Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
“Stop Judging Others”

[“Household Critic”]
Key word: Judgmental
Theme Verse: 13

Romans 14:1-4 – Who Are You to Judge?

RO14:1 On the other hand, accept among yourselves the person of weak conviction 805 and do not be critical with your judgmental logic. 806

805

Accept among yourselves the person of weak conviction: Or, KJV: him that is weak in the faith receive ye; CON: receive into your fellowship; GDS: treat people who are over scrupulous in their faith like brothers; MOF: welcome a man of weak faith. See notes on Romans 15:1 where Paul says something similar. [1 Corinthians 8:11; see notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:14] The natural problem between regulation-loving Jews and “lawless” non-Jews would create disharmony in the Roman church. [See notes on Romans 2:12; 1 Corinthians 9:21] It is a human tendency for some to tend to be very conservative and make more and more laws; while others are liberal and wish to make fewer and fewer laws. Neither course is acceptable within the Christian Church.

806

Do not be critical with your judgmental logic: Or, KJV: not to doubtful disputations; ABU: decisions of disputes; MON: deciding doubtful points; RSV: not for disputes over opinions; TCN: not for the purpose of passing judgment on their scruples; BAR: discussions about debatable matters. The Greek is DIACRITISEIS [discriminate, judge, criticize] DIALOGISMON [reason, logic] [See 1 Corinthians 8:7.] Thousands were coming into the Nazarene movement with a wide variety of backgrounds from among Jews and non-Jews. It is natural among people who wish to be righteous to begin to make rules for others. The tendency for one group to be critical of the other, insisting their view was quite logical, has infested the Church for two thousand years and will likely not pass away until our Master Returns.

RO14:2 One person believes in eating everything, 807 but the weak person eats only vegetables. 808

807

One person believes in eating everything: Or, KJV: may eat all things; NEB: one man will have faith enough to eat all kinds of foods. The Jews had many regulations on whether certain foods may be eaten or not. The Law of Moses listed a wide range of “unclean” foods. The non-Jews had few of these limitations. Genesis 9:3 allowed mankind to eat meat without the blood. Jesus indicated to his disciples that all foods were clean. [Mark 7:19] Paul counseled that “anything sold in a meat-market” could be eaten without offending the conscience. [1 Corinthians 10:25] The apostolic council in Jerusalem decreed that non-Jews could eat anything as long as: a) they did not drink blood; and, b) eat meat offered to idols. The Risen Master also warns about such foods. [Revelation 2:14, 20]

808

The weak person eats only vegetables: Or, KJV: eateth herbs; GDS: while the over scrupulous man eats nothing but vegetables. There are several views here. Some see the vegetarian described as weak; others see a motive or religious custom behind refraining from meat. It is possible some felt – based on the injunctions from the apostles in Jerusalem – that it was impossible to obtain meat in a Roman world that had not been properly bleed or had been used in an idol offering first. [Acts 15:20]

RO14:3 Let the person eating [everything] not despise 809 the person eating [only vegetables]. Also, let the person eating [only vegetables] not judge 810 the one eating [everything], because The God has accepted [that person also]. 811

809	Not despise: Or, ASV: set at nought; BER: feel contempt; GDS: not look down upon the man who abstains from some things. Some Greek texts vary in the Greek word here. [Colossians 2:16] The Nazarene’s teachings on being judgmental applies well here. [See notes on Matthew 7:1, 2]

810	Not judge: Or, WEY: not censure. A judgmental attitude or a critical nature is destructive to the harmony of the Church. [James 4:11] The word group “judge” occurs eight times in chapter 14. [See notes on Romans 14:4, 5, 10, 13, 22.]

811	The God has accepted [that person also]: Or, KJV: God hath received him; MOF: welcomed; KNX: has found room for him. God is less critical or judgmental than many members of the Church.

RO14:4 Who are you to be judging another’s household servant? 812 For to his own master he stands or falls. 813 However, that person will stand [firm] because the Master is strong enough to make such a person stand [firm]. 814

812	Who are you to be judging another’s household servant: Or, TCN: who are that you should pass judgment on the servant of other; MOF: who are you to criticize the servant of Another. [See notes on Matthew 7:1; James 4:12]

813	For to his own master he stands or falls: Or, KJV: to his own master; GDS: to say whether he succeeds or fails. [1 Corinthians 4:4, 5]

814

The Master is strong enough to make such a person stand [firm]: Or, KJV: God is able to make him stand; ASV: for the Lord hath power to make him stand; KNX: God is well able. Some Greek texts use “God” while others “the Lord.” Judging from this “the Lord” here may well be God the Father as He was mentioned in verse 3. Others will see Jesus in the designation “the Lord.”

Romans 14:5-9 – Different Judgments

RO14:5 For, indeed, one person judges one day above another day. 815 Another person judges every day the same. 816 Let each person be fully convinced in their own mind. 817

815

One person judges one day above another day: Or, KJV: esteemeth; TCN: one man considers some days to be more sacred than others; MOF: rates one day above another; KNX: makes a distinction between this day and that. Surely former Jews thought Friday sunset to Saturday sunset to be the Sabbath. Today some Christians feel a birthday or anniversary is a special day. [Galatians 4:10] Another example would be the annual celebration of the Master’s Supper. [1 Corinthians 11:26]

816	Another person judges every day the same: Or, KJV: esteemeth every day alike; TCN: all days to be alike; MOF: rates all days alike. Non-Jews may view all days the same in holiness, not considering any particular day of the week or year particularly sacred. [Colossians 2:16]

817

Let each person be fully convinced in their own mind: Or, KJV: fully persuaded; ASV: fully assured; NEB: on such a point everyone should have reach conviction in his own mind. It is hard to believe that Paul believed Christians were under the Sabbath commandment and make these statements. If the Nazarene’s disciples were still bound to observe the Sabbath it would seem they all would esteem one day of the week above all others. It seems Paul places this in the field of conscience and each Christian ought to study the matter and draw their own conclusions.

RO14:6 The person who observes the day observes it to YHWH; 818 and, the person eating [everything] is eating to YHWH because he gives thanks to The God; 819 and, the person eating [only vegetables] is also giving thanks 820 to The God.

818	The person who observes the day observes it to YHWH: Or, KJV: regardeth of the day; MOF: values a particular day; GDS: does it in the Lord’s honor. The article is missing before “Lord”. An individual may wish to consider a particular day worthy of special observance. It seems a personal choice.

819

The person eating [everything] is eating to YHWH because he gives thanks to The God: Or, TCN: he who eats meat eats it to the Master’s honour; MOF: since he thanks God for his food. The Greek for “giving thanks” is EUCHARISTEI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2168] from which the Master’s Supper gets the name Eucharist based on Luke 2:19. [1 Timothy 4:4]

820

The person eating [only vegetables] is also giving thanks: Or, CON: who abstains, abstains unto the Lord; WEY: the abstainer abstains for the Lord’s sake. There could be a reference to fasting here. Jesus taught regarding fasting. [See notes on Matthew 6:16.] (1 Corinthians 10:31) Some consider eating only vegetables to be a “black fast.”

RO14:7 For no person lives for only themselves; 821 and, no person dies for only themselves. 822

821	No person lives for only themselves: Or, KJV: for none of us liveth to himself; TCN: there is not one of us whose life concerns himself alone; KNX: none of us lives s his own master. “No man is an island. Do not ask for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.”

822	No person dies for only themselves: Almost any person’s death affects others. More importantly every human death will under the attention of God, and thanks to our Master Jesus Christ, will be raised to Judgment Day. [Acts 17:31; 24:15; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-13]

RO14:8 For, whether we live, we live to the Master; 823 and whether we die, we die to the Master. 824 So, then, whether we live or whether we die we are the Master’s. 825

823	Whether we live, we live to the Master: Or, KNX: while we live; GDS: we are responsible to; WMS: always live in relation to the Lord; KNX: we live as the Lord’s servants. [Psalm 146:2; Galatians 2:19; 1 Peter 4:12] Every disciple is a living sacrifice to God by Christ. [Romans 12:1]

824	Whether we die, we die to the Master: Or, GDS: responsible to him.

825	We are the Master’s: Or, MON: we belong to. See notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

RO14:9 Because for this Christ died and came to life 826 so that he may be Master of both the dead and the living. 827

826	For this Christ died and came to life: Or, ASV: lived again; MON: became alive again. The Greek is EZESEN and some Greek texts vary slightly. The Receive Text has it KAI ANESTE KAI ANEZESEN (= “and rose and lived again”). On EZESEN see notes on Revelation 20:4, 5.

827	Master of both the dead and the living: Or, TCN: Lord over both the dead and the living. [Acts 10:36; Philippians 2:11 Revelation 1:18]

Romans 14:10-12 – Why Do You Judge?

RO14:10 Therefore, why do you judge your brother? 828 Or, why do you also despise your brother? 829 For every person will stand before the judgment-seat of The God. 830

828	Why do you judge your brother: Or, KNX: pass judgment on; WEY: find fault with; MON: you [the abstainer], why do you pass judgment. See notes on Matthew 7:1, 2. Unfortunately the judgmental attitude continues throughout the Christian Church despite every form of counsel and warning.

829	Why do you also despise your brother: Or, KJV: set at nought thy brother; MOF: look down upon; NEB: hold your brother in contempt. [James 4:11, 12]

830

Every person will stand before the judgment-seat of The God: Or, TCN: the Bar of God; MOF: the tribunal of; GDS: we shall all have to stand before God for judgment. See notes regarding judgment at Matthew 12:36, 37. [Also compare notes on 1 John 2:28 and 1 John 4:17; and notes on Romans 2:16; Acts 10:42; 17:31; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-13] Every human being will be raised in the resurrection to their individual judgment based on their thoughts, attitudes, words and conduct during this life on earth. See the Biblical Article God and Judgment.

RO14:11 For, it has been written, 831 “‘As I am living,’ says [the] YHWH, ‘every knee will bend to me 832 and every tongue will make confession 833 to The God.’” [Isaiah 45:23]

831	It has been written: Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23 [LXX]. Paul also alludes to Isaiah 45:23 at Philippians 2:11. [Isaiah 48:18; Ezekiel 5:11; Jeremiah 22:24]

832	Every knee will bend to me: Or, KJV: shall bow. Compare Revelation 5:13.

833	Every tongue will make confession: Or, CON: will acknowledge God. See notes on Romans 10:10.

RO14:12 So, then, every one of us will give an accounting to The God. 834

834

Every one of us will give an accounting to The God: Or, MOF: will have to answer; PME: we have to answer for our actions. [Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 9:27] Every human being – Jew, non-Jew, or Christian – will be raised to judgment before God through his appointed judge, Jesus Christ. [John 5:27-29] Christians will rise for judgment at the Parousia or Return of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 John 2:28; 4:17; see notes on Matthew 25:31-46) The rest of humanity will rise at the end of the Thousand Years. [See notes on Revelation 20:5, 11-13 in Nazarene Apocalypse]

Romans 14:13-18 – Do Not Judge

RO14:13 Therefore, let us no longer keep judging one another, 835 but, rather, make a determined decision not to put in a brother’s [path] any stumbling-block 836 or something scandalous. 837

835

Let us no longer keep judging one another: Or, MOF: stop criticizing; MON: no longer pass judgment. This is probably one of the central theme phrases of the entire letter. From the first chapter it has been “Jew first and also the Greek.” Though many will see the theme of salvation dominate, it is possible to miss Paul’s main point – which is striving for unity between Jew and non-Jewish disciples of the Nazarene. See the notes on Matthew 7:1 and the Nazarene’s same advice. We are simply going to be judged by the same measuring standard we use on others.

836	Make a determined decision not to put in a brother’s [path] any stumbling-block: Or, KJV: but judge this rather; TCN: your resolve; GDS: hindrance; KNX: not to trip; PME: make a brother fall. [Philippians 1:10; see notes on 1 John 2:10; see notes on Matthew 17:27; 18:6; 1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:32]

837	Something scandalous: Or, KJV: an occasion to fall; GDS: obstacle. On the Greek word research SCANDAL.

RO14:14 Because I am aware – and fully convinced in unity with the Master Jesus – that nothing is unclean in itself. 838 Rather, what is unclean is what is accounted so by someone. 839

838

Nothing is unclean in itself: Or, RHM: profane; ABU: defiled; WEY: impure; PME: intrinsically unholy. Paul’s context has been food and drink. Jews by the Law of Moses viewed a list of foods and drink unclean ceremonially. The Greek word is COINON (2839) and means “common” or vulgar in the old sense of the English word. Compare notes on Matthew 15:11. [Acts 10:15; 1 Timothy 4:4] Some have taken Paul’s phrase and given a larger application that the context permits.

839	What is unclean is what is accounted so by someone: Or, KJV: to him it is unclean; CON: whatever a man thinks unclean is unclean to him; MON: any food is unclean for one who consider it unclean. This statement confirms the limitations on the previous phrase. See notes on Titus 1:15 (Titus 1:15).

RO14:15 For, if your brother is grieved by what you eat, 840 you no longer walk according to compassionate affection. 841 So, do not destroy that person for whom Christ died because of your food. 842

840

If your brother is grieved by what you eat: Or, KJV: with thy meat; MOF: eat a certain food; PME: if hour habit of unrestricted diet seriously upsets your brother. We can understand a Jew who for a lifetime has avoided certain meats and now becomes a Christian among non-Jewish disciples who never had such impositions. Paul’s advice should probably be taken: do not invite to your table someone who has an over scrupulous conscience and offer meat once viewed as “unclean.” Read 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10 on the conscience and food.

841

You no longer walk according to compassionate affection: That is, “Your life-style is not in harmony with love.” Or, KJV: walkest thou not charitably; WMS: not living by the standard of love; RH: the rule of love; WEY: the guidance of love. A Christian disciple must always treat the conscience of another with love and understanding. The principle can be applied in several fields: dress, entertainment, drink, grooming, life-style.

842

Do not destroy that person for whom Christ died because of your food: Or, KJV: destroy not him with thy meat; TCN: by what you eat; NEB: do not by your eating bring disaster to. A parallel may be drawn between those who came from a background of abstinence to alcohol and those who have not. [1 Corinthians 8:11]

RO14:16 Do not let what is good to you be spoken of abusively. 843

843

Do not let what is good to you be spoken of abusively: Or, KJV: let not then your good be evil spoken of; WEY: what is a boon to you and others bring reproach; TCN: do not let what is right for you become a matter of reproach; NEB: what for you is a good thing must not become an occasion for slanderous talk. This “good” is only based on the personal opinion of the critical believer.

RO14:17 Because, the Kingdom of The God is not eating and drinking 844 but righteousness and peace and joy united in holy Pneuma. 845

844

The Kingdom of The God is not eating and drinking: That is, “God’s Realm is not about food and drink.” Or, KJV: meat and drink; MOF: the Reign of God is not a matter of eating and drinking. The religion of the Jews did involve what was clean and unclean in eating and drinking. [1 Corinthians 8:8] There should not be such serious issues within the Realm of Christ regarding whether to eat or drink. All are free to do as their conscience directs. However, no Christian should be unfeeling toward another’s background or religious habits.

845

Righteousness and peace and joy united in holy Pneuma: Or, TCN: and gladness through the presence of the holy spirit; GDS: possession of the holy spirit; KNX: it means rightness of heart, finding our peace and our joy in the holy spirit. These matters within the Realm of Christ ought to be law-abiding, peace-making, and a source of satisfaction in a spiritual atmosphere.

RO14:18 For the person slaving for the Christ pleases The God 846 and has human approval. 847

846	For the person slaving for the Christ pleases The God: Or, TCN: he who serves the Christ in this way pleases God. The Christian disciple’s concern ought to be God’s pleasure in serving Christ. Compare 2 Corinthians 8:21.

847	Has human approval: Or, KJV: approved of men; TCN: wins the approval of his fellow men. Not only is God pleased but the outcome will also be the peaceful approval of others. From one perspective it boils down to just good manners and this will win the favor of most persons.

Romans 14:19-23 – Pursue Peace

RO14:19 So, then, let us pursue what is peaceful and upbuilding 848 among each other.

848

Let us pursue what is peaceful and upbuilding: Or, KJV: follow after the things which make for peace; GDS: contribute to peace; KNX: our aim… be peace; WMS: mutual upbuilding. Paul means mainly peace among Jews and non-Jews who have not gained membership in the Nazarene community. See notes on Matthew 5:9; see notes on Romans 12:18; see notes on Romans 15:2. [1 Corinthians 14:26; 2 Corinthians 12:19] To the best of one’s ability, and the circumstances allow, each Christian disciple must strive to maintain peace, harmony, and unity within the Nazarene community.

RO14:20 Do not undo God’s work because of food. 849 Really every [kind of food] is clean 850 but it can harm the person who eats by putting a stumbling-block in the way. 851

849

Do not undo God’s work because of food: Or, KJV: for meat destroy not the work of God; ASV: overthrow not; MON: tearing down; BEC: don’t ruin. Likely Jews were being over scrupulous with their background in kosher foods. The non-Jews may have been deliberately flaunting their freedom in Christ. See notes on Romans 14:3. [1 Corinthians 8:11]

850

Really every [kind of food] is clean: Or, KJV: all things indeed are pure; MON: all food indeed is ceremonially clean. This phrase has been abused. The context is dealing with which food and drink is religiously “clean.” A research on the word clean and unclean beginning with Genesis 7:2 will reveal the background here. “Unclean” occurs 128 times in Leviticus. Noah took two of every “unclean” creature and seven of the “clean” as some of these would be used in ceremonial sacrifices. The Jewish kosher means fit, right, proper and refers to the dietary laws, such as Leviticus chapter 11.

851

It can harm the person who eats by putting a stumbling-block in the way: Or, KJV: but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense; PME: it can be harmful to the man who eats it with a guilty conscience; ABU: it is evil for that man who by eating make another stumble. Read 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10.

RO14:21 So, it is good not to eat [a certain] meat, nor drink wine, if it puts before your associate a cause for tripping. 852

852

If it puts before your associate a cause for tripping: Or, MON: the right course is not to eat meats, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything; PME: vegetarians and teetotalers. The KJV adds, “stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Compare notes on Romans 14:13. [1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Corinthians 10:24] Food and drink should not be issues within the Church; however, where they seem to offend it is better to refrain from such meats, or the drinking of non-kosher wines, on those occasions. This is not a ban on pork or lobster or non-kosher wines.

RO14:22 In the sight of The God keep your own opinion to yourself regarding what you approve. 853 Blessed [by God] is the person who does not judge against self by that standard of what they approved. 854

853

In the sight of The God keep your own opinion to yourself regarding what you approve: Or, KJV: has thou fait? have it to thyself before God; CON: hast thou faith [that nothing is unclean]? keep it for thine own comfort before God; MOF: certainly keep your own conviction on the matter, as between yourself and God; AMP: your personal convictions [on such matters] exercise as in God’s presence, keeping them to yourself. One need always express certain convictions regarding every subject. The better course is to avoid offending others – just plain good manners. [1 Corinthians 10:23]

854

Blessed [by God] is the person who does not judge against self by that standard of what they approved: That is, approved by others with weak conscience. Or, KJV: happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth; WEY: does not censure himself in the deeds he approves; BER: happy is the person who has no qualms of conscience in what he allows himself to do; MOF: he is fortunate man who has no misgivings about what he allows himself to eat. One need exercise care in that judgmental attitude, for in the process of approving or not approving one sets a standard which would condemn the person. Compare notes on Matthew 7:1, 2.

RO14:23 However, if a person is indecisive, that person condemns self if eating [disapproved meat]. 855 For everything that does not originate from conviction is sin. 856

855

If a person is indecisive, that person condemns self if eating [disapproved meat]: Or, KJV: and he that doubteth is damned if he eat; WEY: one who has misgivings stands self-condemned if he eats; MOF: he who has doubts about eating and then eats, that condemns him at once; PME: yet if a man eats meat with an uneasy conscience about it, you may be sure he is wrong to do so. The conscience is at the center here – better never violate one’s conscience. See notes on Romans 2:15, 16. See notes on Titus 1:15.

856

Everything that does not originate from conviction is sin: Or, KJV: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin; MOF: any action that is not based on faith is a sin; GDS: everything that does not rest on conviction is wrong; PM: when we act apart from our faith we sin. Paul states an interesting principle here: whatever a Christian does should be the result of conviction and not doubt. See notes on James 4:17.

Summary of Chapter Fourteen

It has become clear from the beginning of Romans that Paul is trying to find balance between the Jew and non-Jew who have gained membership in the Nazarene community in Rome. He now moves to a major point: the problem of being judgmental of others who are different. He counsels to welcome those with weak faith or who are overly scrupulous in their devotions. It is not the prerogative of any Christian to judge another.

Regarding personal preferences Paul counsels each to make their own decision and be sure in that conviction. Whether life or death we belong to the Lord. The Lord is judge of the dead and the living.

Paul asks the judgmental two piercing questions. He states all (everyone) will have their judgment before God. He quotes Isaiah 45:23 to prove his point? All will give an accounting to God.

Here is one of the major themes of Paul’s whole letter: judging others – Jews the non-Jews, and the non-Jews, the Jews. Stop judging, and stop stumbling others, is Paul’s counsel. Food and drink should not be issues and yet none should cause a fellow to stumble, as it would not be loving. The Kingdom of God means righteousness (law-abiding), peace (unity and harmony), and joy (satisfaction).

Paul concludes his main theme: cease being judgmental and seek that which makes for peaceful relations in the Christian community. It is dangerous to stumble others over food; or, to offend one’s own conscience.

Review Questions on Chapter Fourteen