Category Archives: Romans

One of Jesus’ most fervent wishes was that all of His followers would be united. Just a few hours before His crucifixion He prayed. After asking God to protect His disciples He said, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21 NIV)

This desire for unity is something which the disciples took seriously. In his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome, the Apostle Paul instructed them how to get along with one another even when they had differences of opinion in disputable matters. He also emphasized the unity that should be between the followers of Christ everywhere by sending greetings from “All the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16).

At the end of his letter Paul returns to the theme of unity. In chapter 16, verses 17 through 18 he writes, “Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.”

Though Christ desires unity, not everyone does. There are some who actively cause division. They deliberately make it difficult for people to follow the teachings of Christ. Why do they do this? Paul writes that they have their priorities wrong. They serve their own appetites rather than Christ. In spite of wearing Christ’s name, they are not submitted to Him. They have put themselves on the throne which belongs to Christ.

How do these people cause division? They do it with smooth words and flattery. That is, they appeal to people’s pride with false or insincere praise. People use flattery as a means to obtain something they want from others. One of the effects of flattery is that it deceives people with an inflated idea of their own importance. It turns people’s attention to themselves and away from Christ and serving Him. When our minds are filled with our own importance, it is inevitable that we will think less of others. We will put our desires ahead of their’s. The result is conflict and division.

How can we avoid division? Paul writes that we must avoid those who cause it. If it is our aim to serve Christ, then we must reject every influence which would turn us away from Him.

Though Paul issued a warning about those who cause division, he had confidence in the people to whom he wrote. In verses 19 and 20 he says, “For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil. And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

How can we recognize who the followers of Christ are? It goes without saying that if a person claims to be a follower he must actually follow. It is is not enough to merely wear the name of Christ. Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:14 NIV) In light of this, Paul was filled with joy because the people to whom he was writing in Rome, were known for their obedience. What is our reputation? Are we known as people who not only have the name of Christ but also do what He commands us?

Paul indicates that one of the results of obedience is that it will make us wise about what is good and keep us innocent about evil. We become experts in what we practice. The more we obey and do what Jesus commands, the more we will know what is good. As Paul already said in chapter 12, verse 2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)

Obedience not only makes us wise about what is good, it keeps us innocent about evil. Paul does not mean that we will not be able to recognize evil, but that we will not participate in it. If we keep ourselves busy doing what Jesus wants, we will not have the time or capacity to practice evil.

There is another benefit of obedience. It destroys Satan. Many people do not understand why sin has such a hold on them. Paul tells us the solution is to obey Christ. We will never be able to free ourselves by our own efforts. But when we obey, God gives us victory over Satan and gives us peace. Paul prays that the people to whom he writes will receive grace. He writes in another place, grace “…teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:12 NIV)

Though Paul wrote this letter, he allowed others to add their greetings as well. This is a practical demonstration of the unity Christ desired His followers to have. Verses 21 through 24 say, “TTimothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.”

Paul closes his letter with these words in verses 25 through 27, “Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.”

Throughout history man has been searching for the meaning of life. For thousands of years it remained a mystery. But now God has revealed it through the Gospel message which Paul and others preached. What God revealed is that through believing on Christ and obeying Him we can know God’s will and be reconciled to Him. It is only through Christ that we can be established. Do you believe in Him? Have you become one of His followers? Do you obey him?

When we speak of the church we often refer to it as an institution. For example, we will say things like, “The church teaches…” However, we should never forget that the church is composed of individuals who have submitted themselves to Jesus Christ. In light of this, it is no wonder that the Apostle Paul mentions several individuals in his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome.

In chapter 16, verses 1 and 2 he writes, “I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.”

Scholars debate whether Phoebe had an official position in the church or not. The one thing we can say about her for certain is that she served. She helped many people. Because she served others, she was worthy of receiving help when she had to travel to Rome on some business or legal matter. It is likely that Paul sent his letter to Rome in the hands of Phoebe. Paul vouched for her and asked the followers of Christ in Rome to assist her.

Paul continues, “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.” Paul first met this couple in the Greek city of Corinth where they lived after being expelled from Rome. They gave Paul work. Afterwards, they traveled with Paul to Ephesus. While at Ephesus they taught the noted speaker, Apollos, more about Jesus. Later they returned to Rome. We do not know when they risked their lives for Paul. Perhaps it was when the silversmiths in Ephesus rioted against Paul.

Another noteworthy thing about this husband and wife is that they hosted a church in their home. Many people think that the word “church” refers to a building. According to the New Testament, however, a church is not a physical building but rather a living temple composed of people – an assembly of those who follow Christ.

In verses 5 through 7 Paul writes, “Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Though scholars debate the point it is probable that Andronicus and Junias are another husband and wife. When Paul calls them his “relatives” he probably does not mean that they are from his immediate family, but that they are fellow Jews. Paul writes that they had been in prison with him, but we do not know any of the details about this incident.

What does Paul mean when he calls this couple “apostles”? They certainly are not among the 12 men whom Jesus selected as apostles. The solution to this dilemma is to realize that the word “apostle” means “one who is sent.” Apparently, a church chose this couple to work on its behalf in spreading the Gospel. In today’s language, we would call them missionaries.

In verses 8 through 12 Paul writes, “Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.”

We do not know who most of these people were. We do know that two very prominent men named Aristobulus and Narcissus were associated with Caesar’s household. However, we do not know whether they are the same men as Paul mentions. In any case, Paul does not greet them but, rather, the believers in their households. Since many of the people Paul mentions bear names which were given to slaves, we can assume that the followers of Christ in the households of these men most likely were slaves.

Verse 13 says, “Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” Many scholars believe that this is the same Rufus who is mentioned in Mark 15:21. If this is true, it was Rufus’ father, Simon, who carried the cross for Jesus. Undoubtedly, it was Simon’s unwilling service on that horrible day which eventually led his wife and sons to faith. Not only did Rufus become a well-known figure in the church, his mother became a mother to Paul.

Paul continues his greeting in verses 14 and 15, “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.” We do not know who these people are. Their names are not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. However, from what Paul says we can assume that churches met in their houses.

One of the remarkable things about the people whom Paul greets is how many of them are women. Several of them were prominent in the church. No matter who we are, our background or our gender, in Christ’s church there is a place for all of us. All can serve.

In verse 16 Paul says, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” At that time it was customary for people to greet one another with a kiss. What is important is not the form of greeting, but that the greeting be holy. Among the followers of Christ, there is no room for insincerity.

Paul concludes this section by saying, “The assemblies of Christ greet you.” At the time he wrote this letter, Paul had gathered a large offering for the church in Jerusalem. Representatives of the churches which had collected the offering accompanied him. No doubt it is they who are conveying the greetings on behalf of the churches they represented.

Before ascending to heaven Jesus Christ gave His disciples a command. He said, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV) When the Apostle Paul became a follower of Christ, he took this command very seriously.

Paul writes that he had fully evangelized the territory from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. To put it another way, he fully proclaimed Christ’s Gospel throughout the places we call Syria, Turkey and Greece, as well as parts of Yugoslavia and Albania.

When he says that he fully proclaimed the message, he does not mean that he personally taught everyone in these places about Jesus. Instead, he did something much more significant: Everywhere Paul went, he left behind fully functioning churches which were able to carry on the work he had started. This was the genius of his ministry. Paul and his companions would enter a city and proclaim Christ. He would form those who believed into a church and from among their own numbers would appoint Elders to lead and guide them. Then, Paul would leave and evangelize in another area where people had not yet had the opportunity to hear the Gospel. The churches Paul left behind would continue the work Paul started. In this way, large areas heard the Gospel in a short amount of time.

Paul’s stated desire was to go where Christ’s message had never been preached before. From Greece, the logical next step was to continue westward to Rome. However, there were already followers of Christ and a church at Rome. We know that people from Rome were present when the Apostle Peter first proclaimed in Jerusalem, on the day of Pentecost, that Jesus is the Savior. Some 3,000 men became followers of Christ that day. Presumably, some of the men from Rome were among those who believed.

Since there was already a church at Rome, Paul decided to travel beyond Rome into Spain. He wrote an extensive letter to the followers of Christ in Rome which provided them with additional teaching about salvation and living for Christ. He also expressed the hope that the believers in Rome would assist him on his journey. In chapter 15, verses 23 through 33 he writes, “but now, no longer having any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I will come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem. Yes, it has been their good pleasure, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them in fleshly things. When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain. I know that, when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ. Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

While Paul’s ambition was to proclaim Christ’s message to those who had not had the opportunity to hear it, he never forgot his obligations to those who already believed. At the time of Paul’s writing, the believers in Jerusalem were in need. Scripture records that they had not only been the target of persecution on more than one occasion, they had also suffered from famine. To help relieve their suffering Paul collected a large offering from other churches.

Paul saw this offering as a partial payment of a debt. It was the Jews who proclaimed the Gospel to the Gentile peoples. In light of this Paul felt it was only just for the Gentiles to share their material blessings with those who had told them about salvation.

Though Paul does not mention it here, he hoped that the offering would also be a demonstration of unity. It would show that both Jew and Gentile accepted one another. In Christ, the ancient hostilities which divided the two groups were now reconciled.

Paul asked the believers in Rome to pray that saints in Jerusalem would accept this service from him. Why did he think that they might not accept the gift he brought? One reason is that people were misinformed about Paul’s ministry. We know from other Scripture that they thought he spoke against the Mosaic Law. This, in their eyes, made him a traitor against Judaism. Paul was concerned that this misunderstanding might cause the believers in Jerusalem to reject him and the offering he brought.

Though Paul does not say so in this letter, another reason for Paul’s anxiety, no doubt, was his previous history with the Jerusalem church. Before becoming a follower of Christ, Paul was one of the church’s severest persecutors. On another occasion he said, “…On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme…” (Acts 26:10-11 NIV) It is reasonable to assume that there were still many in the Jerusalem church who had either personally suffered at Paul’s hands or who had lost loved ones because of what he did. They may have looked at the offering Paul brought as blood-money.

Wherever Paul went, he encountered opposition from Jews who resented his speaking to Gentiles about Christ. Paul asked the believers in Rome to pray that he would be rescued from such people in Jerusalem. If the prayers were answered as Paul anticipated, he would be free to come to Rome with the full blessing of Christ. Then, he and the Roman church could mutually refresh each other before he left for Spain.

The world tries to tell the followers of Christ that they are evil, ignorant and incompetent to teach anyone about God. The Apostle Paul, however, has a very different view. In chapter 15, verse 22 of his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome, he says, “I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others.”

How can this be since earlier in his letter, Paul himself quoted from the Psalms to make the point that no one is righteous before God? If that were not enough, he writes that, “there is no one who understands,” (Romans 3:11 NIV) How can he now say that the people to whom he is writing are full of goodness and complete in knowledge?

The answer to this dilemma is that Paul was referring to the condition of people who do not know Christ. It is very true that none of us can make ourselves pleasing to God through our own efforts or in our own strength. All of us, regardless of our background or religious heritage are sinners. However, Paul goes on to explain that when we submit ourselves to Christ, His sacrifice cleanses us. We are made new. God transforms us into the image and character of Christ. When God looks at us, He no longer sees us, but Christ in us. It is this transformation which fills us with goodness. It is this experience of being made new in Christ which makes us complete in knowledge. The most humble and uneducated villager who follows Christ knows more about God’s grace than the most sophisticated and educated scholar who is outside of Christ. At best, the scholar who is not a Christian can have only a dim and vague theoretical idea about salvation. The unsophisticated peasant who follows Christ knows by experience who God is and what pleases Him. It is this knowledge which makes the most unlettered and humble follower of Christ competent to teach and encourage others in a way the unbelieving scholar never can.

Unfortunately, many people, even in the church, have the idea that only leaders or those who have degrees in theology are competent to teach God’s people. Paul does not agree. He is not writing just to leaders, but to all the followers of Christ. Every follower of Christ has a message which is worth sharing with others. If nothing else, every follower of Christ can tell others how Christ has changed him.

If everyone in the church is full of goodness, is complete in knowledge and is capable of instructing one another, then why did Paul write this letter? He tells us in verses 15 through 22. “But I write the more boldly to you in part, as reminding you, because of the grace that was given to me by God, that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. I have therefore my boasting in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God. For I will not dare to speak of any things except those which Christ worked through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ; yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another’s foundation. But, as it is written, “They will see, to whom no news of him came. They who haven’t heard will understand.” Therefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you,”

In these verses, Paul gives two reasons for writing his letter. The first is to remind the followers of Christ of the teaching they have received about Christ and the process of salvation. We humans have a tendency to forget. When we forget what we were before knowing Christ, and how much He has done for us, we start to take our blessings for granted. It is good to be reminded of God’s love. It is good to be reminded of how Christ has reconciled us to God.

Another reason for the letter is that Paul regarded writing it as part of his ministry. Even though he had never been to Rome he still felt a responsibility for the followers of Christ there. Christ said this about Paul, “…This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles…” (Acts 9:15 NIV) In light of this commission Paul considered writing this letter part of his priestly duty. The Apostle Peter writes that one of duties of a priest is to declare God’s praises. Writing to followers of Christ he says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV) Is it any wonder, then, that Paul felt obligated to declare God’s praise to the Gentiles living in Rome?

Another function of priests is to offer sacrifices. Paul wishes to present the Gentiles to whom he ministered, as it were, an acceptable sacrifice to God. This is why he was so eager to proclaim the good news of redemption and reconciliation to them.

If Paul’s purpose was to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentile peoples, and if he felt such an obligation to those at Rome, then why didn’t he visit them instead of writing a letter? A few verses later he says that he has longed for many years to see them. However, in this place he writes that he has been hindered from doing so. What caused the hindrance? What prevented Paul from visiting the people he longed to see? It was a sense of priorities. The people to whom Paul is writing are already followers of Christ. Paul felt it was more important to proclaim the Gospel to those who had never had the opportunity to hear it than to visit those who had already accepted Christ.

He writes that he had fully proclaimed the Gospel all the way from Jerusalem to the province of Illyricum. This means that he had preached Christ’s message throughout the countries we know as Syria, Turkey and Greece. This is a vast area. Even today, with our modern transportation and means of communication, it would be difficult for anyone to personally visit and evangelize it all. Yet, Paul does not take the credit for himself and boast of all he accomplished. Instead, he gives the credit to Christ who empowered him through the Holy Spirit to proclaim the message and to work signs and miracles. To whom do we give the credit and praise for the things we accomplish?

All of us are different. We come from different families, backgrounds, experiences, traditions and cultures. As a result, we not only have different tastes and preferences, we also think differently. Sometimes we lack the very concepts or point of view which are necessary to comprehend what the other person is saying.

Even the followers of Christ sometimes have difficulty in understanding and getting along with one another because they are different people from different backgrounds. Though they have a common faith, and have submitted themselves to the Lordship of Christ, they still look at things differently from each other. Also, they are at different stages in their journey of faith. Not everyone has had the same opportunity to study the Scriptures. Some have had to face more challenges to their faith than others. As a result, the faith of some is stronger, while the faith of others is weaker. Because of their situation and life-experiences people have different convictions about what is permissible and what is inappropriate for a follower of Christ to do.

This was a problem among the followers of Christ at Rome. Some of them were Jews who had come to believe in Christ. Others came from a pagan background. It was not always easy for people from these various groups to worship and fellowship together in harmony.

Among the issues which divided these people were questions about whether it is permissible to eat meat – particularly meat which had been sacrificed by pagans to idols. Another issue was whether a person should celebrate the various holidays and feast days. Still another issue was whether it is permissible to drink wine.

Not only was there a genuine difference of opinion regarding these things, it also seems that some people might have struggled with feelings of prejudice against those who came from a different tradition than themselves. Prejudice stems from feelings of superiority or inferiority – the idea that one group is better than the other. In turn, prejudice produces factions and divisions.

In chapter 14 of his letter, the Apostle Paul instructed the followers of Christ how they should treat one another in spite of differences in their convictions about disputable matters. He told them not to pass judgment on one another, to not do anything which would be a stumbling block to those whose faith is weaker and to always act in love.

In chapter 15, verses 5 through 13, Paul tells us the secret of unity. He writes, “Now the God of patience and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God. Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore will I give praise to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” Again he says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” Again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Let all the peoples praise him.” Again, Isaiah says, “There will be the root of Jesse, he who arises to rule over the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles will hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In this passage Paul acknowledges that developing a spirit of unity is not always easy. To do so requires endurance and encouragement. He prays that God will provide these to the people to whom he writes so that they can be united.

We try to achieve unity by trying to eliminate our differences. But Paul writes that the key to obtaining unity is something else. Instead of focusing on our differences, we all must follow Christ Jesus. It is when we turn our eyes on Jesus, rather than the things which we object to in one another, that we can glorify God with one heart and mouth.

Paul does not say so explicitly, but he certainly implies that the reason for our disunity is that we have forgotten our purpose. We are not here to criticize those who are different from us. No, our purpose is to glorify God. When all of us have the same goal of glorifying God, we will be united in purpose and will accept one another in spite of our differences.

There is another reason we ought to accept one another. Paul reminds us that Christ accepted us. Whatever differences there may be between us and another follower of Christ, it is nothing compared to the difference there was between the despicable sinners we were and the holy and blameless Jesus Christ. Earlier in his letter Paul reminds us that all of us, Jew and Gentile alike, were sinners in God’s sight and worthy of punishment. In spite of that, Christ accepts those who turn from sin, believe on Him and are baptized into His death so they can be re-made into His image. If Christ did that for us, should we not accept the other followers of Christ?

To illustrate the point further, Paul reminds his readers that Christ became a servant to the Jews. If our Lord can serve, should we not serve others as well? But why did Christ become a servant? It was not only to bring the Jews salvation, it was also to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs. For example, God told Abraham, “…all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3 NIV) In Christ, God made good on His promise. The Gentile peoples as well as the Jews may now be reconciled to God. Everyone, regardless of cultural, ethnic or religious background can now glorify God for His mercy. No matter who we are, we have hope in Him. As we put our trust in Him, He fills us with peace and joy through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in Christ’s followers.

There is something else worth mentioning in this passage. Some religions discourage singing. Some even forbid music altogether. Yet, the Scriptures Paul quotes link song and praise. It is with song that the followers of Christ praise God. What Christ has done for us should move us to sing. If there is no song in our heart, is it because we have not submitted ourselves to Christ?

People come from many different backgrounds and cultures. Our customs, practices and ways of thinking are different. Because of these differences it can sometimes be difficult to understand one another, let alone accept one another. Sometimes there are misunderstandings even among people who share the same background and who love one another.

This is true for the followers of Christ as well. Even though they have all heard and believed the same message about the death, burial and resurrection of Christ; even though they have all placed themselves under Christ’s authority, they still have different practices and differences of opinion. Some have a strong faith which allows them to do certain things. Others, whose faith is not as strong, have a conscience against those things.

If we are not careful, these differences can cause division, or even cause someone to sin – to the place where it destroys his faith. In chapter 14 of his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome, the Apostle Paul gives several principles which will help us get along with each other even when we have different convictions regarding acceptable behavior. Among them are:

1) If we have a conviction against something we are not to try to bind it on others. What we believe concerning these things is between ourselves and God.
2) We are not to offend others with our freedoms.
3) All is to be done to God’s glory and with thanksgiving.

While teaching these principles, Paul mentions three specific areas about which people think differently. The first area has to do with food. In verse 2 he writes, “One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.” (NIV)

The first people to become disciples of Christ were Jews. Although Christ declared that all food is clean (Mark 7:19), no doubt some of the Jewish believers still observed the dietary restrictions given in the Law of Moses. They could not eat things like pork with a clear conscience. It would be a cause of offense if a Gentile follower of Christ offered them pork. Similarly, some Gentiles may have been influenced by the Greek philosophy which teaches that matter, and particularly, flesh is evil. It would have been difficult for them to eat any meat at all. It would have caused offense if a Jewish follower of Christ offered them meat.

A second problem with eating meat was more serious. In Paul’s day, much of the meat sold in the marketplace had been offered in sacrifice to idols. Being sacrificed did not change the composition of the meat in any way, but the association with idol worship did cause some people problems of conscience. They felt that to eat such meat was to participate in idol worship.

What was Paul’s solution to this problem? In another place he writes, “Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if anyone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience’ sake – the other man’s conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?” (1 Corinthians 10:25-29 NIV)

Another area of dispute has to do with observing holy days. In verse 5 Paul writes, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike…” (NIV) Paul probably had in mind the feast days commanded in the Law of Moses. Is it necessary for Christians to observe them? Some said yes, others no. Similarly, some thought it permissible to celebrate Gentile holidays. Others did not.

What was Paul’s solution to this problem? He writes that each person should be fully convinced in his own mind (Romans 14:5). By this Paul means that either position is okay. No one is less of a follower of Christ regardless of which side of the issue he takes. No matter which side we come down on, we are entitled to our own opinion. Secondly, if a special day is celebrated, it must be done “to the Lord” (Romans 14:6). Why should we object if something is done for the Lord, even if it is not required by Scripture? On the other hand, if we cannot dedicate a holiday or feast day to the Lord, then we should not celebrate it.

A third area of dispute is the drinking of wine. He mentions this in verse 21. Some hold that it is permissible to drink wine, others do not. What is Paul’s instruction about it? If drinking will cause a brother to fall, it is better to avoid it altogether, even if we have concluded that drinking is permissible.

The key to all such disputes is to act in love. As Paul has already said earlier in his letter, “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10 NIV)

To drive the point home, Paul refers to the example of Christ. In chapter 15, verses 1 through 4 he writes, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up. For even Christ didn’t please himself. But, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Just as Christ sought our good instead of pleasing Himself, we also ought to seek to do what is good for our fellow believers. Just as Christ worked for our good, we should do good to others so that they will be built up. We should be willing to even endure insults for the sake of our fellow believers, just as Christ endured insults for us. When people insult us for our convictions, or for helping our brothers, it is really Christ they are insulting, not us.

Jesus said that the world would be able to recognize who His followers are by their love. “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)

As followers of Christ we have to admit, with shame, that we have not always displayed the kind of love for one another that we should. Often times this lack of love for one another becomes apparent over matters of opinion. There are many things about which the Scriptures do not give specific instructions. The faith of some followers of Christ allows them to do certain things. Others, whose faith is not as strong, have a conviction against it. As humans, we have a tendency to condemn those who do what we do not approve. Similarly we tend to look down on those who have a scruple against doing things which we approve.

In chapter 14 of his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome the Apostle Paul points out that our fellow believers are servants of Christ. It is not our place to judge someone else’s servant. All of us will stand before God’s judgment seat. Each of us will have to give an account for our own actions to God.

In chapter 14, verses 13 through 23 he goes on to say, “Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling. I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don’t destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Then don’t let your good be slandered, for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up. Don’t overthrow God’s work for food’s sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating. It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn’t judge himself in that which he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.”

In this passage Paul gives us several principles which will help us to live in harmony with fellow believers who have different opinions than we do. He writes that we should decide not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in their way. In other words, we must determine not do anything which will tempt or cause a fellow believer to sin. This means that we will not pressure someone to violate their conscience. If they have a conviction against something, we will respect their scruple – even if we are convinced that their scruple is misplaced.

Secondly, we will be careful not to cause distress or set a wrong example by what we do. “If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love…” (Romans 14:15 NIV) It’s worth noting that the word for ‘love’ in this verse is the kind of unconditional love which God has for us. We may think that we are acting on principle, but we are violating a greater principle if we are causing distress to a brother in Christ by what we do.

In another place Paul writes, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” (1 Corinthians 8:9-13 NIV)

Another principle is to do what leads to peace and mutual edification (Romans 14:16-19). Though we may have different opinions or convictions about certain activities or practices, we are never to let those differences cause division. We are to get along with each other in peace. If a practice or a freedom is in danger of upsetting the harmony and peace with our fellow believers, then we need to restrict our freedom so that it no longer is a source of contention.

Notice that Paul mentions mutual edification. Regardless of our convictions about disputable matters, we can learn from each other. We have a tendency to dismiss those with whom we don’t agree. But it shouldn’t be that way. If nothing else, giving a respectful hearing to the other point of view can help us re-examine and refine our own convictions. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find out that our understanding of a particular issue isn’t as solid as we thought. We might even come to the conclusion that we’ve been wrong. When each person involved in a difference of opinion keeps the interests of the other person in mind instead of his own rights or preferences, both will benefit and grow in the Lord.

Why is doing what leads to peace and mutual edification so important? In verse 16 Paul says to not let what we consider good be spoken of as evil. If we argue about our differences of opinion and allow them to divide us, we miss the whole point. We start to put a higher priority on incidental issues instead of the things which are really important, that is, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, which Paul mentions in verse 17. Instead of bringing people closer to Christ, our bickering will give people the opportunity to bad-mouth Christianity.

Just as it is possible to be overly scrupulous, that is having a conscience against doing things which are permissible, it is also possible to be too lax in what we approve. Even though something is allowed, it might not be beneficial. We need to always consider what would be best, not just for us, but for the other person. In another place Paul writes, ““Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NIV)

The Apostle Paul teaches us that if we love one another we will not need rules and regulations to restrain our actions. To the followers of Christ in Rome he writes, “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10 NIV)

However, this still leaves us with a problem. Even though we are followers of Christ and do our best to treat one another according to love, we still have disagreements. One reason for these disagreements is that we are all at different places in our knowledge and understanding of Christ. To put it another way, we each have differing amounts of faith. Knowing and following Christ is a growth process. One person may have a very strong faith in one area, yet be weak in faith in another. Our faith becomes stronger as it is tested in various circumstances.

What should we do when our differences in faith and understanding cause us to disagree with our fellow believers? In chapter 14 of his letter, verses 1 through 12, Paul tells us how we should treat each other when we have differences of opinion. “Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Don’t let him who eats despise him who doesn’t eat. Don’t let him who doesn’t eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand. One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn’t eat, to the Lord he doesn’t eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’” So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.”

Notice that Paul is not writing about the key teachings of Christ. There are some things which we must believe if we are to follow Him. For example, if we are to follow Christ, we have no choice but to believe that He rose from the dead. Instead, Paul is writing about “disputable matters” – those things which are not central to the faith. Before going forward we should define what we mean by a “disputable matter.” A disputable matter is something about which the Scriptures are silent, or give no specific instruction. In the classic case, there is no command regarding the issue, nor is there a prohibition. In other cases, something is said in Scripture but does not directly apply to our situation.

In all these circumstances we have to exercise judgment. We have to arrive at our convictions and conclusions based on principles and inference. Inevitably, some of our conclusions will differ. For example, some say that practices which are not explicitly sanctioned in Scripture are prohibited. Others conclude that silence on a particular issue indicates permission. Still others say that all such things are matters of opinion and left to individual preference. How can we retain unity and love while, at the same time, respect each other’s conclusions and convictions?

The person who is weak in faith, sees restrictions in God’s word where there are none. He prohibits where God has given liberty. In contrast, the person who is strong in faith has a more mature understanding of Scripture. His conscience has been trained by God’s word. “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 NIV) Whether we are weak or strong in faith regarding non-essential practices, Paul writes that we are to accept each other.

Those who are strong must not look down on those who have convictions which are narrower than they need to be. Conversely, the person who does not practice certain things must not condemn those who do. We must not try to bind our convictions about disputable matters on others.

The reason we shouldn’t judge another person regarding disputable matters is that the Lord is the Master of both the person whose convictions allow him to do certain things and the person who has a conviction against those things. We have no right to criticize someone else’s servant. Our focus should be on what the Lord would have us do, not on what we think the other person should or should not do. Since Christ accepts the other person, we should as well.

Remember, that this is only in regard to disputable matters, already defined as those areas where the Scriptures are silent or give no specific instruction. Where Scripture does give clear instruction, we have an obligation to instruct, teach and admonish. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV) When we point out that someone is in violation of Scripture, it is not us passing judgment, but the Lord.

Paul writes that we should be fully convinced in our own minds that our practice in a given area is acceptable to the Lord. In other words, we must follow the dictates of our conscience. Even if something is perfectly alright, if we cannot do it with a clear conscience then, for us, it is wrong. On the other hand, if we can do something with a clear conscience then it is okay for us to do it even if someone else’s conscience will not allow him to do it.

We must also be able to do what we are doing for God and thank Him while we are doing it. Paul’s point is that whether we abstain or participate in any activity, the focus should be on the Lord, not our desires. If we can honestly dedicate our practice or activity to the Lord, then we may go ahead and do it. If, on the other hand, we cannot imagine Christ participating in what we are doing, then we should reconsider. Perhaps what we are doing is not pleasing to Him after all.

Most human activities tend to become more complex over time. For example, think of a sport or a game. In the beginning the rules were quite simple: Move the ball forward until you can pass it through the goalposts. But as situations arose which the inventors did not anticipate, they added more rules. Each circumstance called for another regulation until the rules became quite complex. Now it is not enough to move the ball forward, you are forbidden to carry it and you can touch it with only certain parts of your body. The more rules there are, the more skill is required to play the game.

The same holds true in religion. The covenant which God made with the Israelites is summed up in only ten rules, which we call the Ten Commandments. To help define how these rules apply in different situations, God added over 600 more. Unfortunately, because of our sinful natures and because the Law is so complex, only Christ could fully keep it. But man was not content to leave it there. Over the years, the Israelites added many more rules to define and refine what God said. The rules and regulations men added to the Law transformed it from something almost impossible to keep into a crushing burden.

In his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome, the Apostle Paul points out that Christ removes the burden and complexity of the Law from our backs. The Law hemmed us in with external rules. Christ transforms us from the inside so that we naturally want to do what is right and good in God’s sight. In fact, he replaces the complex rules with one principle which covers all circumstances.

In chapter 13 of his letter, verses 8 through 14, Paul writes, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not give false testimony,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.”

What Paul writes in these verses is in agreement with what Christ, Himself, said. A lawyer once asked Him what the greatest commandment is. “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)

Paul gives four specific examples of how love fulfills the commandments of the Law. If we love, we will not take another person’s spouse for ourselves because, as he writes in another place, love is “not self seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV). Similarly, if we love we will not murder because love “is not easily angered” and “it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV). If we love we will not steal because “love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV). If we love we will not covet because love “does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV).

The purpose of law is to protect us from one another so that we do no harm to anyone. Since love does not do harm it, by definition, accomplishes the purpose of law.

Not only does love fulfill the Law, a second reason Paul says to love is that “our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11 NIV). This is a reference to the return of Christ when He will gather those who are saved to Himself and judge the world. Earlier in his letter Paul made it very clear that the followers of Christ have already been saved. “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1 NIV). This is something which took place in the past. However, Paul also makes it clear that salvation is an ongoing and continuous process. The followers of Christ are being transformed into His image. This transformation is taking place in the present. In this passage Paul indicates that there is also a future component to salvation. Our salvation will not be complete until Christ returns.

We do not know when Christ will return. All we know is that each day brings it closer. Because salvation is a continuous process and we do not know when Christ will return, we dare not be complacent. We cannot use our accepting Christ at some point in the past as an excuse to fold our hands in sleep – doing nothing further to live according to God’s will. As Paul has already said, we must continue to love one another.

Part of love is putting aside “the deeds of darkness” (Romans 13:12 NIV). Since “love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV) we cannot say that we love while continuing to participate in evil. If we follow Christ we must uproot all unrighteousness from our lives. As examples, Paul lists such things as orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension and jealousy. If we have these things in our lives we are not acting in love.

In place of deeds of darkness Paul writes that we must “put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12 NIV). What is the armor of light? In another place Paul describes this armor as “the belt of truth… the breastplate of righteousness… feet fitted with readiness… the shield of faith… the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV) Here, however, Paul simply says that we are to clothe ourselves with Christ. In other words, we can say that the armor of light is the characteristics of Christ. We all need to ask ourselves whether we are becoming more like Christ, or whether we are still trying to gratify our sinful desires.

We serve a God who is loving, kind and merciful. The Old Testament writers repeatedly assure us that He does not treat us as our sins deserve. We see this most clearly in the fact that God sent Jesus Christ to redeem us from our sin. Jesus takes the penalty for sin upon Himself for those who choose to follow Him.

But the mercy of God also places an obligation upon us. It impels us to treat others with the same mercy God has shown us. In his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome, the Apostle Paul writes that we should not take vengeance for ourselves on those who wrong us. Instead, we must show them kindness.

Something else the mercy of God impels us to do is respect His standards and the things He has instituted. In chapter 13, verse 1 through 7, Paul writes, “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is
evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, attending continually on this very thing. Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.”

From what Paul writes we learn that the institution of government is not something arbitrary which mankind thought up on its own. The form of government may be different from place to place and at different times in history, but the idea of granting authority to certain individuals or institutions to bring order to society comes from God. There is no question that God is the supreme ruler. Nothing can take place and no one can do anything which God does not allow. Though this is the case, God delegates His power and authority to earthly rulers who govern, protect and administer justice. Since God has established the governing authorities, it follows that they are God’s representatives.

This has important implications. We must submit to the governing authorities just as we submit to God. We must obey them as we obey God. Paul writes that if we rebel against the authorities, then we are actually rebelling against what God has instituted. If we rebel against what God has established, we bring judgment on ourselves. In contrast, if we do what is right, we have no need to fear the government.

However, this raises an important question. We all know that governing authorities are not always righteous. They often do things which are evil. They sometimes require us to do things which are contrary to God’s standards. Are we obligated to obey the governing authorities when they tell us to do what is wrong?

Paul does not answer this question directly. Instead, he answers the question by telling us what the responsibility of governing authorities is. He says that one responsibility of government is to commend those who do what is right. Another responsibility of government is to do good to those under its authority. A third responsibility is to punish those who do wrong. In light of this we can say that we are not obligated to obey a governing authority when it tells us to do anything which violates these principles. For example, if a government requires us to condone or participate in an activity which God has declared wrong, or if a government forbids us from practicing something which God has commanded us to do, we are not obligated to obey.

Christ’s Apostles provide an excellent illustration of this. When the governing authorities in Jerusalem forbade them to speak or teach in Jesus’ name, “…Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.”” (Acts 4:19 NIV)

However, if there is no conflict between what the government requires and what God desires, we are obligated to submit to the government. Paul states that the governing authorities are God’s servants. To put it another way, the reason we ought to obey and submit to rulers is that they are acting on behalf of God. We obey not only from fear of incurring God’s wrath and punishment if we do not, but because we have submitted ourselves to God. To disobey God’s servants would violate our conscience.

It is obvious that someone cannot pursue a course of action unless he has the means to do so. Protecting the innocent and punishing wrongdoers is not without expense. Also, the authorities cannot do the work God has given them unless their own needs are met. Governing a city, a province or a nation is a full-time job. Since rulers give full time to governing, they do not have the ability to earn a living by doing something else. This is the purpose of taxes. They are to pay the costs of government and provide income for those who govern. No one likes to pay taxes, yet they are necessary. Instead of complaining about them, perhaps we should give thanks that our taxes enable the authorities to accomplish the work God has given them on our behalf.

Paul writes that we are not only obligated to pay taxes to whom they are due, we must give to everyone what we owe them whether it be revenue, honor or respect. Following Christ does not exempt us from giving respect and honor to others. We have a tendency to mock or ridicule leaders and government officials whom we dislike, or whose policies we disapprove of. This should not be. Whether we like them or not, they are God’s servants. We should treat them as such. If we cannot respect the person, we should at least pay him the honor due his position.