aid Christians, to enable them to
surmount difficulties, to remove theft ignorance, etc., Acts 9:31;
1 Corinthians 8:1; 14:4. In these expressions the idea of a building
is retained, reared on a firm, tried corner-stone the Lord Jesus
Christ, Ephesians 2:20; Isaiah 28:16. Comp. Romans 9:33. Christians are thus
regarded, according to Paul's noble idea, (Ephesians 2:20-22,) as one
great temple erected for the glory of God, having no separate interest,
but as united for one object, and therefore bound to do all that is
possible that each other may be fitted to their appropriate place, and
perform their appropriate function in perfecting and adorning this temple
of God.
{w} "Let us therefore follow" Psalms 34:14; Hebrews 12:14
{x} "things wherewith one edify" 1 Corinthians 14:12
Verse 20. For meat. By your obstinate, pertinacious attachment to
your own opinions about the distinctions of meats and drinks, do not
pursue such a course as to lead a brother into sin, and ruin his
soul. Here is a new argument presented why Christians should
pursue a course of charity--that the opposite would tend to the
ruin of the brother's soul.
Destroy not. The word here is that which properly is applied to
pulling down an edifice; and the apostle continues the figure which he
used in the previous verse. Do not pull down or destroy the temple
which God is rearing.
The work of God. The work of God is that which God does, and
here especially refers to his work in rearing his church. The
Christian is regarded peculiarly as the work of God, as God renews
his heart, and makes him what he is. Hence he is called God's
"building," (1 Corinthians 3:9) and his "workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus unto good works," (Ephesians 2:10) and is denominated
"a new creature," 2 Corinthians 5:17. The meaning is, "Do not so
conduct yourself, in regard to the distinction of meats into clean
and unclean, as to cause your brother to sin, and to impair or ruin
the work of religion which God is carrying on in his soul." The
expression does not refer to man as being the work of God, but to
the piety of the Christian; to that which God, by his Spirit, is
producing in the heart of the believer.
All things indeed are pure. Comp. Romans 14:14. This is a
concession to those whom he was exhorting to peace. All things under the
Christian dispensation are lawful to be eaten. The distinctions of the
Levitical law are not binding on Christians.
But it is evil. Though pure in itself, yet it may become an occasion
of sin, if another is grieved by it. It is evil to the man who pursues a
course that will give offence to a brother; that will pain him, or tend
to drive him off from the church, or lead him away into sin.
With offence. So as to offend a brother, such as he esteems to
be sin, and by which he will be grieved.
{y} "are pure; but it is" Titus 1:15
{z} "evil for that man" 1 Corinthians 8:10-13
Verse 21. It is good. It is right; or it is better. This verse is an
explanation or enlarged specification of the meaning of the former.
To eat flesh. That is, such flesh as the Jewish convert regarded
as unclean, Romans 14:2.
Nor to drink wine. Wine was a common drink among the Jews, and
usually esteemed lawful. But the Nazarites were not allowed to drink it,
(Numbers 6:3) and the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35) drank no wine; and it is
possible that some of the early converts regarded it as unlawful for
Christians to drink it. Wine was, moreover, used in libations in heathen
worship, and perhaps the Jewish converts might be scrupulous about its
use from this cause. The caution here shows us what should be done
now in regard to the use of wine. It may not be possible to prove
that wine is absolutely unlawful, but still many friends of
temperance regard it as such, and are grieved at its use. They
esteem the habit of using it as tending to intemperance, and as
encouraging those who cannot afford expensive liquors. Besides, the
wines which are now used are different from those which were common
among the ancients. That was the pure juice of the grape. That
which is now in common use is mingled with alcohol, and with other
intoxicating ingredients. Little or none of the wine which comes to this
country is pure. And in this state of the case, does not the command of
the apostle here require the friends of temperance to abstain even from
the use of wine?
Nor any thing. Any article of food or drink, or any course of
conduct. So valuable is peace, and so desirable is it not to offend a
brother, that we should rather deny ourselves to any extent, than be the
occasion of offences and scandals in the church.
Stumbleth. For the difference between this word and the word
offended, See Barnes "Romans 11:11". It means here that, by eating,
a Jewish convert might be led to eat also, contrary to his own
conviction of what was right, and thus be led into sin.
Or is made weak. That is, shaken, or rendered less stable in his
opinion or conduct. By being led to imitate the Gentile convert, he
would become less firm and established; he would violate his own
conscience; his course would be attended with regrets and with doubts
about its propriety, and thus he would be made weak. In this verse
we have an eminent instance of the charity of the apostle, and of his
spirit of concession and kindness. If this were regarded by all
Christians, it would save no small amount of strife, and heart-burnings,
and contention. Let a man begin to act on the principle that peace is to
be promoted, that other Christians are not to be offended, and what a
change would it at once produce in the churches, and what an influence
would it exert over the life!
Verse 22. Hast thou faith! The word faith here refers only to
the subject under discussion--to the subject of meats, drinks, etc. Do
you believe that it is right to eat all kinds of food? etc. The apostle
had admitted that this was the true doctrine; but he maintains
that it should be so held as not to give offence.
Have it to thyself. Do not obtrude your faith or opinion on others.
Be satisfied with cherishing the opinion, and acting on it in private,
without bringing it forward to produce disturbance in the church.
Before God. Where God only is the witness. God sees your sincerity,
and will approve your opinion. That opinion cherish and act on,
yet so as not to give offence, and to produce disturbance in the
church. God sees your sincerity; he sees that you are right; and
you will not offend him. Your brethren do not see that you are
right, and they will be offended.
Happy is he, etc. This state of mind, the apostle says, is one that
is attended with peace and happiness; and this is a further reason
why they should indulge their opinion in private, without obtruding it
on others. They were conscious of doing right, and that consciousness
was attended with peace. This fact he states in the form of a universal
proposition, as applicable not only to this case, but to all
cases. Comp. 1 John 3:21.
Condemneth not himself. Whose conscience does not reprove him.
In that thing which he alloweth. Which he approves, or which he
does. Who has a clear conscience in his opinions and conduct. Many
men indulge in practices which their consciences condemn, many in
practices of which they are in doubt. But the way to be happy is to have
a clear conscience in what we do; or, in other words, if we have
doubts about a course of conduct, it is not safe to indulge in that
course, but it should be at once abandoned. Many men are engaged in
business about which they have many doubts; many Christians are in
doubt about certain courses of life. But they can have no doubt
about the propriety of abstaining from them. They who are engaged in the
slave-trade; or they who are engaged in the manufacture or sale of
ardent spirits; or they who frequent the theatre or the ball-room, or
who run the round of fashionable amusements, if professing Christians,
MUST often be troubled with many doubts about the propriety of their
manner of life. But they can have no doubt about the propriety of an
opposite course. Perhaps a single inquiry would settle all debate in
regard to these things: Did any one ever become a slave-dealer, or
a dealer in ardent spirits, or go to the theatre, or engage in
scenes of splendid amusements, with any belief that he was imitating
the Lord Jesus Christ, or with any desire to honour him or his
religion? But one answer would be given to this question; and in
view of it, how striking is the remark of Paul, "Happy is he that
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."
{a} "Happy is he that condemneth" 1 John 3:21
Verse 23. He that doubteth, he that is not fully satisfied in his mind;
who does not do it with a clear conscience. The margin has it rendered
correctly, "He that discerneth and putteth a difference between meats."
He that conscientiously believes, as the Jew did, that the Levitical law
respecting the difference between meats was binding on Christians.
Is damned. We apply this word almost exclusively to the future
punishment of the wicked in hell. But it is of importance to remember,
in reading the Bible, that this is not of necessity its meaning. It
means, properly, to condemn; and here it means only that the person
who should thus violate the dictates of his conscience would incur
guilt, and would be blameworthy in doing it. But it does not affirm that
he would inevitably sink to hell. The same construction is to be put on
the expression in 1 Corinthians 11:29, "He that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself."
For whatsoever, etc. Whatever is not done with a full conviction
that it is right, is sinful; whatever is done when a man doubts
whether it is right, is sin. This is evidently the fair
interpretation of this place. Such the connexion requires. It does not
affirm that all or any of the actions of impenitent and unbelieving men
are sinful, which is true, but not the truth taught here; nor does it
affirm that all acts which are not performed by those who have faith in
the Lord Jesus are sinful; but the discussion pertains to Christians;
and the whole scope of the passage requires us to understand the apostle
as simply saying that a man should not do a thing doubting its
correctness; that he should have a strong conviction that what he does
is right; and that if he has not this conviction, it is sinful. The
rule is of universal application. In all cases, if a man does a thing
which he does not believe to be right, it is a sin, and his
conscience will condemn him for it. It may be proper, however, to
observe, that the converse of this is not always true, that if a man
believes a thing to be right, that therefore it is not sin. For many of
the persecutors were conscientious, (John 16:2; Acts 26:9) and the
murderers of the Son of God did it ignorantly, (Acts 3:17; 1 Corinthians 2:8)
and yet were adjudged as guilty of enormous crimes. Comp.
Luke 11:50,51; Acts 2:23,37.
In this chapter we have a remarkably fine discussion of the nature of
Christian charity. Differences of opinion will arise, and men will
be divided into various sects; but if the rules which are laid down in
this chapter were followed, the contentions, and altercations, and
strifes among Christians would cease. Had these rules been applied to
the controversies about rites, and forms, and festivals, that have
arisen, peace might have been preserved. Amid all such differences, the
great question is, whether there is true love to the Lord Jesus. If
there is, the apostle teaches us that we have no right to judge a
brother, or despise him, or contend harshly with him. Our object should
be to promote peace, to aid him in his efforts to become holy, and to
seek to build him up in holy faith.
{1} "doubteth is damned" or, "discerneth and putteth a difference"
"between meats."
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