Romans 14:1

The Weak and the Strong

1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

Romans 14:1 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
New Living Translation (NLT)
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
The Message Bible (MSG)
1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
American Standard Version (ASV)
1 But him that is weak in faith receive ye, [yet] not for decision of scruples.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
1 Welcome people who are weak in faith, but don't get into an argument over differences of opinion.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
1 Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don't argue about doubtful issues.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
1 Accept those whose faith is weak. Don't judge them where you have differences of opinion.

Romans 14:1 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 14:1

Him that is weak in the faith
This address is made to the stronger and more knowing Christians among the Romans, how to behave towards those that were inferior in light and knowledge to them, with regard to things of a ritual and ceremonial kind: and by "him that is weak in the faith", is meant, either one that is weak in the exercise of the grace of faith, who has but a glimmering sight of Christ; who comes to him in a very feeble and trembling manner; who believes his ability to save him, but hesitates about his willingness; who casts himself with a peradventure on him; and who is attended with many misgivings of heart, faintings of spirit, and fluctuation of mind, about his interest in him: or one that is weak in the doctrine of faith; has but little light and knowledge in the truths of the Gospel; is a child in understanding; has more affection than judgment; very little able to distinguish truth from error; cannot digest the greater and more sublime doctrines of grace; stands in need of milk, and cannot bear strong meat; is very fluctuating and unsettled in his principles, and like children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine: or rather one that is weak in his knowledge of that branch of the doctrine of faith, which concerns Christian liberty; and that part of it particularly, which respects freedom from the ceremonial law: it designs one, and chiefly a Jew, who though a believer in Christ, and an embracer of the other truths of the Gospel, yet had but very little knowledge of Gospel liberty; but though that believers were to observe all the rituals of the Mosaic dispensation, not knowing that they were abolished by Christ. The phrase is Jewish; it is F13 said,

``what is the meaning of the phrase, in Rephidim, ( Exodus 17:1 ) it signifies such as are of weak hands; as if it had been said, because the Israelites were (Mtnwmab Mypr) , "weak in their faith".''

The advice the apostle gives, in reference to such a person, is to

receive
him; not only into their affections, and love him equally, being a believer in Christ, as one of the same sentiments with them, only in this matter, but also into church fellowship with them. The Syriac version reads it, (adya hyl wbh) , "give him the hand": in token of communion, a form used in admission of members. The Gentiles were apt to boast against, and look with some contempt upon the Jews, and were ready to object to their communion, because of their want of light and knowledge in these matters; but this was no bar of communion, nor ought a person to be rejected on account of his weakness, either in the grace, or in the doctrine of faith, when it appears he has the true grace of God; and much less on account of his weakness in that branch of it, concerning Christian liberty; for since Christ does not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, nor despise the day of small things, churches should not: it may also intend a receiving of such into intimate conversation, at their private meetings and conferences; taking particular notice of them; giving them proper instructions; praying with them and for them; endeavouring to build them up in their most holy faith, and to bring them into the knowledge of those things they are weak in; bearing their weaknesses patiently, and bearing with them in great tenderness: thus such should be received,

but not to doubtful disputations;
to vain jangling and perverse disputings, such as will rather perplex than inform them; and will leave their minds doubtful and in suspense, and do them more harm than good.


FOOTNOTES:

F13 Tzeror Hammor, fol. 77. 1.

Romans 14:1 In-Context

1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.
4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Romans 15:1; 1 Corinthians 8:9-12; 1 Corinthians 9:22
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