TRV
Romans 14:5
Bible Versions
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
One person considers some days more holy than others, while someone else regards them as being all alike. What is important is for each to be fully convinced in his own mind.
One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
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Colossians 2:16
¶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: -
Colossians 2:17
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ. -
Romans 14:23
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. -
1 John 3:19
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. -
1 John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God. -
Galatians 4:9
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? -
Galatians 4:10
Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Romans 14:5 delves into the nuances of personal conviction and Christian liberty within the early church, specifically concerning the observance of particular days. The Apostle Paul addresses differences in practice among believers, emphasizing the importance of individual conscience over rigid uniformity in non-essential matters.
Context
This verse is part of a larger discourse in Romans 14, where Paul instructs believers on how to handle "disputable matters" or "non-essentials" that could cause division within the community. The chapter opens by urging believers to receive those who are weak in faith, but not to quarrel over opinions. The issues at hand often revolved around dietary practices (eating meat vs. being a vegetarian) and the observance of specific days, possibly referring to Jewish Sabbath laws, feast days, or even pagan holidays that some converts might have continued to avoid. Paul's goal is to promote unity and mutual respect, rather than judgment, in areas where Scripture doesn't provide explicit, absolute commands.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "fully persuaded" translates the Greek word plerophoreo (πληροφορέω), which means "to carry out fully," "to fulfill," or "to bring to full assurance." It implies a deep, settled conviction based on careful consideration and a clear conscience before God. It's not a casual opinion but a thoughtfully arrived-at conclusion, indicating that one has weighed the matter and is convinced of its rightness for themselves.
Practical Application
Romans 14:5 offers timeless wisdom for navigating differences within the Christian community today. Whether it's about worship styles, holiday observances, personal disciplines, or political views, the principle remains: where the Bible is silent or allows for liberty, believers should respect one another's conscience and convictions. Instead of judging, we are called to build each other up in love, recognizing that each person serves the Lord according to their understanding. Our focus should be on the foundational truths of the gospel and on pursuing peace and mutual edification, as Paul concludes later in the chapter: "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."