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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 14:5

Verse 5 5.One indeed, etc. He had spoken before of scruples in the choice of meats; he now adds another example of difference, that is, as to days; and both these arose from Judaism. For as the Lord in his law made a difference between meats and pronounced some to be unclean, the use of which he prohibited, and as he had also appointed festal and solemn days and commanded them to be observed, the Jews, who had been brought up from their childhood in the doctrine of the law, would not lay aside... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 14:6

Verse 6 6.He who regards a day, etc. Since Paul well knew that a respect for days proceeded from ignorance of Christ, it is not probable that such a corruption was altogether defended by him; and yet his words seem to imply, that he who regarded days committed no sin; for nothing but good can be accepted by God. Hence, that you may understand his purpose, it is necessary to distinguish between the notion, which any one may have entertained as to the observance of days, and the observance itself... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1

Him that is weak in the faith (rather, in faith, or in his faith ) . The article before πίστει does not denote the faith objectively. Cf. Romans 4:19 , μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῆ πίστει . In 1 Corinthians 8:12 it is the conscience that is spoken of as weak, τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν . Persons are meant whose faith is not sufficiently strong and enlightened for entering fully into the true spirit of the gospel so as to distinguish between essentials and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-6

Ceremonial and spiritual religion. This passage is one of many instances occurring in St. Paul's writings in which circumstances of local and temporary interest suggest the statement of great moral truths and principles, applicable over a far wider area. To us these questions—as to whether certain food should be eaten, and certain days should be observed—seem trifling enough; yet to how grand and comprehensive a law of Christian action do these considerations lead the mind of the deep... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-9

The Christian's dependence and the Christian's independence. The composite character of the Christian community at Rome—the Jewish origin of many of its members on the one hand, and contact with heathenism on the other—had doubtless given rise to differences of opinion. Some there were who still retained their Jewish prejudices and ideas. They abstained from meats. They observed special days. They were inclined to judge harshly and even to look down upon those who did not think and act as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-12

The risen Saviour as Lord of the conscience. The apostle, as we have just seen, has been discussing the neighbourly character of Christian living, and showing that the Christ-like soul will love his neighbour as himself, and do no ill to him. And this leads by an easy transition to the whole class of weak consciences, and how they are to be dealt with. For there are people painfully scrupulous, who have come, for example, to fancy that vegetarianism is the only lawful system of diet; or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-23

F. The duty of enlightened Christians towards weak brethren. From moral duties in general of Christians towards each other and towards all the apostle now passes to such as they owe peculiarly to each other as members of a religious community, united by a common faith. He has already ( Romans 12:16 ) admonished his readers to be "of the same mind one toward another;" but, as was remarked under that verse, this did not imply agreement of view on all subjects, such as is impossible where... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-23

Christian liberty. The general treatment of the ethics of the gospel is concluded, and now the apostle deals with a particular application which the condition of the Church at Rome required. There were some there, a minority probably, who were more or less in subjection to the spirit of the old Judaic economy, making distinctions of meats and of days. And when they came together for the Christian love-feasts, the differences were of awkward consequence. The stronger ones doubted whether... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:2-3

One believeth that he may eat all things (literally, believeth to—or, hath faith to—eat all things ) , but he that is weak eateth herbs. 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 . "He that eateth" is the one that has faith to eat all things; and it is against contempt on his part of the weak in faith that the admonition is mainly directed throughout the chapter (cf. also Romans 15:1 ). But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:4

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? (observe the emphatic position of σὺ ) to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand: for the Lord (better supported than God, as in the Textus Receptus) is able (or, has power ) to make him stand . The standing or falling here spoken of may be taken to mean standing firm in, or falling from, a state of grace (cf. Romans 11:20 , Romans 11:22 ), rather than acceptance or rejection at the last... read more

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