Keraia
Romans 14

Romans 14:20

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

Translations

Modern
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block.
Traditional
For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Literal
Do not demolish the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil to the man eating through a stumbling block.
Latin
Noli propter escam destruere opus Dei, omnia quidem sunt munda: sed malum est homini, qui per offendiculum manducat.

Original

Greek
English
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block.

Notes

Romans 14:20

The work of God involves both the spiritual life of other Christians and to the Christian community itself (14:15, 19). When the strong insist on doing whatever they want, they cause division. This behavior goes against God’s purpose to build a healthy and united community of believers.

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 Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Conscience Dietary Laws Letter to the Romans Offend, Offense

Topics

Can you Eat Meat Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments of Men Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Expediency: General Scriptures Concerning Fellowship of the Righteous Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring the Profit of Others