_Him that is weak in the faith_ Whose conscience is scrupulous, or whose mind is doubtful, unsatisfied in, or not well acquainted with the principles of Christianity; particularly that concerning Christian liberty and freedom from the ceremonial law. “The apostle means the Jewish Christian, who, thr... [ Continue Reading ]
_For one believeth that he may eat all things_ A converted Gentile, who rightly understands his Christian liberty, is firmly persuaded that he may eat any kind of food indifferently, though forbidden by the ceremonial law, (blood excepted, of which see on Acts 15:20,) without sin. _Another, who is w... [ Continue Reading ]
And with respect to days, _one man esteemeth one day above another_ Thinks that the new moons and Jewish festivals are holier than other days, and ought still to be observed. _Another esteemeth every day alike_ Holds that the difference of days appointed by Moses has now ceased. The Jewish holydays... [ Continue Reading ]
_For none of us_ True Christians, in the things we do, _liveth to himself_ Is at his own disposal, doth his own will; _and no man dieth to himself_ Only for his own advantage, and according to his own pleasure, when he will. _For whether we live, we live unto the Lord_ Spend our lives in his service... [ Continue Reading ]
_But why dost thou judge_ Or condemn; _thy_ Gentile _brother_ Because he neglects the distinction of meats and days? _Or why dost thou_ O Gentile believer; _set at naught_ And deride, as weak or superstitious, thy Jewish brother, who conscientiously observes that burdensome ritual, from which thou a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let us not therefore judge one another any more_ Seeing that judgment belongs to Christ. “The apostle's meaning is, Since we are all the servants of Christ, and are to be judged by him at the last day, we ought not to usurp his prerogative, by pronouncing one another profane, or bigoted, or wicked,... [ Continue Reading ]
_I know_ By the light of reason; _and am persuaded_ Or assured; _by the Lord Jesus_ Probably by a particular revelation from him; _that there is nothing_ No kind of meat; _unclean of itself_ Or unlawful under the gospel. _But to him that esteemeth any thing unclean_ That in his conscience accounts i... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the kingdom of God_ Into which we enter by believing in Christ, and becoming his subjects, or which thereby enters into us, and is set up in our hearts, namely, true religion; _is not_ Does not consist in; _meat and drink_ Or in any ceremonial observances whatever; _but righteousness_ The right... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let us therefore_ In consistency with these certain and momentous truths; _follow after the things which make for peace_ Which tend to procure, preserve, and promote peace among the faithful; and things wherewith one may edify another, may build him up in faith and holiness. Observe, reader, peace... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hast thou faith_ That these things are lawful? _Have it to thyself, before God_ In circumstances like these keep it to thyself, and do not offend others by it. _Happy is he that condemneth not himself_ For using his liberty in an undue manner, respecting those things which he practises, or judges l... [ Continue Reading ]