Embrace Unity: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Romans 14

Executive Summary ✨

Romans 14 delves into the delicate balance between Christian liberty and love, urging believers not to judge one another over disputable matters such as food and the observance of special days. The core message emphasizes that each Christian is accountable to the Lord, and therefore, judgment should be left to Him. This chapter champions the principle of unity within the Church, highlighting that adherence to dietary restrictions or celebration of certain days shouldn’t become points of contention. Instead, mutual respect, understanding, and a focus on edifying one another should prevail, allowing individual conscience guided by faith to lead the way. The overarching theme is not merely tolerance, but a genuine love that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the brethren above personal preferences.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 14, addresses a pressing issue in the early Church: judging one another over disputable matters. It’s a timeless struggle, impacting us even today. How do we balance our personal convictions with the need for unity in Christ? This commentary seeks to unpack the depths of Romans 14, through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, illuminating its practical application for our lives. Let’s explore how to truly “Embrace Unity” in the Body of Christ.

Commentary Sections 📖

Romans 14:1 (NKJV)

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Ἀσθενοῦντα δὲ τῇ πίστει προσλαμβάνεσθε, μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν (Asthenounta de tē pistei proslambanesthe, mē eis diakriseis dialogismōn)

Paul begins by exhorting the Roman Christians to welcome those who are “weak in the faith.” This doesn’t refer to a lack of saving faith, but rather a sensitivity of conscience that might lead to legalistic observances regarding food or days. The phrase “but not to disputes over doubtful things” (μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν) is crucial. Don’t bring them in only to argue about matters of opinion. The aim is reception, not rejection or argumentative debate. In the bustling urban center of Rome, with its diverse population and religious backgrounds, such disputes were likely common, highlighting the need for careful discernment and pastoral sensitivity.

Spiritual Application: We are called to be welcoming and patient with those who are new in the faith or have different perspectives on non-essential matters. Our focus should be on building them up in love, not engaging in divisive arguments.

Romans 14:2-3 (NKJV)

For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.

Ὁ μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα, ὁ δὲ ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει· ὁ ἐσθίων τὸν μὴ ἐσθίοντα μὴ ἐξουθενείτω, καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων τὸν ἐσθίοντα μὴ κρινέτω, ὁ Θεὸς γὰρ αὐτὸν προσελάβετο (Ho men pisteuei phagein panta, ho de asthenōn lachana esthiei; ho esthion ton mē esthionta mē exoutheneitō, kai ho mē esthion ton esthionta mē krinetō, ho Theos gar auton proselabeto)

Here, Paul outlines the specific issue: food. Some believers felt free to eat all things, possibly due to their understanding of the abolition of Old Testament dietary laws (Mark 7:19). Others, perhaps recent converts from Judaism or influenced by ascetic practices, felt compelled to abstain from certain foods, restricting themselves to vegetables. The critical instruction is mutual respect: “Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats.” God has accepted both. To judge or despise is to usurp God’s prerogative.

Patristic Insight: St. Macarius the Great, in his homilies, frequently speaks of the importance of humility and avoiding judgment. He emphasizes that even in matters of spiritual discipline, we must be careful not to condemn those who may be at a different stage in their journey. (“Οἱ ταπεινοὶ καὶ ἀνεξίκακοι τὸν διάβολον καταισχύνουσι” – “The humble and forbearing put the devil to shame.” – Macarius the Great, Homily 11)

Spiritual Application: In our modern context, this applies to various areas of personal preference: entertainment choices, lifestyle decisions, even political views. We must remember that salvation isn’t determined by these things. Are we building each other up, or tearing each other down over matters of opinion?

Romans 14:4 (NKJV)

Who are you to judge another’s servant? Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Τίς εἶ ὁ κρίνων ἀλλότριον οἰκέτην; τῷ ἰδίῳ κυρίῳ στήκει ἢ πίπτει. σταθήσεται δέ· δυνατεῖ γὰρ ὁ Θεὸς στῆσαι αὐτόν. (Tis ei ho krinōn allotrion oiketēn? tō idiō kyriō stēkei ē pīptei. stathēsetai de; dynatei gar ho Theos stēsai auton.)

Paul’s rhetorical question strikes at the heart of the issue: “Who are you to judge another’s servant?” Each believer is a servant of Christ, and only Christ has the right to judge His servants. To judge another believer is to overstep our authority and impinge upon Christ’s role as Lord. The Apostle assures us that ultimately, God is powerful enough to sustain those who are truly His, even if their practices differ from our own. This reminds us of the sovereignty of God and the limits of our own understanding.

Spiritual Application: This verse should instill humility. We are not the arbiters of truth for others. Our role is to love, encourage, and pray for one another, trusting that God will guide each person according to His perfect will. Let us leave judgement to God and offer helpful Website Content Services instead.

Romans 14:5-6 (NKJV)

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

Ὃς φρονεῖ ἡμέραν παρ’ ἡμέραν, ὃς δὲ κρίνει πᾶσαν ἡμέραν· ἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ πληροφορείσθω. Ὁ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν Κυρίῳ φρονεῖ, καὶ ὁ μὴ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν Κυρίῳ οὐ φρονεῖ. καὶ ὁ ἐσθίων Κυρίῳ ἐσθίει, εὐχαριστεῖ γὰρ τῷ Θεῷ· καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων Κυρίῳ οὐκ ἐσθίει, καὶ εὐχαριστεῖ τῷ Θεῷ. (Hos phronei hēmeran par’ hēmeran, hos de krinei pasan hēmeran; hekastos en tō idiō noi plērophoreisthō. Ho phronōn tēn hēmeran Kyriō phronei, kai ho mē phronōn tēn hēmeran Kyriō ou phronei. kai ho esthion Kyriō esthiei, eucharistei gar tō Theō; kai ho mē esthion Kyriō ouk esthiei, kai eucharistei tō Theō.)

Now Paul extends the principle to the observance of days. Some might have felt compelled to observe Jewish holy days, while others viewed every day as equally sacred in the light of Christ’s resurrection. The key is sincerity and intention. Whether one observes a day or not, the motivation should be “to the Lord.” The same principle applies to eating and abstaining: both should be done with thanksgiving to God. The phrase “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind” (ἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ πληροφορείσθω) highlights the importance of individual conscience and not acting against one’s convictions.

Spiritual Application: This speaks to the core of Coptic Orthodox spiritual life. Our fasting, prayers, and observances should be genuine expressions of love for God, not mere outward rituals. If our hearts are not aligned with our actions, then our practices are meaningless.

Romans 14:7-9 (NKJV)

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Οὐδεὶς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἑαυτῷ ζῇ, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἑαυτῷ ἀποθνῄσκει· ἐάν τε γὰρ ζῶμεν, τῷ Κυρίῳ ζῶμεν, ἐάν τε ἀποθνῄσκωμεν, τῷ Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκομεν· ἐάν τε οὖν ζῶμεν ἐάν τε ἀποθνῄσκωμεν, τοῦ Κυρίου ἐσμέν. εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἀνέστη καὶ ἔζησεν, ἵνα καὶ νεκρῶν καὶ ζώντων κυριεύσῃ. (Oudeis gar hēmōn heautō zē, kai oudeis heautō apothnēskei; ean te gar zōmen, tō Kyriō zōmen, ean te apothnēskōmen, tō Kyriō apothnēskomen; ean te oun zōmen ean te apothnēskōmen, tou Kyriou esmen. eis touto gar Christos apethanen kai anestē kai ezēsen, hina kai nekrōn kai zōntōn kyrieusē.)

These verses provide the theological foundation for the preceding exhortations. Our lives are not our own; they belong to Christ. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. This truth should profoundly shape our perspective on everything. Christ’s death and resurrection established His Lordship over all, both the living and the dead. Therefore, our primary allegiance is to Him, and our actions should reflect His will, not our own preferences.

Coptic Orthodox Theology: This echoes the teachings of St. Athanasius, who emphasized the divinity of Christ and His role as Savior and Lord. Only God could conquer death and offer us eternal life. To live for Christ is to acknowledge His Lordship over every aspect of our being.

Spiritual Application: This is a call to radical discipleship. Are we truly living for Christ in every area of our lives? Are our choices motivated by love for Him, or by selfish desires?

Romans 14:10-12 (NKJV)

But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Τί δὲ σὺ κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου; ἢ τί σὺ ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου; πάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ. γέγραπται γάρ· ζῶ ἐγώ, λέγει Κύριος, ὅτι ἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ. ἄρα οὖν ἕκαστος ἡμῶν περὶ ἑαυτοῦ λόγον δώσει τῷ Θεῷ. (Ti de sy krineis ton adelphon sou? ē ti sy exoutheneis ton adelphon sou? pantes gar parastēsometha tō bēmati tou Theou. gegraptai gar; zō egō, legei Kyrios, hoti emoi kampsei pan gony, kai pasa glōssa exomologēsetai tō Theō. ara oun hekastos hēmōn peri heautou logon dōsei tō Theō.)

Paul reiterates the warning against judgment, emphasizing the ultimate accountability we will all face before the judgment seat of Christ. He quotes Isaiah 45:23 to underscore the universal submission to God’s authority. Since each of us will give an account of ourselves to God, our energy should be focused on our own spiritual growth and not on judging others. Showing contempt for a brother is a grave offense, as it disregards their inherent dignity as a child of God.

Spiritual Application: This is a sober reminder of the seriousness of judgment and the importance of humility. Let us examine our own hearts and actions, rather than focusing on the perceived shortcomings of others.

Romans 14:13-15 (NKJV)

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.

Μὴκέτι οὖν ἀλλήλους κρίνωμεν, ἀλλὰ τοῦτο κρίνατε μᾶλλον, τὸ μὴ τιθέναι πρόσκομμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ ἢ σκάνδαλον. Οἶδα καὶ πέπεισμαι ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ ὅτι οὐδὲν κοινὸν δι’ ἑαυτοῦ, εἰ μὴ τῷ λογιζομένῳ τι κοινὸν εἶναι, ἐκείνῳ κοινόν. Εἰ γὰρ διὰ βρῶμα ὁ ἀδελφός σου λυπεῖται, οὐκέτι κατὰ ἀγάπην περιπατεῖς. Μὴ τῷ βρώματί σου ἐκεῖνον ἀπόλλυε ὑπὲρ οὗ Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν. (Mēketi oun allēlous krinōmen, alla touto krinate mallon, to mē tithenai proskomma tō adelphō ē skandalon. Oida kai pepeismai en Kyriō Iēsou hoti ouden koinon di’ heautou, ei mē tō logizomenō ti koinon einai, ekeinō koinon. Ei gar dia brōma ho adelphos sou lupeitai, ouketi kata agapēn peripateis. Mē tō brōmatī sou ekeinon apollye hyper hou Christos apethanen.)

Here, Paul shifts the focus from judging to edifying. Instead of judging, we should resolve not to put a stumbling block in our brother’s way. He acknowledges his own conviction that nothing is inherently unclean, but recognizes that a person’s conscience can make something unclean for them. If our actions cause a brother to stumble or be grieved, we are no longer walking in love. The poignant reminder, “Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died,” underscores the immense value of each believer and the tragic consequences of causing them spiritual harm.

Spiritual Application: Love should always be our guiding principle. Are we willing to sacrifice our personal preferences for the sake of our brother’s spiritual well-being?

Romans 14:16-18 (NKJV)

Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Μὴ βλασφημείσθω οὖν ὑμῶν τὸ ἀγαθόν· οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ βρῶσις καὶ πόσις, ἀλλὰ δικαιοσύνη καὶ εἰρήνη καὶ χαρὰ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ· ὁ γὰρ ἐν τούτῳ δουλεύων τῷ Χριστῷ εὐάρεστος τῷ Θεῷ καὶ δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις. (Mē blasphemeisthō oun hymōn to agathon; ou gar estin hē basileia tou Theou brōsis kai posis, alla dikaiosynē kai eirēnē kai chara en Pneumati Hagiō; ho gar en toutō douleuōn tō Christō euarestos tō Theō kai dokimos tois anthrōpois.)

Paul warns against allowing our “good” (our freedom in Christ) to be spoken of as evil. The Kingdom of God is not about external observances like eating and drinking, but about inward realities: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who serve Christ in these things are pleasing to God and approved by men. True spirituality is not defined by adherence to rigid rules, but by the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Spiritual Application: Are we focused on the right things? Are we pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, or are we getting caught up in trivial matters?

Romans 14:19-21 (NKJV)

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

Ἄρα οὖν τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης διώκωμεν καὶ τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς εἰς ἀλλήλους. Μὴ ἕνεκεν βρώματος κατάλυε τὸ ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ. πάντα μὲν καθαρά, ἀλλὰ κακὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τῷ διὰ προσκόμματος ἐσθίοντι. καλὸν τὸ μὴ φαγεῖν κρέα μηδὲ πιεῖν οἶνον μηδὲ ἐν ᾧ ὁ ἀδελφός σου προσκόπτει ἢ σκανδαλίζεται ἢ ἀσθενεῖ. (Ara oun ta tēs eirēnēs diōkōmen kai ta tēs oikodomēs eis allēlous. Mē heneken brōmatos katalye to ergon tou Theou. panta men kathara, alla kakon tō anthrōpō tō dia proskommatos esthionti. kalon to mē phagein krea mēde piein oinon mēde en hō ho adelphos sou proskoptei ē skandalizetai ē asthenei.)

Paul concludes by urging us to pursue peace and mutual edification. We should not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. While all things are indeed pure, it is wrong to eat in a way that causes offense. Abstaining from certain foods or activities is preferable if it prevents a brother from stumbling, being offended, or growing weak in their faith. This is the essence of Christian love: putting the needs of others before our own desires.

Spiritual Application: Are we actively pursuing peace and edification in our relationships with other believers? Are we willing to make sacrifices to avoid causing offense?

Romans 14:22-23 (NKJV)

Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

Σὺ πίστιν ἔχεις; κατὰ σεαυτὸν ἔχε ἔναντι τοῦ Θεοῦ. μακάριος ὁ μὴ κρίνων ἑαυτὸν ἐν ᾧ δοκιμάζει· ὁ δὲ διακρινόμενος ἐὰν φάγῃ κατακέκριται, ὅτι οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως· πᾶν δὲ ὃ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως, ἁμαρτία ἐστίν. (Sy pistin echeis? kata seauton eche enanti tou Theou. makarios ho mē krinōn heauton en hō dokimazei; ho de diakrinomenos ean phagē katakekritai, hoti ouk ek pisteōs; pan de ho ouk ek pisteōs, hamartia estin.)

Paul’s final words address the believer directly. “Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God.” This encourages personal conviction rooted in a sincere relationship with God. Happiness lies in not condemning oneself in what one approves, suggesting a clear conscience before God. Conversely, acting with doubt leads to condemnation, because “whatever is not from faith is sin.” Our actions should spring from genuine faith and conviction, not from external pressure or a desire to please others.

Spiritual Application: We must cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, allowing Him to guide our conscience and inform our decisions. Our actions should be motivated by faith and a desire to please Him, not by fear or the opinions of others.

Subtopic: Navigating Disputable Matters in a Diverse Church 💡

Living out Romans 14 in a diverse church requires intentionality and grace. Here are some key reflections:

• Embrace Humility: Recognize that your perspective is not the only valid one. Be open to learning from others and acknowledging the limitations of your own understanding.
• Prioritize Love: Let love be the ultimate guiding principle in your interactions with other believers. Seek to understand their perspectives and motivations, even if you disagree.
• Focus on Essentials: Distinguish between core doctrines and matters of personal preference. Don’t allow non-essential issues to divide the body of Christ.
• Practice Self-Control: Exercise restraint in expressing your opinions on disputable matters. Choose your words carefully and avoid language that could be offensive or judgmental.
• Edify One Another: Focus on building up your brothers and sisters in Christ, rather than tearing them down. Speak words of encouragement, affirmation, and grace.
• Pray for Unity: Regularly pray for the unity of the church, asking God to give you a heart of love and understanding for all believers.

FAQ ❓

Q: What does it mean to be “weak in faith” in the context of Romans 14?

A: “Weak in faith” doesn’t refer to a lack of saving faith, but rather a sensitivity of conscience that might lead to legalistic observances regarding non-essential matters. These individuals may have scruples about certain foods or days, stemming from their background or personal convictions.

Q: How do we balance personal conviction with the need for unity in the Church?

A: The key is to distinguish between essential doctrines and matters of personal preference. Hold firmly to core beliefs, but be willing to extend grace and understanding to those who have different opinions on non-essential issues. Prioritize love and edification above personal preferences.

Q: Does Romans 14 imply that all opinions are equally valid?

A: No, Romans 14 doesn’t suggest that all opinions are equally valid, especially on matters of core doctrine. However, it does advocate for tolerance and respect in areas where Scripture doesn’t provide a clear command, allowing individual conscience guided by faith to lead the way.

Q: How can we practically apply Romans 14 in our modern context?

A: We can apply Romans 14 by cultivating humility, prioritizing love, focusing on essentials, practicing self-control, and edifying one another. Be mindful of how our actions and words might affect others, and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of their spiritual well-being. Remember to approach divisive conversations with grace and patience, allowing each person to feel heard and understood.

Conclusion ✨

Romans 14 presents a timeless challenge to the Church: how to maintain unity amidst diversity. It reminds us that our primary allegiance is to Christ and that our lives are not our own. True spirituality is not found in rigid adherence to external rules, but in the inward realities of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The chapter champions the principle of unity within the Church, highlighting that adherence to dietary restrictions or celebration of certain days shouldn’t become points of contention. Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. By embracing these principles, we can truly “Embrace Unity” and reflect the love of Christ to a watching world, supported by exceptional WordPress Management Services to maintain our online presence.

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Romans 14, Coptic Orthodox, Christian Unity, Judging Others, Disputable Matters, Food, Days, Christian Liberty, Love, Edification

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A Coptic Orthodox commentary on Romans 14 exploring Christian unity, disputable matters, and how to “Embrace Unity” through love and edification. Explore key verses and applications.