Keraia
Romans 14

Romans 14:2

The Law of Liberty · Romans 14:1–12
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Translations

Modern
For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables.
Traditional
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Literal
Indeed, one believes to eat all things, but the one being weak eats vegetables.
Latin
Alius enim credit se manducare omnia: qui autem infirmus est, olus manducet.

Original

Greek
English
For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables.

Notes

Romans 14:2

The weak in faith apparently believed that they should eat only vegetables. This belief likely came from a desire to maintain Jewish ritual purity while living in a pagan culture.

These Jewish Christians were following an example found in the book of Daniel. Daniel and his friends refused the rich food and wine offered by the king of Babylon (Daniel 1:3–16).

Other Jewish writings show a similar concern. Devout Jews living in pagan cultures often limited their diet because they could not be sure that meat had been prepared according to Jewish requirements.

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Tolerance

Parallels

Matthew 7:1–6 Luke 6:37–42

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Letter to the Romans

Topics

Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments of Men Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Fellowship of the Righteous Food: Articles of Herbs Herbs were Sometimes Used Instead of Animal Food by Weak Saints Meat Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Herbs Uncharitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Vegetarianism Vegetarians: Persons Who Refrain from Eating Meat