ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Romans 14

Rom. 14:1–15:13 Paul addresses a specific dispute, probably over whether Christians need to follow Jewish food laws. He agrees with the “strong” (who did not feel compelled to follow those laws), but he encourages them not to despise or offend the “weak.”

Rom. 14:1 As for the one who is weak. The strong are tempted to argue with those weaker in faith.

Rom. 14:2 The strong believe all foods are allowed. The weak eat only vegetables, probably to avoid eating unclean foods (see Dan. 1:8, 10, 12, 16).

Rom. 14:4 This verse is likely directed to the weak. They are not to pass judgment on the strong, who answer to their own master (the Lord).

Rom. 14:5 The weak thought some days were more important than others. Given the Jewish background (see v. 14), the day is the Sabbath. The strong think every day is the same. Both views are fine. Each person must follow his own conscience. Unlike the other nine commandments in Ex. 20:1–17, the Sabbath commandment seems to have been part of the “ceremonial laws” of the Mosaic covenant. Like the laws about sacrifices and diet, sabbath observance is not binding on new covenant believers (see also Gal. 4:10; Col. 2:16–17). However, regular times of worship are commanded for Christians (Heb. 10:24–25; see Acts 20:7).

Rom. 14:10–12 The strong should not despise the weak. The weak should not judge the strong. Everyone will stand before God, who will judge all on the last day. The future day of judgment is prophesied in Isa. 45:23. Every person will give an account of his life to God at the judgment.

Rom. 14:14 Christians are no longer under the old covenant, so Paul rejects the view that some foods are unclean (see Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14). Still, if anyone thinks certain foods are unclean, then that person should avoid them.

Rom. 14:15–17 For the sake of the weak, the strong should refrain from eating certain foods. They must be careful not to destroy the faith of a brother or sister. Lack of love for the weak contradicts Christ’s love. God’s kingdom centers on the gifts of righteousness, peace, and joy granted by the Holy Spirit. Bodily appetites are secondary in importance.

Rom. 14:20–21 Paul urges the strong not to destroy God’s work in the weak by eating food that will offend them.

Rom. 14:22 The strong are likely addressed here. The faith that you have means their faith that they may eat anything (see vv. 1–2, 23). They are not asked to change their convictions, but they should not behave in a way that injures the faith of others and so brings judgment on themselves.

Rom. 14:23 No one should eat unclean food if he has doubts about the rightness of the activity. Indeed, anything believers do apart from faith is sin.