Reading and meditation on Chapter 14 of the Letter to the Romans:
Before examining this chapter, it is helpful to explain the historical context of the time, whether in Rome or in other cities under Roman rule. In Acts chapter 15, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem reaffirmed that Christians were not to eat meat sacrificed to idols (Acts 15:19, 28).
Let us briefly consider the situations Christians might face and the decisions they had to make. In the first scenario, the Christian knew—having seen or heard it—that the meat in question had been sacrificed to idols. Logically, he would decide not to eat it. In the second scenario, the Christian did not know whether the meat had been sacrificed; in this case, there were two possible reactions. The first was to reason that it did not matter whether it had been sacrificed or not; provided it had been properly bled, it was perfectly acceptable to eat. Not knowing whether it had been sacrificed, a Christian who asked no questions would simply eat the meat.
However, another Christian—perhaps a recent convert who had previously frequented temples where meat was sacrificed to idols—would be far more reluctant to eat it, even without knowing for sure whether it had been sacrificed (see 1 Corinthians chapter 8). It is against this backdrop that chapter 14 of the Letter to the Romans is set.
“Welcome the man having weaknesses in his faith, but do not pass judgment on differing opinions. 2 One man has faith to eat everything, but the man who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let the one eating not look down on the one not eating, and let the one not eating not judge the one eating, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand” (verses 1-4).
Paul instructs mature Christians not to set themselves up as judges regarding food and drink over fellow Christians—perhaps recent converts—whose consciences harbor scruples; he prefers to eat only vegetables to avoid the risk of unknowingly consuming meat that had been offered in sacrifice. Verse 2 confirms the preceding explanation, highlighting two different perspectives on diet: « One man has faith to eat everything, but the man who is weak eats only vegetables ».
“One man judges one day as above another; another judges one day the same as all others; let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day observes it to Jehovah. Also, the one who eats, eats to Jehovah, for he gives thanks to God; and the one who does not eat does not eat to Jehovah, and yet gives thanks to God. 7 Not one of us, in fact, lives with regard to himself only, and no one dies with regard to himself only. 8 For if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. So both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah. 9 For to this end Christ died and came to life again, so that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living” (verses 5-9).
The Apostle Paul shows that, when reflecting on the issue of the sensitivity of people’s consciences, we must not focus only on our own point of view. We must also take into account that we belong to God and to Christ and that, in doing so, we must base ourselves on their perspective on the matter.
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘to me every knee will bend, and every tongue will make open acknowledgment to God.’” 12 So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God” (verses 10-12).
The first important point is this: we must not judge our brother or criticize the sensitivity of his conscientious scruples. Paul goes on to explain in greater detail why Christians who have the faith to eat anything should not judge those who have more scruples and eat only vegetables:
“Therefore, let us not judge one another any longer but, rather, be determined not to put a stumbling block or an obstacle before a brother. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; only where a man considers something to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if your brother is being offended because of food, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not by your food ruin that one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore, do not let the good you do be spoken of as bad. 17 For the Kingdom of God does not mean eating and drinking, but means righteousness and peace and joy with holy spirit. 18 For whoever slaves for Christ in this way is acceptable to God and has approval with men” (verses 13-18).
Paul makes it clear to those Christians whose faith allows them to eat anything that he fully shares this view: « I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself » (verse 14). However, he explains the importance of not placing a stumbling block before brothers whose consciences are more scrupulous—simply for the sake of personal preference—because « the Kingdom of God does not mean eating and drinking, but means righteousness and peace and joy with holy spirit » (verse 17). In other words, if a Christian who eats anything invites a Christian who prefers to eat only vegetables to a meal, he will set his own preferences aside and eat only vegetables while in that person’s company. The mature Christian will not only refrain from judging his brother but will also avoid making food a source of controversy. In conclusion, Paul encourages the pursuit of peace:
“So, then, let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that build one another up. 20 Stop tearing down the work of God just for the sake of food. True, all things are clean, but it is detrimental for a man to eat when it will cause stumbling. 21 It is best not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything over which your brother stumbles. 22 The faith that you have, keep it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who does not judge himself by what he approves. 23 But if he has doubts, he is already condemned if he eats, because he does not eat based on faith. Indeed, everything that is not based on faith is sin” (verses 19-23).
The general takeaway from reading and examining Chapter 14 is that, when biblical principles are not at stake, a disciple of Christ should set aside personal preferences to avoid placing a stumbling block before a spiritual brother and to show consideration for another’s conscience, without judging or disparaging it.
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