So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The original Greek suggests that "mutual upbuilding" isn't just about helping each other grow, but about directing that growth toward one another, actively building each other up. This means we're called not just to be good for ourselves, but to intentionally focus our spiritual development on strengthening those around us.
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a deep division within the Roman church, primarily between Jewish and Gentile believers, concerning practices like dietary laws and observance of special days. He's been arguing that their differing convictions on these matters shouldn't become grounds for judgment or division, as all are ultimately accountable to God. Therefore, he urges them to prioritize unity and mutual encouragement over strict adherence to personal preferences that might alienate a weaker brother or sister in Christ.
Paul calls Christians to actively pursue two key things: peace and mutual upbuilding. But what does that really look like in our daily lives?
In Romans 14, Paul has been dealing with disputes over specific practices like food laws and holy days. He wraps up this section by pointing to the ultimate goals:
The Priority of Peace
Peace (eirene) isn't just the absence of conflict. It's a state of wholeness, well-being, and harmony that comes from living in right relationship with God and others. Paul urges believers to actively seek out and follow after these things that contribute to this deep, holistic peace within the community.
Mutual Upbuilding
Upbuilding (oikodome) literally means 'building a house.' In a spiritual sense, it refers to strengthening, encouraging, and helping others grow in their faith. It's about contributing positively to the spiritual health and maturity of fellow believers. This involves using our gifts, words, and actions to construct and strengthen the spiritual lives of those around us, viewing each other as part of God's ongoing building project.
When disagreements arise, it's easy to get stuck on personal preferences. Paul redirects our focus to the 'things' that truly foster peace and spiritual growth.
Paul doesn't just say 'be peaceful.' He talks about pursuing 'the things of peace' (ta tes eirenes). This implies that peace is built on specific actions, attitudes, and principles, not just a vague feeling. Similarly, 'the things of upbuilding' (ta tes oikodomes) are concrete elements that strengthen faith.
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What to Pursue:
The word 'edify' has lost its punch. Let's rediscover its powerful meaning as Paul's metaphor for building up the church.
The Greek word for 'edify' (oikodome) is a strong metaphor for construction. Paul, drawing from Old Testament imagery, sees believers as part of a divine building project.
God's Project:
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 church deeply divided by differing practices and beliefs, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers regarding the Law and customs. Paul's call for peace and mutual upbuilding in Romans 14:19 directly addresses this tension, urging believers to prioritize unity and spiritual growth over contentious issues.
c. 49 AD
Edict of Claudius
Roman Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (possibly Christ). This dispersed the church in Rome and likely led to a Gentile majority upon their eventual return.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
While Paul was in Corinth, he wrote 1 Corinthians, addressing similar issues of disunity and disputes within the church, including disputes over food and religious practices.
c. 56-58 AD— this verse
Paul writes Romans
Paul, likely in Corinth or on his way to Jerusalem, writes his most comprehensive theological letter to the Roman church, a community he had not yet visited. He addresses deep-seated divisions between Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
The fire devastated Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians. This period of intense suffering would have further tested the unity of the church.
This passage echoes the idea of 'mutual upbuilding' by calling believers 'God's building,' emphasizing that their spiritual lives are a construction project undertaken together under God's supervision.
Ephesians 4:15It directly commands believers to 'speak the truth in love,' which is a foundational element for pursuing peace and upbuilding, aligning perfectly with the sentiment in Romans 14:19.
1 Corinthians 8:1This verse highlights that 'knowledge puffs up, but love builds up,' reinforcing the principle that genuine spiritual growth (upbuilding) is rooted in love, not just in strict adherence to rules or knowledge.
Galatians 5:13It states that believers are called to freedom but warns not to 'use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another,' which is the practical outworking of pursuing peace and upbuilding.
1 Thessalonians 5:11This verse directly connects encouragement and upbuilding, stating 'Therefore encourage one another and build one another up,' serving as a clear parallel to the call in Romans 14:19.
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 .
The original Greek suggests that "mutual upbuilding" isn't just about helping each other grow, but about directing that growth toward one another, actively building each other up. This means we're called not just to be good for ourselves, but to intentionally focus our spiritual development on strengthening those around us.
Paul is addressing a deep division within the Roman church, primarily between Jewish and Gentile believers, concerning practices like dietary laws and observance of special days. He's been arguing that their differing convictions on these matters shouldn't become grounds for judgment or division, as all are ultimately accountable to God. Therefore, he urges them to prioritize unity and mutual encouragement over strict adherence to personal preferences that might alienate a weaker brother or sister in Christ.
Paul is addressing a deep division within the Roman church, primarily between Jewish and Gentile believers, concerning practices like dietary laws and observance of special days. He's been arguing that their differing convictions on these matters shouldn't become grounds for judgment or division, as all are ultimately accountable to God. Therefore, he urges them to prioritize unity and mutual encouragement over strict adherence to personal preferences that might alienate a weaker brother or sister in Christ.
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." — The original Greek suggests that "mutual upbuilding" isn't just about helping each other grow, but about directing that growth toward one another, actively building each other up. This means we're…
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Last reviewed October 2026