Romans 14:13-15
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Paul flips our usual understanding of judgment here, urging us not to critique others, but to "judge" ourselves by deciding to actively prevent causing a brother to stumble. It’s a call to a more proactive, compassionate discernment—focusing on how our actions might trip up someone else rather than on finding fault with their walk.
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. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Roman church over issues like dietary laws and religious festivals, where some Christians felt bound by Old Testament practices while others, freed in Christ, felt no such obligation. He's urging them to stop condemning each other over these secondary matters, reminding them that ultimately, everyone will answer to God, and instead, to focus on not causing their fellow believers to stumble in their faith.
We're quick to spot flaws in others, but what if God wants us to look inward instead? This verse calls for a radical shift in perspective.
Paul uses the word 'judge' twice in this verse, creating a powerful contrast. First, he says, 'Let us not pass judgment on one another.' This refers to the critical, condemning attitude that arises when we evaluate others based on their actions or beliefs, especially concerning disputable matters like food or days. It's about assuming the role of God, which isn't ours.
But then he pivots: 'but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.' The second use of 'judge' here isn't about evaluating others, but about making a firm decision for ourselves. It's about discerning and determining our own conduct. Instead of scrutinizing our brother's walk, we are to scrutinize our own potential to cause them to stumble.
What does it mean to put a 'stumbling block' in someone's path? It's more than just disagreement; it's about actions that can lead a brother or sister astray.
The Greek words Paul uses here, 'stumbling-block' (proskomma) and 'hindrance' or 'occasion to fall' (skandalon), paint a vivid picture. A stumbling block is like a hidden trap or an obstacle placed directly in someone's path, causing them to trip, falter, or even fall.
In the context of Romans 14, this often relates to the 'strong' believers exercising their Christian liberty in ways that might cause 'weaker' believers to sin. For example, freely eating meat sacrificed to idols, which a weaker brother might view as participating in idolatry, could cause the weaker brother to violate his conscience and sin. The responsibility isn't on the weaker brother to 'get over it,' but on the stronger one to consider their impact. True Christian freedom is exercised with mindful love, ensuring our choices don't lead others away from Christ or into sin.
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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.
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.
agapēn · Greek Noun
The highest expression of God-centered, selfless, and self-sacrificial concern for others. It is the defining mark of the Christian life and the motive for all interpersonal interactions.
apollye · Greek Verb
To cause spiritual ruin or loss to a believer. It refers to the destructive effect of insensitive behavior on the faith or spiritual stability of another person.
Christos · Greek Noun
The promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world. His death provides the ransom for humanity and establishes the ultimate value of every believer in the sight of God.
Paul's instruction in Romans 14:13 isn't just about avoiding offense; it's a direct response to real-life tensions in the early church, particularly in Rome, where Jewish and Gentile believers clashed over practices like dietary laws and festival observance. Understanding these historical divisions highlights the radical nature of Paul's call for unity and mutual respect.
c. AD 50s— this verse
Disagreements in the Roman Church
Churches in Rome consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers, leading to disputes over dietary laws, festivals, and other practices rooted in the Old Testament. These differences created division and judgment among believers.
c. AD 50-55
Paul Writes Romans
Paul writes his letter to the Romans from Corinth, addressing these specific issues of division and offering guidance on how to live in unity despite differing practices.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome, leading to widespread destruction and suspicion. Emperor Nero blamed Christians, initiating the first major persecution of Christians.
c. AD 67
Martyrdom of Paul
Tradition holds that the Apostle Paul was martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution. His writings, like Romans, continued to shape Christian thought and practice.
This passage directly echoes the concern for not letting one's freedom become a stumbling block for those with weaker consciences, a central theme in Romans 14.
Matthew 18:6Jesus himself warns sternly against causing 'little ones' who believe in him to stumble, highlighting the gravity of intentionally or carelessly leading others into sin, which aligns with Paul's directive.
Galatians 5:13This verse calls believers to serve one another humbly and lovingly, specifically stating that this love should prevent using freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, which is the very essence of not causing a brother to stumble.
Romans 14:1This verse introduces the theme of welcoming those who are weak in faith without 'disputes over opinions,' setting the stage for the principle in verse 13 about not judging or causing others to stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:31-32Paul instructs believers to do all to the glory of God and not to cause offense to Jews, Gentiles, or the church, reinforcing the idea that our actions should prioritize the well-being and spiritual progress of others over personal preference.
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…
Paul flips our usual understanding of judgment here, urging us not to critique others, but to "judge" ourselves by deciding to actively prevent causing a brother to stumble. It’s a call to a more proactive, compassionate discernment—focusing on how our actions might trip up someone else rather than on finding fault with their walk.
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Roman church over issues like dietary laws and religious festivals, where some Christians felt bound by Old Testament practices while others, freed in Christ, felt no such obligation. He's urging them to stop condemning each other over these secondary matters, reminding them that ultimately, everyone will answer to God, and instead, to focus on not causing their fellow believers to stumble in their faith.
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Roman church over issues like dietary laws and religious festivals, where some Christians felt bound by Old Testament practices while others, freed in Christ, felt no such obligation. He's urging them to stop condemning each other over these secondary matters, reminding them that ultimately, everyone will answer to God, and instead, to focus on not causing their fellow believers to stumble in their faith.
"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…" — Paul flips our usual understanding of judgment here, urging us not to critique others, but to "judge" ourselves by deciding to actively prevent causing a brother to stumble. It’s a call to a more pro…
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Last reviewed October 2026
