Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 14:7

"For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself." — Romans 14:7 (ASV)

For none of us, etc. Whether by nature Jews or Gentiles, in the great principles of religion we are now united. Where there is evidence of a sincere desire to do the will of God, there should be charitable feeling, though there may be differences 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. Therefore, even if one should eat meat and feel at liberty to devote to common employments time that another considers sacred, this should not be uncharitably attributed to 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 honored, or to indulge in the ease, comfort, and pleasures of life. These are the aim of all people except 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; Mark 10:21; Luke 9:23).

On no point is it more crucial for Christians to examine themselves than on this.

To live to ourselves is evidence that we are strangers to piety. And if it is 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 (oudeis) as used in the former part of the verse. The word is used here only in reference to Christians and makes no affirmation about other people.

Dieth to himself. . 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.