Romans 14:19
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 14:19
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights that "upbuilding" isn't just about teaching doctrine, but about the active, mutual strengthening of fellow believers in their walk with God, a continuous process of spiritual construction. It's about focusing on the things of peace and the things of mutual spiritual construction, emphasizing the concrete actions and elements that foster unity and growth.
Paul has been addressing the disagreements within the Roman church, particularly concerning dietary laws and observance of specific days. He's argued that these outward practices aren't the core of God's kingdom and can cause division. Therefore, he exhorts believers to shift their focus from these contentious issues to what genuinely builds up the community and fosters unity in Christ.
Paul doesn't just say 'be nice.' He points to two specific, powerful actions that build up the church. What are they, and why are they so vital?
Paul calls believers to actively pursue two crucial elements in their relationships: peace and mutual upbuilding.
The Pursuit of Peace
This isn't just the absence of conflict. The original language suggests striving for what promotes peace, a positive, active seeking of harmony and well-being within the community. Think of it as building bridges rather than walls.
The Work of Upbuilding
'Edification' means to build up. It's about spiritual construction, helping each other grow stronger in faith. This happens through teaching, encouragement, and showing Christ-like love, ensuring that our interactions contribute to the spiritual health and maturity of fellow believers, just like constructive elements in a building.
These two concepts are deeply intertwined. True peace in the church naturally leads to spiritual growth, and actively building each other up creates an environment where peace can flourish.
What happens when our deeply held beliefs about what's right and wrong cause friction? Paul warns against a specific danger that threatens the very foundation of faith.
The context of Romans 14 deals with disagreements, particularly over things like dietary laws and special days. Some Christians felt strongly about observing these, while others felt free because Christ had fulfilled those requirements.
Paul's core message here is a powerful warning against letting these secondary issues become battlegrounds where the 'work of God' is destroyed.
What is the 'Work of God'?
This refers to God's gracious work in the life of an individual believer – their salvation, their growing faith, and their spiritual development. It's God's building project in their soul.
Understand the original words
oikodomē · Greek Noun
The process of building up the body of Christ. It refers to actions, words, or attitudes that strengthen the faith, character, and spiritual maturity of other believers.
The letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church grappling with the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers, each with deeply ingrained customs and interpretations of the Law. This verse calls them to move beyond contentious issues like food laws and embrace practices that foster peace and spiritual growth for everyone.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
The Jerusalem Council addressed whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law, establishing a precedent for navigating cultural and religious differences within the early church.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
During his time in Corinth, a cosmopolitan city with diverse customs, Paul dealt with disputes among believers regarding food laws and social practices.
c. 55 AD
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
Paul addressed similar issues of division and disputation over food, pagan temples, and other matters, urging believers to prioritize love and unity.
c. 57-58 AD— this verse
Paul writes Romans
While in Corinth, Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, which was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers who held different practices and understandings of the Law.
This passage echoes Romans 14:19 by stating that while 'everything is permissible,' not everything is beneficial or builds others up, directly linking the concept of 'edification' with permissible actions.
Ephesians 4:29This verse speaks to the 'mutual upbuilding' mentioned in Romans 14:19 by instructing believers to let 'no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear,' emphasizing constructive communication.
Galatians 5:13This passage connects directly to the 'peace' and 'mutual upbuilding' by urging believers to 'serve one another through love,' highlighting that love is the foundation for actions that foster peace and spiritual growth.
1 Thessalonians 5:11Similar to Romans 14:19, this verse encourages believers to 'encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing,' reinforcing the communal aspect of spiritual construction and peace.
ellicottRomans 14:19: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
(19) Let us therefore follow. —The best MSS. have the indicative mood, “so then we follow.” There is, however, some good support for the Received text, especially in the patristic quotations and versions; and mistakes of this kind were peculiarly liable to be made. Edify.—The word has unfortunately lost its freshness of meaning, but we have no other single equivalent for it…
bengelRomans 14:19: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
Romans 14:19 . Εἰρήνης , οἰκοδομῆς , of peace, of edification ) These two things are very closely connected. Theology is in itself a peace-maker and is designed for edification. Controversy is not so directly useful for edification , although it should sometimes be added.—Comp. Nehem. Romans 4:17 .
This verse highlights that "upbuilding" isn't just about teaching doctrine, but about the active, mutual strengthening of fellow believers in their walk with God, a continuous process of spiritual construction. It's about focusing on the things of peace and the things of mutual spiritual construction, emphasizing the concrete actions and elements that foster unity and growth.
Paul has been addressing the disagreements within the Roman church, particularly concerning dietary laws and observance of specific days. He's argued that these outward practices aren't the core of God's kingdom and can cause division. Therefore, he exhorts believers to shift their focus from these contentious issues to what genuinely builds up the community and fosters unity in Christ.
Paul has been addressing the disagreements within the Roman church, particularly concerning dietary laws and observance of specific days. He's argued that these outward practices aren't the core of God's kingdom and can cause division. Therefore, he exhorts believers to shift their focus from these contentious issues to what genuinely builds up the community and fosters unity in Christ.
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The Danger of Offense
When we insist on our own way or judgment in matters that aren't essential to salvation, we risk becoming a 'stumbling block.' This means causing a weaker brother or sister to doubt, falter, or even turn away from their faith. Destroying someone's conscience or spiritual stability over non-essential matters is a serious offense against God's ongoing work in them.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and subsequent persecution
Although later than Paul's letter, the context of growing Roman suspicion towards Christians and subsequent persecution would have amplified the need for internal unity and mutual support.
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." — This verse highlights that "upbuilding" isn't just about teaching doctrine, but about the active, mutual strengthening of fellow believers in their walk with God, a continuous process of spiritual co…