14:1 one who is weak in faith Likely refers to Christians who remained committed to observing certain parts of the law, such as food laws and the Sabbath (vv. 2–3). The immediate context probably refers to Jewish Christians, though other practices concerning food and observing certain days (v. 6) were issues for non-Jewish people as well (see Gal 4:1–11). The law of Moses designated certain animals as ritually unclean, and it therefore prohibited Jews from eating them (see Lev 11:1–47).

Faith

14:2 believes he may eat all things Refers to the strong believers who were able to eat and drink all things with a clear conscience.

14:3 judge The Greek verb used here, krinō, means “to pronounce judgment for wrongdoing.” The person who judges assumes the role of God (compare Rom 2:3). Paul points out that such judgment is inappropriate because God has accepted all people who believe.

14:4 slave Paul uses an analogy to indicate that believers answer to God.

14:5 prefers one day over another day The law required Jews to observe special days, such as the Sabbath, Jewish festivals, and the new moon. Here, Paul refers to Christians who honor these observances (see Gal 4:10; Col 2:16).

fully convinced in his own mind Paul emphasizes that each person must operate with a clear conscience, regardless of his or her practice. Elsewhere, Paul advises believers not to let others judge them with regard to special days (Col 2:16).

14:6 he is thankful Paul encourages the believers to be thankful to God regardless of their food customs.

14:7 none dies for himself Emphasizes dependence on God and unity among believers.

14:8 we die for the Lord Indicates that in all things, the believer’s purpose is to serve and please God.

we are the Lord’s Paul affirms that neither life nor death can adversely affect the believer’s union with Christ (see Rom 8:35; 1 Thess 5:10).

14:9 for this reason Here Paul reminds his audience that Christ’s death and resurrection should encourage believers to live for the Lord, not themselves. Christians should use their freedom in Christ to show love and respect to fellow believers since He died for all people—both the living and the dead, the strong and the weak.

14:10 judge Believers must not assume God’s role as judge because they in turn will stand before His judgment seat. See note on Rom 14:3.

14:11 As I live This oath formula expresses the certainty of God’s declaration. Here it begins a quotation from Isa 45:23.

14:13 let us no longer pass judgment See note on Rom 14:3.

place a cause for stumbling Describes causing someone to do something against his or her conscience or moral principles.

14:14 nothing is unclean of itself In this context, Paul is referring to food, such as the meat of animals designated by the law as ritually unclean (see note on v. 1; compare Lev 11; Deut 14). Paul celebrates believers’ freedom from the requirements of the law. However, he qualifies this statement by reminding the strong that some things might be considered unclean by the weak, whose faith is challenged by such freedom.

14:15 Do not destroy Paul warns the strong that, in some circumstances, their freedom might cause distress for the weak. Christ did not die for only those strong in their faith, but for all who call on Him as Lord (see Rom 14:9 and note).

14:17 the kingdom of God This verse refers to the kingdom of God as a present reality (see 1 Cor 4:20; compare Gal 5:21; Eph 5:5). Paul appeals to kingdom values to help Christians handle matters of food and drink in a way that honors God. Because the values of the kingdom are righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit, human relationships are more important than rules about food.

14:19 what promotes peace The Greek phrase used here, ta tēs eirēnēs, refers to actions that do not cause hostility but create harmonious relationship between believers.

14:20 work of God Refers to a believer whose faith is weak (Rom 14:1). Paul urges the strong to avoid influencing the weak to act against their consciences.

All things are clean In this context, “all things” refers to food (compare v. 14 and note).

14:22 The faith The Greek word used here, pistis, refers to personal conviction in this context.