Romans 14:1

KJV

¶ Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.

KJV (with Strong's)

Him that is weak {G770} in the faith {G4102} receive ye {G4355}, but {G1161} not {G3361} to {G1519} doubtful {G1261} disputations {G1253}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now as for a person whose trust is weak, welcome him — but not to get into arguments over opinions.

Berean Standard Bible

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

American Standard Version

But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:1 initiates a profound discourse on Christian unity, liberty, and conscience within the diverse early church in Rome. Paul instructs believers to graciously welcome those who are "weak in the faith"—referring to individuals whose consciences are more scrupulous regarding non-essential practices—without engaging in contentious debates that might lead to doubt or division. This verse sets the foundational principle for fostering a harmonious community where mutual acceptance and love supersede personal convictions on disputable matters, ensuring that the body of Christ remains united despite varying levels of spiritual maturity or understanding concerning Christian freedoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14 begins a significant section (chapters 14-15) where Paul shifts from theological exposition and ethical exhortation to practical application concerning internal church relationships. Having established the foundational doctrines of justification by faith and sanctification, he now addresses specific points of contention within the Roman Christian community. This chapter immediately follows a call to living sacrifices and the transformation of the mind in [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Living Sacrifices and Transformed Minds"), and a discussion of love fulfilling the law in [Romans 13](/romans/13 "Romans 13 - Love Fulfills the Law"). The issue at hand is not fundamental doctrine, but rather differing practices and convictions regarding matters like dietary laws (eating meat vs. vegetables) and the observance of special days, which were causing judgment and division among believers. Romans 14:1 serves as the thesis statement for Paul's subsequent arguments, emphasizing the imperative of acceptance over disputation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Rome was a complex tapestry of Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians, many of whom had grown up under the Mosaic Law, often struggled to fully embrace the freedom from dietary restrictions and ceremonial observances that the gospel offered. They might still abstain from certain foods or observe specific days, not out of legalism, but out of deeply ingrained cultural and religious habits or a sensitive conscience. Gentile Christians, on the other hand, having come from pagan backgrounds, might have readily embraced their liberty in Christ, viewing all foods as clean and all days as equal. This created tension, as the "stronger" (those who understood their freedom) might despise the "weaker" (those with scruples), and the "weaker" might judge the "stronger." The Roman context also involved a diverse marketplace where meat might have been sacrificed to idols, further complicating dietary choices for some. Paul's instruction is therefore highly practical, addressing real-world challenges in a multicultural, multi-background Christian community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and contributes to several pivotal themes explored throughout Romans 14-15 and the broader Pauline corpus. Foremost among them is **Christian Liberty and Conscience**, highlighting that while believers are free in Christ, this freedom must be exercised with consideration for others, especially those with a weaker conscience. It also emphasizes **Mutual Acceptance and Edification**, urging believers to receive one another as Christ has received them, focusing on building up rather than tearing down (cf. [Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Christ's Acceptance of All")). The theme of **Unity in Diversity** is central, demonstrating that true Christian unity is not uniformity in all practices, but a shared faith in Christ that allows for differences in non-essential matters. Finally, the passage underscores the principle of **Love as the Guiding Principle** in all interactions, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of a fellow believer over one's own rights or preferences, as seen in [Romans 14:15](/romans/14-15 "Romans 14:15 - Do Not Destroy Your Brother Through Food").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weak (Greek, _asthenéō'_):** From G770, meaning "to be feeble (in any sense)." In this context, it refers not to a deficiency in saving faith itself, but to a believer who is "feeble" or "scrupulous" in their understanding or application of Christian liberty. Their conscience might be overly sensitive or not fully persuaded regarding the freedom they have in Christ concerning disputable matters like food or special days. This "weakness" is a state of being easily stumbled or prone to doubt concerning practices not explicitly forbidden by God's moral law.
* **Receive (Greek, _proslambánō'_):** From G4355, meaning "to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)." Here, it carries the strong connotation of welcoming, accepting, and taking into fellowship. It implies a warm, non-judgmental embrace, extending hospitality and companionship without reservation or immediate challenge. This is an active, intentional act of inclusion, reflecting Christ's own acceptance of us.
* **Doubtful disputations (Greek, _dialogismós'_ and _diákrisis'_):** G1261 (_dialogismós_) refers to "discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate," often carrying a negative connotation of "doubtful reasoning" or "dispute." G1253 (_diákrisis_) means "judicial estimation" or "discernment," but in this context, combined with _dialogismós_, it refers to "disputations of reasonings" or "judgments of thoughts." Paul is warning against receiving someone into fellowship only to immediately engage them in contentious debates or critical judgments over their personal convictions, especially those that are the product of their sensitive conscience or reasoning. The goal is not to force conformity through argument, but to foster unity through acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye":** This clause issues a direct command to the "stronger" believers (those with a robust understanding of their Christian liberty) to extend unconditional welcome and acceptance to those who are "weak in the faith." This "weakness" is not a lack of saving faith, but a sensitive or scrupulous conscience regarding non-essential practices. The imperative "receive ye" (present tense, active voice) indicates an ongoing, active responsibility to embrace such individuals into fellowship without judgment or reservation, reflecting the inclusive nature of the gospel.
* **"but not to doubtful disputations":** This second clause provides a crucial qualification to the command of reception. The Greek conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast. While believers are to be received, it must not be for the purpose (indicated by G1519, _eis_, "to" or "into") of engaging in "doubtful disputations" (G1261, _dialogismós_, "reasonings" or "disputes" combined with G1253, _diákrisis_, "judicial estimation" or "discernment"). This means avoiding debates, arguments, or critical examinations of their personal convictions that would lead to judging their conscience, causing them to doubt their faith, or creating division within the community. The emphasis is on preserving unity and peace over winning an argument on a non-essential matter.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey his urgent message. The verse begins with an **Imperative** ("receive ye"), a direct command that underscores the non-negotiable nature of this instruction for the Roman believers. This command is immediately followed by a **Contrast** or **Antithesis** ("but not to doubtful disputations"), which clarifies the manner of reception: welcome them, but not for the purpose of contentious debate. This creates a clear boundary for appropriate interaction. Furthermore, the phrase "weak in the faith" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "faith" stands for the believer's understanding and application of Christian truth, specifically concerning matters of liberty. The "weakness" is not in their core belief in Christ, but in their confidence or conviction regarding disputable practices. The entire verse serves as a **Thesis Statement** for the subsequent discussion in Romans 14-15, setting the tone and guiding principle for navigating internal church differences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:1 lays the groundwork for a profound theology of Christian community, emphasizing that the strength of the church is found not in uniformity of practice, but in the unity of the Spirit expressed through mutual love and acceptance. This verse teaches that Christian liberty, while real and precious, is not an absolute right to be exercised without regard for others. Instead, it must be tempered by love, empathy, and a commitment to building up, not tearing down, the body of Christ. The "weak" are not to be despised for their scruples, nor are the "strong" to be judged for their freedom. Rather, both are called to humble themselves, prioritize the spiritual well-being of their fellow believers, and recognize that their ultimate accountability is to the Lord, not to one another's opinions on disputable matters. This framework fosters an environment where diverse expressions of faith can coexist harmoniously, centered on the core truths of the gospel.

* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")
* [Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Christ's Acceptance of All")
* [Ephesians 4:2-3](/ephesians/4-2-3 "Unity in Humility and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless wisdom of Romans 14:1 continues to be profoundly relevant for the church in every generation. In a world increasingly polarized, and in Christian communities often divided over secondary issues, Paul’s instruction calls us back to the heart of gospel-centered fellowship. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those who hold differing convictions on non-essential matters, whether these relate to worship styles, political engagement, entertainment choices, or even personal dietary habits. The command to "receive ye" compels us to extend genuine, non-judgmental hospitality and acceptance, recognizing that spiritual maturity manifests not in rigid adherence to our own preferences, but in humble love for others. We are cautioned against turning our personal liberties into stumbling blocks or occasions for contentious debates, which inevitably lead to division rather than edification. True spiritual strength is demonstrated not by asserting our rights, but by sacrificing them for the sake of a weaker brother or sister, fostering an environment where all feel valued, loved, and free to grow in their own conscience before God. This requires discerning what is truly essential to the faith and what falls into the category of "disputable matters," always prioritizing the unity of the Spirit and the building up of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my faith or practice might I be "strong" and inadvertently cause a "weaker" brother or sister to stumble?**
* **Am I truly receiving others into fellowship without hidden agendas or the desire to immediately correct their non-essential convictions?**
* **How can I distinguish between fundamental doctrines (which must be upheld) and disputable matters (where grace and liberty should prevail)?**
* **What specific "doubtful disputations" might be hindering unity in my local church or Christian community, and how can I contribute to their cessation?**

### FAQ

**What does "weak in the faith" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Romans 14:1, "weak in the faith" does not refer to a lack of saving faith or a deficiency in one's commitment to Christ. Instead, it describes a believer whose conscience is particularly sensitive or scrupulous regarding non-essential practices, such as dietary laws or the observance of specific days. These individuals might feel bound by certain rules or traditions, even though Christ has granted freedom from them. Their "weakness" is in their understanding or confidence in the full extent of Christian liberty, making them prone to doubt or feel condemned if they deviate from their personal convictions. Paul's concern is that "stronger" believers (those who fully grasp their freedom) should not cause these "weaker" ones to violate their conscience or stumble in their faith by pressuring them to adopt practices they are not yet persuaded of. This concept is further explored in [Romans 14:2-3](/romans/14-2-3 "Romans 14:2-3 - Dietary Differences") and [Romans 14:23](/romans/14-23 "Romans 14:23 - Whatever Is Not from Faith Is Sin").

**What are "doubtful disputations" and why should we avoid them?**

Answer: "Doubtful disputations" refers to contentious arguments, debates, or critical judgments over matters of personal conviction that are not central to the gospel. The Greek phrase suggests "disputations of reasonings" or "judgments of thoughts." Paul advises against engaging in such discussions because they tend to lead to division, condemnation, and doubt rather than edification and unity. When we receive a fellow believer, it should be with genuine acceptance and hospitality, not with the immediate intention of challenging their conscience or forcing them to adopt our viewpoint on non-essential issues. The goal is to build up the body of Christ in love, recognizing that each believer stands or falls before their own Lord, as articulated in [Romans 14:4](/romans/14-4 "Romans 14:4 - Who Are You to Judge?"). Avoiding these disputations preserves peace and allows for spiritual growth at an individual's own pace, guided by their conscience and the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:1, though a practical instruction for church life, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself perfectly embodied the principle of receiving the weak without engaging in doubtful disputations. He consistently welcomed outcasts, sinners, and those considered "unclean" by the religious elite, extending grace and acceptance without first demanding their conformity to human traditions (cf. [Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, demonstrating that the heart of God's law is love for God and neighbor, which transcends rigid adherence to external regulations (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His ministry was characterized by compassion for the spiritually "feeble" and a patient, gentle approach to those whose understanding was incomplete (cf. [Matthew 12:20](/matthew/12-20 "Matthew 12:20 - A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break")). Moreover, Christ’s ultimate act of "receiving" us was His sacrifice on the cross, where He accepted us in our weakness and sin, making us righteous before God without first requiring us to clean ourselves up or perfectly understand all theological nuances (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners")). Therefore, when Paul commands believers to "receive ye" the weak in faith, he is calling them to imitate the very character and redemptive work of Christ, who perfectly modeled unconditional love, gracious acceptance, and a focus on essential truth over contentious trivialities. Our unity in Christ is a reflection of His own unifying work, where He broke down walls of division to create one new humanity (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 15:1

¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

1 Corinthians 8:7

¶ Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.

Romans 15:7

¶ Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 14:21

[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

1 Corinthians 3:1

¶ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.