Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 14:1

"But him that is weak in faith receive ye, [yet] not for decision of scruples." — Romans 14:1 (ASV)

ROMANS Chapter 14

The fourteenth chapter is designed to settle some difficult and delicate questions that would inevitably arise between the Jews and Gentiles regarding 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 a significant part of the church was composed of them.

The New Testament everywhere shows that they were inclined 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 and following; Galatians 2:3–4. The subjects on which questions of this kind would be debated were circumcision, days of fasting, the distinction of meats, etc. Only a part of these are discussed in this chapter. The views of the apostle regarding circumcision had been stated in chapters 3 and 4. In this chapter he notices the disputes that 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 presented by the apostle to settle principles of conduct regarding the Gentiles, and to show each party how they should act in all such questions.

The apostle's design here is to settle all these contentions by producing peace, kindness, and charity. This he does through the following considerations, namely:

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 and following).
3. That we must stand at the judgment seat of Christ and give an account there; and that we, therefore, should not usurp the role of judging (Romans 14:10–13).
4. That there is really nothing unclean in 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 a significant part of the controversies in the religious world.

Him that is weak. The design here is to encourage Christians to welcome into their fellowship those who had scruples about the appropriateness of certain things, or who might have peculiar prejudices and feelings as a result of education or former habits of belief. The apostle, therefore, begins by admitting that such a person may be weak, i.e., not fully established, or not having such clear and broad 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 often have a peculiar delicacy or sensitiveness about the lawfulness of many things regarding 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; do not meet him with a cold and harsh repulse. Compare to 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 regarding 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 that 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 encourage 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.