he Jewish converts cautioned against judging, and Gentile
believers against despising one the other. (1-13) And the
Gentiles exhorted to take heed of giving offence in their use of
indifferent things. (14-23)
Verses 1-6: Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate
followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did St. Paul
attempt to end them. Compelled assent to any doctrine, or
conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would
be hypocritical and of no avail. Attempts for producing absolute
oneness of mind among Christians would be useless. Let not
Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will
be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdain and
blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare
I disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty,
despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not
the scrupulous believer find fault with his brother, for God
accepted him, without regarding the distinctions of meats. We
usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the
thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view.
The case as to the observance of days was much the same. Those
who knew that all these things were done away by Christ's
coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. But it is
not enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is
necessary that it be certified from the word of God. Take heed
of acting against a doubting conscience. We are all apt to make
our own views the standard of truth, to deem things certain
which to others appear doubtful. Thus Christians often despise
or condemn each other, about doubtful matters of no moment. A
thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all our mercies,
sanctifies and sweetens them.
Verses 7-13: Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must
agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his
name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true
Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please
ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which
makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different
strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they
are all the Lord's; all are looking and serving, and approving
themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to
rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise
them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another,
because both the one and the other must shortly give an account.
A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would
silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and
life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will
not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed
of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or
to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree
of offence; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt
to our brother.
Verses 14-18: Christ deals gently with those who have true grace,
though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ's
death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the
destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our
brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves
for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder
ungoverned tongues from speaking evil; but we must not give them
any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may
lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good
often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things
in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the
reputation of the good we profess and practise, let us seek that
it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are
words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to
appear before him justified by Christ's death, sanctified by the
Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth
righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and
love, and charity with them; following peace with all men. As to
ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy
wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which
respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their
expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can
make them acceptable. Those are most pleasing to God that are
best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and joy in
the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the
opinion of others is not to be regarded.
Verses 19-23: Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not
follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility,
self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one
another, while quarrelling and contending. Many, for meat and
drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more
destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and
fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by wilful
offence given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving
offence to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things,
whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his
graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou
faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our
Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble
others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting
conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ's kingdom,
which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable
is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him
we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ,
whose we are, and whom we ought to serve.
he Jewish converts cautioned against judging, and Gentile
believers against despising one the other. (1-13) And the
Gentiles exhorted to take heed of giving offence in their use of
indifferent things. (14-23)