Romans 14:1-2, Receive the Weak in Faith

Romans 14:1-2 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

The Apostle Paul cites the example when one believer eats everything while another believer whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. In such cases, believers are exhorted not to judge one another nor treat each other with contempt or reject one another.

Walvoord observes well, “The reason a “strong” Christian (cf. Rom. 15:7) should not despise a “weak” one, and the reason that a weak Christian should not condemn the strong one is that God has accepted (same verb as in 14:1) both of them.”

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

This was a serious issue at that time. Hendriksen explained, “It has been suggested in the church of Rome the clash between meat-eaters and abstainers became more explosive when Jews who had been expelled from the capital by Claudius returned. During their absence the Roman church experienced no difficulty, but with their return to Rome, a somewhat strained relationship began to develop between the two ethnic groups. Whether this theory is correct cannot be determined, but it may well be. The view according to which “the strong” consisted of the Gentile portion of the congregation, the majority, while “the weak” consisted of the Jewish portion, seemed to be affirmed by Rom. 15:7.”

Indeed, as Hendriksen further observes, “both are regarded as genuine believers, but both are critical of the other (Rom. 14: 3, 4 13). Both will have to give an account of the Lord (Rom. 14:11)”. May the Lord help us to take heed to the Apostle Paul’s admonition. Amen.