FocusConscience and the Lord's judgment
Connection to the wholeDifferences over eating and days must not lead to contempt or condemnation, since each servant belongs to the Lord and will give account to God.
interpretation Romans 14:4
KJVWho art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Read it in context
Receive without contempt
Start reading at Romans 14:1 (Romans 14:1 to Romans 14:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Differences over eating and days must not lead to contempt or condemnation, since each servant belongs to the Lord and will give account to God.
- 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
- 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
- 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
- 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
- 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
- 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
- 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
- 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
- 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
- 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
- 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
- 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 14:1–15:33): Paul addresses believers who differ over foods and days, urging mutual reception, and explains his ministry and travel plans. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Receive without contempt. Read Romans 14:1 through Romans 14:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Differences over eating and days must not lead to contempt or condemnation, since each servant belongs to the Lord and will give account to God. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Receive without contempt (Romans 14:1 to Romans 14:12). Start reading at Romans 14:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 14:1, Romans 14:12, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- Who Rom 9:20 Acts 11:17 1 Cor 4:4-5 Jas 4:11-12
- he shall Rom 14:3 Rom 11:23 Rom 16:25 Deut 33:27-29 Ps 17:5 Ps 37:17,24,28 Ps 119:116-117 John 10:28-30
- for Isa 40:29
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 14
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
Do not cause a brother to stumble
Romans 14:13–23FocusLove, peace, and edification
Connection to the wholePaul moves from liberty to responsibility, placing the brother's good and the kingdom's priorities above insisting on one's own freedom.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.