Romans 14:1-3, Despise Not Whom God Hath Received

Romans 14:1-3 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

Barnes observed well the background of this text, “There is reference here, doubtless, to the Jewish convert. The apostle admits that he was weak, i.e., not fully established in the views of Christian liberty. The question with the Jew doubtless was, whether it was lawful to eat the meat which was offered in sacrifice to idols. In those sacrifices a part only of the animal was offered, and the remainder was eaten by the worshippers, or offered for sale in the market like other meat. It became an inquiry whether it was lawful to eat this meat; and the question in the mind of a Jew would arise from the express command of his law, Exodus 14:15. This question the apostle discussed and settled in 1 Cor. 10:20-32. In that place the general principle is laid down, that it was lawful to partake of that meat as a man would of any other, unless it was expressly pointed out to him as having been sacrificed to idols, and unless his partaking of it would be considered as countenancing the idolaters in their worship, 1 Cor. 10:28. But with this principle many Jewish converts might not have been acquainted; or what is quite as probable, they might not have been disposed to admit its propriety.” As such, the Jewish convert has chosen not to eat meat.

The Apostle Paul is exhorting the church in Rome to receive such Jewish converts into their fellowship even though they may not be a fully practising Christian. The reason given is that God has received such a one. We are not to reject him. Rather, to give them time to understand the faith more fully. Meanwhile, extend to them the right hand of fellowship, accord to them Christian love and kindness though there are these differences. Be willing to accommodate them.

May God’s people be willing to receive new converts into the fellowship after they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. There may be old ways that they may still cling on too. Give time for God to work in their hearts to grow in the faith. Be willing to help nurture them in the finer ways of Christian grace. Amen.