Romans 14:19

KJV

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us {G1377} therefore {G686}{G3767} follow after {G1377} the things which make for {G3588} peace {G1515}, and {G2532} things wherewith {G1519} one {G240} may edify {G3619} another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So then, let us pursue the things that make for shalom and mutual upbuilding.

Berean Standard Bible

So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

American Standard Version

So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:19 serves as a pivotal summary in Paul's extensive discourse on Christian liberty and communal responsibility, urging believers to actively and intentionally pursue harmony and mutual spiritual growth within the body of Christ. This verse encapsulates the essence of living out one's faith in a way that prioritizes the well-being and unity of the community over individual preferences or rights, thereby fostering an environment where every member is built up in faith and love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14:19 concludes a significant section (Romans 14:1-19) where Paul addresses the tensions and divisions arising from "disputable matters" within the Roman church. Specifically, the conflict centered on differing convictions regarding dietary practices (eating meat sacrificed to idols versus vegetarianism) and the observance of certain days. Paul has just exhorted both the "strong" (those who understood their freedom in Christ) and the "weak" (those whose consciences were troubled by such practices) not to judge or despise one another. He emphasizes that each believer stands before the Lord and is accountable to Him ([Romans 14:4](/romans/14-4 "Romans 14:4 - Accountability to the Lord")), and that the kingdom of God is not about food or drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). Therefore, this verse acts as a direct imperative flowing from these principles, providing a positive directive for how believers should interact.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Rome was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts, each bringing their own cultural and religious backgrounds, traditions, and dietary laws. Jewish Christians, for example, might have continued to observe kosher laws or specific fast days, while Gentile Christians, coming from a polytheistic background, might have struggled with the concept of eating meat that could have been offered to idols. This created genuine friction and potential for division. Paul's letter, written around A.D. 57-58 from Corinth, aims to unify this diverse congregation, establish sound doctrine, and provide practical guidance for living out the gospel in a pluralistic society. His counsel in Romans 14 reflects a deep understanding of the practical challenges of communal living in a nascent faith movement, where personal convictions often clashed with the need for corporate unity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**, highlighting that freedom in Christ is not a license for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve and build up others, especially those with weaker consciences ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Stumbling Block")). It also emphasizes **Unity in the Body of Christ**, a recurring Pauline theme that stresses the importance of harmony and mutual acceptance among believers despite their differences ([Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")). Furthermore, the verse promotes **Love as the Guiding Principle**, asserting that love is the fulfillment of the law and the supreme ethic for Christian conduct, particularly in resolving internal disputes ([Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). The pursuit of peace and edification is presented as the practical outworking of this love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **follow after (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** This word, often translated as "pursue" or "press forward," denotes an active, earnest, and diligent effort. It's not a passive waiting for peace to happen, but an intentional, vigorous striving towards it. The same word can be used for persecuting, highlighting the intensity of the action, but here it's directed towards a positive goal: to "ensue" or "give oneself to" the things that make for peace.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** More than just the absence of conflict, _eirḗnē_ in this context signifies a state of wholeness, well-being, and harmony. It implies reconciliation, not only with God but also within the community. It is the spiritual prosperity and quietness that comes from right relationships, especially among believers who are united in Christ despite their differences.
* **edify (Greek, _oikodomḗ'_):** Literally meaning "building" or "construction," this term is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe spiritual growth and strengthening. To "edify another" means to build them up in faith, character, and spiritual maturity. It involves actions, words, and attitudes that contribute positively to a person's spiritual journey, helping them to become more like Christ and to stand firm in their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,"**: This opening clause is an imperative, a direct command to the believers. The "therefore" links it directly to Paul's preceding arguments about not judging one another and prioritizing the kingdom of God. The phrase "follow after" (diṓkō) emphasizes an active, deliberate, and persistent pursuit. Christians are called to earnestly seek out and engage in behaviors, attitudes, and decisions that actively foster and maintain harmony, unity, and spiritual well-being within the community. This implies a willingness to set aside personal preferences for the sake of corporate tranquility.
* **"and things wherewith one may edify another."**: This second clause is connected by "and," indicating that mutual edification is a co-equal and complementary pursuit to peace. "Things wherewith" points to the means or actions by which this edification occurs. To "edify another" (oikodomḗ) means to build up, strengthen, and encourage fellow believers in their faith. This involves speaking words of grace, offering practical support, exercising spiritual gifts for the common good, and making choices that bolster, rather than undermine, the faith and conscience of others. It is a call to constructive engagement, ensuring that every interaction contributes positively to the spiritual health and maturity of the church body.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in Romans 14:19. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as indicated by "Let us therefore follow after," which functions as a direct command or exhortation, urging the Roman believers to active participation in these virtues. This creates a sense of urgency and responsibility. There is also a strong element of **Metaphor** in the word "edify" (oikodomḗ), which literally means "to build a house." Paul uses this architectural imagery to convey the idea of constructing or strengthening the spiritual lives of individuals and the church as a whole. This metaphor powerfully illustrates the collaborative and foundational work involved in fostering spiritual growth. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Parallelism** by linking "peace" and "edification" as two essential and complementary pursuits, emphasizing that true Christian community is characterized by both harmonious relationships and mutual spiritual development.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:19 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian community, asserting that the pursuit of peace and mutual edification is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative for believers. It flows directly from the understanding that the church is the body of Christ, where each member is interconnected and responsible for the spiritual well-being of the whole. This verse underscores the priority of love and unity over individual rights or preferences, especially in matters of conscience that are not central to salvation. It reflects a theology where the strength of the community is measured by its ability to accommodate differences while fostering an environment of grace, understanding, and spiritual growth. The call to actively "follow after" these things implies a dynamic, ongoing commitment to building a church that truly reflects the unifying love of God.

* [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - All Things for Edification")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Building Up with Gracious Words")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Humility and Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:19 offers a timeless and profoundly practical challenge to believers in every generation. In a world, and often within the church itself, marked by division, polarization, and the assertion of individual rights, this verse calls us back to the foundational principles of Christian community. It compels us to examine our attitudes and actions, asking whether they contribute to peace and spiritual growth or to discord and stumbling. True Christian maturity is not merely about knowing our freedoms, but about wisely and lovingly exercising them in a way that builds up, rather than tears down, the body of Christ. This means actively listening, extending grace, prioritizing the conscience of a weaker brother or sister, and being willing to forgo personal preferences for the sake of unity. The pursuit of peace and edification requires humility, self-sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the very heart of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life or within my Christian community might I be inadvertently hindering peace or mutual edification?**
* **How can I more actively "follow after" peace in my relationships, both inside and outside the church?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "edify another" believer, whether through my words, actions, or attitudes?**
* **Am I prioritizing my personal convictions and freedoms above the unity and spiritual health of the body of Christ? If so, how can I re-align my priorities with the principles of Romans 14:19?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "peace" in this context?**

Answer: In Romans 14:19, "peace" (Greek: _eirḗnē_) goes beyond merely the absence of conflict. It refers to a holistic state of spiritual well-being, harmony, and reconciliation within the Christian community. It's the positive outcome of right relationships, where believers, despite their differing convictions on non-essential matters, live together in unity, mutual respect, and love. Paul emphasizes this peace as a characteristic of the kingdom of God, which is "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")).

**How does "edify another" apply to modern church life?**

Answer: To "edify another" (Greek: _oikodomḗ_) means to build up, strengthen, and encourage fellow believers in their faith and spiritual maturity. In modern church life, this applies in numerous ways: it means speaking words of encouragement and truth, using our spiritual gifts to serve others, offering practical help and support, patiently teaching and discipling, and refraining from actions or words that might cause a brother or sister to stumble or doubt their faith ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Stumbling Block")). It's a call to foster an environment where every member feels supported, valued, and empowered to grow in their relationship with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential peacemaker, who "made peace by the blood of His cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Makes Peace Through His Blood")), reconciling humanity to God and breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Christ's entire ministry was one of selfless edification, constantly building up His disciples, teaching them, healing them, and preparing them for their mission. He consistently prioritized the well-being of others, even to the point of laying down His life, becoming the ultimate example of love that "does not seek its own" but "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" ([1 Corinthians 13:5-7](/1_corinthians/13-5-7 "1 Corinthians 13:5-7 - Love's Enduring Qualities")). Therefore, when believers are called to "follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another," they are called to imitate Christ's own sacrificial love and unifying mission. Our pursuit of peace and edification is not merely a moral obligation but a participation in the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit, building up His body, the church, until we all reach "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:12-13](/ephesians/4-12-13 "Ephesians 4:12-13 - Building Up the Body of Christ")).

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

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Psalms 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Romans 15:2

Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

2 Corinthians 13:11

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.