Receiving the Weak

As we move into chapter 14 of Paul’s letter to the Romans, we enter the last major section of teaching in the book. But the fact that this section is near the end of the letter does not indicate it is somehow less important than what has gone before. In fact, this is a major section, stretching to 15:13. Plus, like everything in the chapters we have been studying in recent months, it is built on what Paul said earlier—here we find more practical application of the doctrine he presented in the early chapters. Finally, this section is applicable to all Christians everywhere, for it deals with accepting and getting along with believers with whom we disagree on non-essential matters. Every Christian, no matter how sanctified, has room to grow in this area.

Verse 1 is basically a thematic statement for this section. It contains an initial command and a qualification. The apostle tells us to “receive one who is weak in the faith.” Paul will clarify the meaning of “weak in the faith” as he moves along, but his desire here is clear—we are to welcome all believers without discrimination. It is interesting to note that the same Greek word translated “receive” in this verse is used of God’s acceptance of us in Romans 14:3 and of Christ’s acceptance of us in Romans 15:7. Paul, therefore, is calling us to be gracious to one another. He then goes on to instruct the Romans to receive those who are weak, “but not to dispute over doubtful things.” The New International Version translates this phrase as “without passing judgment on disputable matters.” Paul wants his readers to recognize that there are gray areas in the Christian life, and we are not to judge other believers on the basis of such things. “Christians tend to place chasms between themselves and other Christians, either judging them not to be Christians at all because of some offensive detail of their conduct or else regarding them as Christians but as those with whom they should have no contact. That is wrong. It is what Paul is denouncing in Romans 14,” Dr. James M. Boice writes in his Romans commentary.

It is important to keep in mind that the rules of conduct Paul is issuing in this section are to govern “doubtful things.” The behaviors he addresses here have no moral quotient, but we tend to impose our own codes of conduct to govern such matters. In a very real sense, Paul is calling us to remain silent where God has not spoken.