SEV Biblia, Chapter 14:1
¶ Al enfermo en la fe sobrellevad, pero no hasta discernimientos dudosos.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Romans 14:1
Verse 1. Him that is weak in the faith] By this the apostle most evidently means the converted Jew, who must indeed be weak in the faith, if he considered this distinction of meats and days essential to his salvation. See on ver. 21. Receive ye] Associate with him; receive him into your religious fellowship; but when there, let all religious altercations be avoided.
Not to doubtful disputations.] mh eiv diakriseiv dia logismwn.
These words have been variously translated and understood. Dr. Whitby thinks the sense of them to be this; Not discriminating them by their inward thoughts. Do not reject any from your Christian communion because of their particular sentiments on things which are in themselves indifferent. Do not curiously inquire into their religious scruples, nor condemn them on that account. Entertain a brother of this kind rather with what may profit his soul, than with curious disquisitions on speculative points of doctrine. A good lesson for modern Christians in general.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 1. Him that is weak in the faith , etc..] This address is made to the stronger and more knowing Christians among the Romans, how to behave towards those that were inferior in light and knowledge to them, with regard to things of a ritual and ceremonial kind: and by him that is weak in the faith, is meant, either one that is weak in the exercise of the grace of faith, who has but a glimmering sight of Christ; who comes to him in a very feeble and trembling manner; who believes his ability to save him, but hesitates about his willingness; who casts himself with a peradventure on him; and who is attended with many misgivings of heart, faintings of spirit, and fluctuation of mind, about his interest in him: or one that is weak in the doctrine of faith; has but little light and knowledge in the truths of the Gospel; is a child in understanding; has more affection than judgment; very little able to distinguish truth from error; cannot digest the greater and more sublime doctrines of grace; stands in need of milk, and cannot bear strong meat; is very fluctuating and unsettled in his principles, and like children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine: or rather one that is weak in his knowledge of that branch of the doctrine of faith, which concerns Christian liberty; and that part of it particularly, which respects freedom from the ceremonial law: it designs one, and chiefly a Jew, who though a believer in Christ, and an embracer of the other truths of the Gospel, yet had but very little knowledge of Gospel liberty; but though that believers were to observe all the rituals of the Mosaic dispensation, not knowing that they were abolished by Christ. The phrase is Jewish; it is f252 said, what is the meaning of the phrase, in Rephidim, ( Exodus 17:1) it signifies such as are of weak hands; as if it had been said, because the Israelites were tnwmab ypr , weak in their faith.
The advice the apostle gives, in reference to such a person, is to receive him; not only into their affections, and love him equally, being a believer in Christ, as one of the same sentiments with them, only in this matter, but also into church fellowship with them. The Syriac version reads it, adya hyl wbh , give him the hand: in token of communion, a form used in admission of members. The Gentiles were apt to boast against, and look with some contempt upon the Jews, and were ready to object to their communion, because of their want of light and knowledge in these matters; but this was no bar of communion, nor ought a person to be rejected on account of his weakness, either in the grace, or in the doctrine of faith, when it appears he has the true grace of God; and much less on account of his weakness in that branch of it, concerning Christian liberty; for since Christ does not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, nor despise the day of small things, churches should not: it may also intend a receiving of such into intimate conversation, at their private meetings and conferences; taking particular notice of them; giving them proper instructions; praying with them and for them; endeavouring to build them up in their most holy faith, and to bring them into the knowledge of those things they are weak in; bearing their weaknesses patiently, and bearing with them in great tenderness: thus such should be received, but not to doubtful disputations ; to vain jangling and perverse disputings, such as will rather perplex than inform them; and will leave their minds doubtful and in suspense, and do them more harm than good.
Matthew Henry Commentary
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 observance without being convinced, would be hypocritical and of no avail Attempts for producing absolute oneness of mind among Christians woul be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdai and blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty, despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not the scrupulou believer find fault with his brother, for God accepted him, withou 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, whic 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' coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. But it is no enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is necessary tha it be certified from the word of God. Take heed of acting against doubting conscience. We are all apt to make our own views the standar of truth, to deem things certain which to others appear doubtful. Thu Christians often despise or condemn each other, about doubtful matter of no moment. A thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all ou mercies, sanctifies and sweetens them.
Greek Textus Receptus
τον 3588 T-ASM δε 1161 CONJ ασθενουντα 770 5723 V-PAP-ASM τη 3588 T-DSF πιστει 4102 N-DSF προσλαμβανεσθε 4355 5732 V-PMM-2P μη 3361 PRT-N εις 1519 PREP διακρισεις 1253 N-APF διαλογισμων 1261 N-GPM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
1. Weak in the faith. Probably referring to a class of Jewish Christians with Essenic tendencies. 67 Better, as Rev., in faith, the reference being to faith in Christ, not to christian doctrine. See on Acts vi. 7.Receive ye (proslambanesqe). Into fellowship. See on Matt. xvi. 22. Doubtful disputations (diakriseiv dialogismwn). Lit., judgings of thoughts. The primary meaning of dialogismov is a thinking-through or over. Hence of those speculations or reasonings in one's mind which take the form of scruples. See on Mark vii. 21. Diakrisiv has the same sense as in the other two passages where it occurs (1 Cor. xii. 10; Hebrews v. 14); discerning with a view to forming a judgment. Hence the meaning is, "receive these weak brethren, but not for the purpose of passing judgment upon their scruples."
Robertson's NT Word Studies
14:1 {Him that is weak} (ton asthenounta). See on 1Co 8:7-12; 9:22; Ro 4:19. {Receive ye} (proslambanesthe). Present middle imperative (indirect), "take to yourselves." {Yet not to doubtful disputations} (me eis diakriseis dialogismwn). "Not for decisions of opinions." Note dia (between, two or duo) in both words. Discriminations between doubts or hesitations. For diakrisis, see #1Co 12:10; Heb 5:14 (only N.T. examples). For dialogismos see #Lu 2:35; 24:38; Php 2:14. The "strong" brother is not called upon to settle all the scruples of the "weak" brother. But each takes it on himself to do it.
