Keraia
Romans 14

Romans 14:13

The Law of Love · Romans 14:13–23
Read Romans 14

Translations

Modern
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.
Traditional
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Literal
May we no longer, therefore, judge one another; but rather you decide this, not to put a stumbling block or obstacle before a brother.
Latin
Non ergo amplius invicem judicemus: sed hoc judicate magis, ne ponatis offendiculum fratri, vel scandalum.

Original

Greek
English
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Notes

Romans 14:13

  • This verse serves as a bridge between two sections. The call to stop judging one another summarizes 14:1–12. The warning about causing another believer to stumble becomes the main focus of 14:14–23.

  • stumbling block or obstacle: This phrase originally described objects that could trip someone while walking, or traps into which a person might fall. In the New Testament, it is often used in a figurative way. It refers to behavior that may cause spiritual harm to another person (see 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13; 1 John 2:10; compare Matthew 21:42–44; Luke 20:17–18; Romans 9:32–33; 1 Peter 2:8).

Romans 14:1–15:7

Paul addresses a specific issue causing conflict in the church at Rome. The church encountered a dispute between those weak in faith and those strong in faith about certain practices (see 15:1).

Throughout this section, Paul urges Christians to show patience and tolerance toward one another and their practices. He is convinced that people on both sides are genuine believers. He also believes that the issues they are arguing about are not essential to the Christian faith.

Romans 12:1–15:13

This section of Romans explains the moral and ethical demands of the gospel. God’s gift of salvation in Christ calls for a response from believers.

God not only forgives sin. He also wants to transform how people live.

Much of what Paul teaches here about the moral duties of believers also appears in his other letters. However, Paul also addresses issues that were especially important for the church in Rome. One key issue was the disagreement between people who were weak in faith and people who were strong in faith(14:1–15:13).

Parallels

Ezekiel 14:1–11 1 Corinthians 8:1–13

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Brother Letter to the Romans Offend, Offense Sabbath Stumbling Block

Topics

Causing Another to Stumble Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments of Men Confessing to One Another Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Cynicism Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Fellowship of the Righteous Meaning of Jubilee Obstacles Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Rich Man Entering Heaven Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Stumbling: R. V. Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: Saints should not to Occasion, to Others Uncharitableness: General Scriptures Concerning