Romans 14:13-14
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Instead of judging others, Paul redirects our focus to a proactive "decision" about our own impact. The ancient Greek words for "stumbling block" and "hindrance" paint a vivid picture of actively placing traps or snares in someone's path, urging us to actively ensure our actions don't cause a fellow believer to sin or falter in their faith.
Paul is addressing divisions within the early church, particularly concerning differing views on observing food laws and special days. He’s urged believers to stop harshly judging one another over these practices, reminding them that everyone will ultimately stand before God’s judgment seat. Therefore, instead of passing judgment, the focus should be on ensuring one's actions don't cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble in their faith.
We naturally tend to judge others, but Paul redirects our focus. What's the difference between 'judging' others and 'determining' our own actions?
Paul uses the word 'judge' twice in this verse, but with different intentions.
What exactly is a 'stumbling block,' and why is Paul so concerned about putting one in a brother's way?
The terms 'stumbling block' and 'hindrance' (or 'occasion to fall') point to anything that causes a fellow believer to sin or to falter in their faith.
Paul urges believers, especially those who feel stronger in their faith (like regarding food laws), to consider how their freedom might inadvertently lead a weaker brother into sin or discourage them from following Christ wholeheartedly. True Christian liberty is never at the expense of another's spiritual well-being.
Understand the original words
krinete · Greek Verb
The act of forming an unfavorable opinion or condemning another, often assuming the role of a judge that belongs only to God. It involves the critical evaluation of a brother's standing or choices.
proskomma · Greek Noun
An obstacle, trap, or occasion that causes another person to stumble or fall into sin. It refers to actions that damage the spiritual walk or conscience of a fellow believer.
skandalon · Greek Noun
A barrier or impediment that hinders progress. In this context, it refers to a behavior that obstructs another believer’s spiritual growth or peace of mind.
adelphō · Greek Noun
One who shares the same spiritual family, united by faith in Christ. It denotes a familial bond of love, mutual responsibility, and equality in the sight of God.
The core issue Paul addresses in Romans 14 stems from the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church, particularly concerning dietary laws and the observance of festivals. This verse calls for empathy and consideration within the community, urging believers to prioritize unity and avoid causing others to stumble in their faith journey.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A council of church leaders convened to address the issue of gentile converts needing to follow Jewish law. It was decided that gentile believers were not required to be circumcised or follow Mosaic dietary laws, though they were asked to abstain from certain practices.
c. 50-52 AD— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, a major Roman city known for its diverse population and cultural influences. During this period, divisions and disputes arose within the church, particularly concerning differing views on Christian liberty, food sacrificed to idols, and observance of Jewish festivals.
c. 55-57 AD
Writing of Romans
Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans from Corinth or Cenchreae during his third missionary journey. He addressed a church he had not personally founded, seeking to establish a theological foundation and foster unity among believers from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds.
This passage directly echoes the concern about Christian liberty becoming a stumbling block for those with weaker consciences, highlighting the importance of not letting freedom lead others into sin.
Galatians 5:13Paul urges believers to use their freedom not for evil purposes but to serve one another in love, which aligns with the Romans passage's call to build each other up rather than tear down.
Matthew 18:6Jesus issues a stern warning against causing 'little ones' who believe in him to stumble, using a similar concept to Paul's warning against being a stumbling block in Romans 14.
Colossians 3:12This verse calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, reflecting the attitude needed to avoid judging and instead to forbear with one another.
1 Peter 4:8Peter emphasizes that 'love covers a multitude of sins,' which is the very spirit behind Paul's exhortation to prioritize love and mutual consideration over judgment.
ellicottRomans 14:13: "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
(13) Judge this rather. —The word “judge” forms the connecting-link between what follows and what has gone before. If any judgment is to be formed at all, let it be rather as a principle to guide our own action, and not in the shape of a criticism upon others. This principle, in the case of those who are themselves liberal and larg…
gillRomans 14:13: "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
Let us not therefore judge one another more,.... With respect to the observance or non-observance of the laws relating to meats and drinks, and days, and times; the apostle means, that they should not judge rashly, nor anything before the time; they should not censure and judge each other's characters and states, on account of thes…
Instead of judging others, Paul redirects our focus to a proactive "decision" about our own impact. The ancient Greek words for "stumbling block" and "hindrance" paint a vivid picture of actively placing traps or snares in someone's path, urging us to actively ensure our actions don't cause a fellow believer to sin or falter in their faith.
Paul is addressing divisions within the early church, particularly concerning differing views on observing food laws and special days. He’s urged believers to stop harshly judging one another over these practices, reminding them that everyone will ultimately stand before God’s judgment seat. Therefore, instead of passing judgment, the focus should be on ensuring one's actions don't cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble in their faith.
Paul is addressing divisions within the early church, particularly concerning differing views on observing food laws and special days. He’s urged believers to stop harshly judging one another over these practices, reminding them that everyone will ultimately stand before God’s judgment seat. Therefore, instead of passing judgment, the focus should be on ensuring one's actions don't cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble in their faith.
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koinos · Greek Adjective
Ritually defiled, common, or ceremonially impure. While in the New Covenant context it refers to freedom from food laws, it acknowledges that a person's conscience can make an action personally sinful.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome. Emperor Nero blamed the Christians, initiating the first major Roman persecution of the church, which intensified the pressure and scrutiny on believers throughout the empire.
"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unc…" — Instead of judging others, Paul redirects our focus to a proactive "decision" about our own impact. The ancient Greek words for "stumbling block" and "hindrance" paint a vivid picture of actively p…
