Romans 14:18

KJV

For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he that in {G1722} these things {G5125} serveth {G1398} Christ {G5547} is acceptable {G2101} to God {G2316}, and {G2532} approved {G1384} of men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anyone who serves the Messiah in this fashion both pleases God and wins the approval of other people.

Berean Standard Bible

For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

American Standard Version

For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:18 encapsulates the profound truth that a believer's conduct in matters of Christian liberty, when genuinely motivated by service to Christ, earns divine approval and, subsequently, the respect of fellow believers. This verse serves as a guiding principle for navigating "disputable matters" within the Christian community, emphasizing that true spiritual maturity and unity are found in prioritizing Christ's honor above personal preferences or human judgment, thereby securing God's favor and fostering harmonious relationships among the saints.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14:18 is situated within a lengthy discussion (Romans 14:1-15:7) where the Apostle Paul addresses the delicate issue of Christian freedom and unity, particularly concerning "disputable matters" (Romans 14:1). The preceding verses (Romans 14:1-12) establish the principle that believers should not judge or despise one another over non-essential practices like dietary restrictions or the observance of special days. Paul asserts that each person is accountable to the Lord alone (Romans 14:10-12) and that the kingdom of God is not about food and drink but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Verse 18, therefore, provides the criterion by which such actions are to be evaluated: service to Christ. It builds upon the idea that whatever is not done from faith is sin (Romans 14:23) and sets the stage for Paul's subsequent exhortation to pursue peace and mutual edification (Romans 14:19).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman church was a diverse community, comprised of both Jewish and Gentile converts. This diversity led to tensions over practices rooted in their former religious or cultural backgrounds. Jewish Christians, accustomed to Mosaic dietary laws and Sabbath observance, might have struggled with Gentile Christians who felt free to eat all foods (including meat offered to idols) and regarded all days alike. Paul's teaching in Romans 14 was revolutionary, challenging both legalistic tendencies and libertine attitudes. He sought to prevent division within the nascent church by emphasizing core theological truths over secondary practices. The cultural context also included prevalent pagan practices, such as idol worship and associated feasts, which made the consumption of meat a particularly contentious issue for some believers who wished to avoid any perceived compromise with idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Romans and the broader Pauline corpus. It underscores **Christ-centered living**, asserting that all actions, even in areas of personal liberty, should be directed towards serving Christ. This theme is foundational to Paul's theology, as seen in his call for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Another key theme is **divine acceptance**, highlighting that God's approval is the ultimate goal and validation of a believer's life, transcending human opinions or judgments. This resonates with Paul's consistent emphasis on justification by faith in Christ, which leads to peace with God (Romans 5:1). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **unity in diversity** within the body of Christ. By focusing on Christ-centered service in disputable matters, believers can maintain harmony and mutual respect despite differing convictions, preventing division and fostering a spirit of love and understanding, as further elaborated in [Romans 15:1-7](/romans/15-1-7 "Romans 15:1-7 - Bear with the Weak and Glorify God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **serveth (Greek, _douleúō'_):** From _doulos_ (slave), this verb means "to be a slave to" or "to serve." It implies a deep, voluntary commitment and submission, not merely casual service. In the context of Romans 14:18, it signifies that the believer's choices and actions, particularly in "these things" (disputable matters), are not self-serving but are performed out of a complete devotion and obedience to Christ as Lord. This highlights the intentional, Christ-directed nature of their conduct.
* **acceptable (Greek, _euárestos'_):** This term is derived from _eu_ (well) and _arestos_ (pleasing), meaning "fully agreeable," "well-pleasing," or "satisfactory." When applied to God, it conveys the idea that the believer's service brings pleasure and delight to Him. It signifies a divine endorsement and affirmation of the believer's actions, indicating that their conduct aligns with God's will and brings Him glory.
* **approved (Greek, _dókimos'_):** From _dokeō_ (to seem, to think), this adjective means "acceptable (current after assayal)," "tried and found genuine," or "worthy of approval." It carries the imagery of metals tested for purity and found to be genuine. In this verse, it indicates that a life of Christ-centered service, which is acceptable to God, will also demonstrate its authenticity and value in the eyes of others, leading to their affirmation or respect. It suggests a proven character and conduct that stands up to scrutiny within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that in these things serveth Christ":** This opening clause establishes the subject and the sphere of action. "He that" refers to any believer. "In these things" directly points back to the "disputable matters" discussed in the preceding verses of Romans 14—issues like dietary choices, observance of days, and other non-essential practices. The crucial element is "serveth Christ," which defines the motivation and ultimate allegiance behind the believer's conduct in these areas. It means that even in matters of personal conviction, the believer's choices are not arbitrary or self-focused, but are intentionally directed towards honoring and obeying Christ as Lord.
* **"[is] acceptable to God":** This phrase declares the primary and most significant outcome of such Christ-centered service. The believer's actions, when genuinely flowing from devotion to Christ, are "well-pleasing" or "fully agreeable" to God. This emphasizes that God's approval is paramount and is the ultimate validation of a believer's life and choices. It underscores that our spiritual walk is first and foremost a walk before God, seeking His pleasure above all else.
* **"and approved of men":** This final clause indicates a secondary, yet significant, consequence. While God's acceptance is primary, a life genuinely dedicated to serving Christ in wisdom and love will naturally earn the respect and affirmation of fellow believers. This is not about seeking human praise, but rather the natural outcome of a life lived in integrity, humility, and consideration for others, which fosters unity and mutual respect within the Christian community. It suggests that such a life demonstrates its authenticity and spiritual maturity, earning the "approval" or recognition of others as genuine and commendable.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 14:18 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two outcomes of serving Christ: being "acceptable to God" and "approved of men." This structure highlights both the divine and human dimensions of validation, placing God's approval as primary while acknowledging the natural consequence of human affirmation. The phrase "in these things" functions as a **synecdoche**, where "these things" (referring to disputable matters) represent the broader scope of Christian conduct where liberty and love intersect. The verse also uses **emphasis** through its concise declaration, drawing immediate attention to the core principle of Christ-centered service as the criterion for evaluating actions. The use of strong verbs like "serveth" and descriptive adjectives like "acceptable" and "approved" further lends **gravitas** and authority to Paul's instruction, underscoring the importance of the believer's motivation and the resulting spiritual and communal benefits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:18 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian service and its ultimate goal. It teaches that true spiritual maturity is demonstrated not by rigid adherence to external rules, nor by unbridled liberty that causes offense, but by a heart wholly devoted to Christ in all matters. When our actions, particularly in areas of personal conviction, are driven by a desire to honor and serve Jesus, they become an offering pleasing to God. This divine acceptance is the highest form of validation, far surpassing any human judgment or opinion. The subsequent "approval of men" is not a goal in itself, but a natural overflow of a life genuinely submitted to Christ, fostering unity and respect within the body of believers. This verse thus beautifully integrates the vertical dimension of our relationship with God with the horizontal dimension of our relationships with one another.

* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Consideration for Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:18 provides a timeless compass for the Christian life, especially in an era marked by diverse opinions and convictions within the church. It challenges us to look beyond superficial differences and to examine the underlying motivation of our hearts. Are our actions, whether in matters of personal liberty, ministry involvement, or daily choices, truly aimed at serving Christ? When we prioritize His honor and seek His approval above all else, we find freedom from the pressure of human expectations and the temptation to judge others. This perspective fosters a spirit of humility, love, and unity, allowing us to build up rather than tear down the body of Christ. It reminds us that our ultimate audience is God, and when He is pleased, our lives become a powerful testimony to His grace, earning respect and fostering peace within our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "disputable matters" in your life or church community do you find yourself needing to apply the principle of serving Christ above personal preference?**
* **How might shifting your focus from gaining human approval to seeking God's acceptance change your approach to difficult decisions or relationships?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions, even in seemingly small matters, are genuinely motivated by a desire to serve Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "in these things" in Romans 14:18?**

Answer: "In these things" refers directly to the "disputable matters" that Paul has been discussing throughout [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty and Conscience"). These were non-essential practices and opinions that caused division within the early Roman church, primarily concerning dietary restrictions (e.g., eating meat vs. vegetables) and the observance of certain days (e.g., special holy days or the Sabbath). Paul's point is that even in these areas of personal conviction and Christian freedom, the believer's conduct should be governed by the principle of serving Christ, rather than by legalism, self-indulgence, or judging others.

**Does "approved of men" mean we should seek human praise?**

Answer: No, "approved of men" does not mean that believers should actively seek human praise or validation. The primary emphasis of [Romans 14:18](/romans/14-18 "Romans 14:18 - Acceptable to God and Approved of Men") is on being "acceptable to God." The approval of men is presented as a *consequence* or *natural outcome* of a life genuinely devoted to serving Christ. When a believer lives consistently in a way that pleases God—characterized by love, humility, wisdom, and consideration for others, especially in "disputable matters"—their conduct will naturally earn the respect and affirmation of fellow believers, fostering unity and peace within the community. It signifies that such a life is seen as authentic and commendable by those who observe it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of service that is acceptable to God and approved of men. Jesus's entire earthly life was one of complete and unwavering service to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross. He declared, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His obedience was always "well-pleasing" to God, as affirmed at His baptism and transfiguration ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Approval of Jesus") and [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")). Furthermore, Jesus, through His selfless love and perfect life, earned the "approval of men" in the sense that His character and teachings were undeniably good and true, even by His enemies, though many rejected Him. As believers, our service to Christ is a participation in His own servanthood, empowered by His Spirit. We are called to imitate His example, living lives that reflect His love and humility, thereby becoming acceptable to God through Him and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel to the world, just as He did ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Our Christ-centered service is not merely ethical conduct, but a spiritual act of worship that points back to the One who served us first.

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

2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:20

For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1 Thessalonians 1:4

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

1 Timothy 2:3

For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;