Romans 14:18

Rom 14:18. Ἐν τούτοις, in these things) whether he eats or not; the Alex. and others, Lat. [Vulg.] have ἐν τούτῳ: τούτῳ in the singular has no antecedent, to which it can be made to refer. It may have arisen from its alliteration with τῷ, which follows.[150]—ΕὐΆΡΕΣΤΟς—ΔΟΚΙΜῸς, acceptable—approved) He does that, by which he pleases God and approves himself to, and ought to be approved by, men: he is even approved by those, whom he has no desire to please.

[150] ABCD corrected later. Gfg Memph. Theb. Versions, Origen, have ἐν τούτῳ. Rec. Text is supported by the two Syr. Versions alone of ancient authorities in reading ἐν τούτοις.—ED.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Rom_14:18. Not an explanation, why he has mentioned by name these three particulars, as those in which the kingdom consists (Hofmann), but a confirmation of the contents of Rom_14:17; and how greatly must this confirmation have conduced to the recommendation and support of the precept μὴ βλασφημ. κ.τ.λ. of Rom_14:16 as established by Rom_14:17!

ἐν τούτοις] (see the critical notes) refers to the just mentioned three great moral elements. He who in these (not therefore possibly in βρῶσις and πόσις, and the like unspiritual things) serves Christ, etc. On ἐν with δουλεύειν, denoting its moral life-sphere, comp. Rom_7:6.

εὐάρεστ. τ. Θεῷ] testimonium, quod expresse adfirmat bona opera renatorum placere Deo, Melanchthon.

δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρ.] approved by men; such is the relation according to its moral nature,a fact not annulled by abnormal manifestations, in which misapprehension, perversion of the moral judgment, and the like are at work. Paulus hic de sincero judicio loquitur, Calvin.

Meyer — Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament — English translation by Peter Christie, edited by Frederick Crombie (T&T Clark, 1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Rom 14:18 . ἐν τούτῳ : “on the principle implied by these virtues” (Sanday and Headlam). One may serve Christ either eating or abstaining, but no one can serve Him whose conduct exhibits indifference to righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις : so that there can be no occasion given to any one to blaspheme. Cf. Rom 16:10 , 2Ti 2:15 , Jas 1:12 . A sound Christian character wins even the world’s approval.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Rom_14:18

For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men. This verse is a confirmation of the preceding. These spiritual graces constitute the essential part of religion; for he that experiences and exercises these virtues, is regarded by God as a true Christian, and must commend himself as such to the consciences of his fellow-men. Where these things, therefore, are found, difference of opinion or practice in reference to unessential points, should not be allowed to disturb the harmony of Christian intercourse. It is to be observed, that the exercise of the virtues here spoken of, is represented by the apostle as a service rendered to Christ; he that in these things serveth Christ, etc. which implies that Christ has authority over the heart and conscience. Instead of ἐν τούτοις, many of the oldest MSS. read ἐν τούτῳ, referring to πνεύματι: He that in the Holy Spirit serveth Christ. This reading is adopted by Lachmann, Tischendorf, and many others. The external authorities, however, in favor of the common text, are of much weight, and the context seems to demand it.

Charles Hodge — Commentary on Romans (1835), First Corinthians (1857), and Ephesians (1856) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

He that liveth peaceably, and doeth righteously, through the holy Ghost.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

For he that in these things--"in this," meaning this threefold life.

serveth Christ--Here again observe how, though we do these three things as a "kingdom of God," yet it is "Christ" that we serve in so doing; the apostle passing here from God to Christ as naturally as before from Christ to God--in a way to us inconceivable, if Christ had been viewed as a mere creature (compare Co2 8:21).

is acceptable to God, and approved of men--these being the things which God delights in, and men are constrained to approve. (Compare Pro 3:4; Luk 2:52; Act 2:47; Act 19:20).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 18. For he that in these things] The man, whether Jew or Gentile, who in these things-righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, serveth Christ-acts according to his doctrine, is acceptable to God; for he has not only the form of godliness in thus serving Christ, but he has the power, the very spirit and essence of it, in having righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; and therefore the whole frame of his mind, as well as his acts, must be acceptable to God.-And approved of men; for although religion may be persecuted, yet the righteous man, who is continually labouring for the public good, will be generally esteemed. This was a very common form of speech among the Jews; that he who was a conscientious observer of the law, was pleasing to God and approved of men. See several examples in Schoettgen.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

18. For he who in these things, etc. An argument drawn from the effect: for it is impossible, but that when any one is acceptable to God and approved by men, the kingdom of God fully prevails and flourishes in him: he, who with a quiet and peaceful conscience serves Christ in righteousness, renders himself approved by men as well as by God. Wherever then there is righteousness and peace and spiritual joy, there the kingdom of God is complete in all its parts: it does not then consist of material things. But he says, that man is acceptable to God, because he obeys his will; he testifies that he is approved by men, because they cannot do otherwise than bear testimony to that excellency which they see with their eyes: not that the ungodly always favor the children of God; nay, when there is no cause, they often pour forth against them many reproaches, and with forged calumnies defame the innocent, and in a word, turn into vices things rightly done, by putting on them a malignant construction. But Paul speaks here of honest judgment, blended with no moroseness, no hatred, no superstition.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

(18) In these things.—The more correct reading is, in this (way). The meaning, however, is the same.

Serveth Christ.—Here the principle of unity which holds together different sides and manifestations of the Christian character is indicated.

Approved of men.—So that He will not be “evil spoken of,” as the uncompromising legalist or anti-legalist is apt to be.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

18. For he that in these things, &c.] The “for” indicates a connexion somewhat as follows: “the privileges of the Gospel are above all things spiritual: for the subjects of God’s evangelical kingdom approve themselves as loyal to their King, and worthy of their privileges in the eyes of men, not so much by insisting on ceremonial freedom, as by bringing the influence of their spiritual peace and joy to bear on their service of Christ.”—“In these things:”—another reading, not so well supported, is “in this thing.” If adopted, the “this” must refer to the whole idea of spiritual privilege.

serveth] The word bears a suppressed emphasis. The assertor of ceremonial liberty is reminded that he is the bondman of the Lord, precisely in virtue of his freedom from the doom of the law. See ch. 6.

acceptable to God] As the servant who uses the Master’s talent in the Master’s business.

approved of men] As standing the test of sincerity and reality. (The Gr. word suggests the idea of testing, assaying.)

Fact abundantly illustrates the Apostle’s words. The disciple who “in these things serveth Christ” may or may not be popular with men around him; but he is quite sure, on the whole and in the long run, to be recognized as real. No doubt the “strong” Christian is implicitly warned that punctilious assertions of liberty are very likely to have the opposite result.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Let us therefore follow after the things, Since the kingdom of God is in part peace, and the man that serves Christ in this, as in other things, is accepted with God, and grateful to men, the apostle very pertinently exhorts to seek after such things,

which make for peace: not with God, for, for a sinful creature to make peace with God is impracticable and impossible, nor is there any exhortation to it in all the word of God; and if there was, it would be unnecessary here; since the persons here exhorted were such for whom peace with God was made by Christ, and who had a clear and comfortable sense of it in their own souls; and besides, for any to be put upon, or to attempt to make their peace with God, must highly reflect upon the methods of God's grace, in reconciling sinners to himself; and be injurious to the blood, sacrifice, and satisfaction of Christ, by which only peace is made: but the apostle means, either what makes for a man's own peace, or for the peace of others; the things which make for a man's own peace in his own conscience distressed with sin, are looking to, and dealing with the blood of Christ, which speaks peace and pardon; and the righteousness of Christ, which being apprehended by faith, a soul has peace with God through Christ; and also an embracing the Gospel, and the truths of it, which direct to Christ, which publish peace, and are the means of increasing and establishing a solid and well grounded peace, on the free grace of God and merits of Christ: attending on ordinances, and exercising a conscience void of offence towards God and men, are means of continuing and promoting a man's peace; he enjoys peace in them, though he do not derive it from them; yea, in the peace of others, is a man's own peace; and this is what is chiefly meant, a pursuing of things which make for the peace of others; of all men, and especially of saints; this is what should be eagerly followed after, closely pursued, and all ways and means should be made use of, to promote and secure it: this is the will of God; it is well pleasing to Christ, and a fruit of the Spirit; it is one part of the Gospel dispensation; church fellowship cannot be profitable and pleasant without it; it suits with the character of saints, who are sons of peace; and agrees with their privileges they enjoy, or have a right unto, as spiritual peace here, and eternal peace hereafter;

and things wherewith one may edify another. The church is often compared to a building, to a temple, a city, an house, and saints are the materials thereof; who are capable of being edified, or built up, yet more and more, both by words and by deeds; by words, by the ministry of the word, which is set up and continued among other things, for the edifying of the body of Christ; by praying with, and for each other; and by Christian conversation, about the experience of the grace of God, and doctrines of the Gospel, whereby saints may be useful in building up one another in their most holy faith; and so likewise by avoiding all filthy, frothy, and corrupt communication; all angry words and wrathful expressions, which tend not to profit, and are not for the use of edifying, but the contrary: moreover, edification is promoted by deeds, by acts of charity, or love; for charity edifies not by bare words but by loving in deed and in truth, by serving one another in love; for the spiritual body of Christ his church, makes increase unto the edifying of itself in love; and also by laying aside the use of things indifferent, when disagreeable to any of the brethren; for though all things may be lawful to be done by us, yet all things do not edify the brethren; and things which make for the edification of the body, as well as our own, are diligently to be sought after. The Vulgate Latin version, and some copies, read, "let us keep", or "observe those things wherewith one may edify another".

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Ver. 18. Is acceptable to God] And he is a happy man that can be acquitted by himself in private, in public by others, in both by God.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

In these things - In righteousness, peace, and joy.

Serveth Christ - Or obeys Christ, who has commanded them. He receives Christ as his “master” or “teacher” and does his will in regard to them. To do these things is to do honor to Christ, and to show the excellency of his religion.

Is acceptable to God - Whether he be converted from the Jews or the Gentiles.

And approved of men - That is, people will “approve” of such conduct; they will esteem it to be right, and to be in accordance with the spirit of Christianity. He does not say that the wicked world will “love” such a life, but it will commend itself to them as such a life as people ought to lead.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

This proves the foregoing assertion, that the kingdom of God consisteth in righteousness, peace, and joy, because he that serveth Christ in and by these things, is accepted of God, and approved of men; this cannot be affirmed of meat and drink, &c. When he says that the serving of Christ in these things is approved of men, he means of such as are godly, and of sound judgment; for of others they are often hated and reviled for the exercise of these very graces: and yet righteousness and peaceableness have oftentimes their praise from the wicked themselves: see 1Sa 2:26; Pro 3:4; Luk 2:52; Act 2:47.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

18. In these things—In the three traits of God’s kingdom in the heart just mentioned.

Serveth Christ—In the triad of graces we observe a true universal morality, devoid of narrow ritualisms and dietetics; and yet we are truly serving Christ.

Approved of men—The character and conduct of the man in whom the triad reigns really approve themselves to the consciences of men. The world may persecute because the person is specifically Christian; it may profess to despise his profession. But the true traits of the Christian character command the involuntary respect of men.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

In these - Righteousness, peace, and joy. Men - Wise and good men.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

He that in these things, that is, in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, serveth Christ, is acceptable to God. That is, this shows and evidences that he is a person accepted with God, and approved of men, of wise, charitable, and good men; yea, the natural consciences of men in general will applaud and approve what is done by him, notwithstanding the fore-mentioned difference in lesser things concerning meats and days.

Learn hence, That the love and practice of religious duties, such as righteousness and peace, is a clear and strong argument of a person’s acceptance with God.

Learn, 2. That such as are for those things accepted by God, ought by no means, for differing from us in lesser things, to be disowned of us, and cast out of communion by us.

William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

18. “For he that serveth Christ in this, is well pleasing to God and approved unto men.” If you have the righteousness, peace and joy all right, and are true to Christ, you are well pleasing to God and irreproachable to men. If you have these essentials of the kingdom in your heart, you are prepared for any tribunal of heaven or earth. Without the righteousness, peace and joy wrought in you by the Holy Ghost, you are bankrupt in the sight of God and good men, though you be the greatest churchman on the globe. With the pope and all the hierarchies you will go down.

William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men .

J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

approved by people

You can translate this in an active form. AT: "people will approve of him" or "people will respect him" (See: Active or Passive)

let us pursue the things of peace and the things that build up one another

Here "build up one another" refers to helping each other grow in faith. AT: "let us seek to live peacefully together and help one another grow stronger in faith" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

translationWords

servant

Christ

God

people group

peace

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

18. ὁ γὰρ ἐν τούτῳ κ.τ.λ. Cf. Rom 15:3, the service of the Christ involves the adoption of His principle of ‘not pleasing Himself.’

ἐν τούτῳ = in this matter, of conduct as regards things in themselves indifferent.

δουλεύων τῷ χρ. This is the true service of the Christ (the Messiah) in contrast with pretended services; cf. Hort, Eccl., p. 111; cf. below Rom 15:3-4.

δόκιμος τοῖς ἀν. Contrasted with μὴ βλασφημ. ὑ. τὸ ἀγαθόν: men will not be able to find fault.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

18.] The reading τούτῳ is too strongly supported to be rejected for the rec. τούτοις, as is done by Thol. and De Wette, because the latter is the easier reading, and might refer to δικ. εἰρ. and χαρ. I have therefore adopted it. But I do not understand it (as Orig., al.) of πνεύματι ἁγίῳ. It would be unnatural that a subordinate member of the former sentence, belonging only to χαρά, should be at once raised to be the emphatic one in this, and the three graces just emphatically mentioned, lost sight of. I believe τούτῳ to express the aggregate of the three, and ἐν τούτῳ to be equivalent to οὕτως, as Baumg.-Crusius.

δόκ. τ. ἀνθρ., as a man of peace and uprightness: οὐ γὰρ οὕτω σε θαυμάσονται τῆς τελειότητος, ὡς τῆς εἰρήνης κ. τῆς ὁμονοίας πάντες· τούτου μὲν γὰρ τοῦ καλοῦ πάντες ἀπολαύσονται, ἐκείνου δὲ οὐδὲ εἷς. Chrys. Hom. xxvi. p. 713.

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

18. The same statement is generalized. The man who, on the principle implied by these virtues (ἐν τούτῳ, not ἐν τούτοις), is Christ’s servant, i. e. who serves Christ by being righteous and conciliatory and charitable towards others, not by harshly emphasizing his Christian freedom, is not only well-pleasing to God, but will gain the approval of men.

δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις. The contrast to βλασφημείσθω of ver. 16. Consideration for others is a mark of the Christian character which will recommend a man to his fellow-men. δόκιμος, able to stand the test of inspection and criticism (cf. 2Ti 2:15).

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Vv. 18. “For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men.”

So true is it that it is in these dispositions the kingdom of God consists, that the goodwill of God and men rests only on him who cultivates them. If we read ἐν τούτῳ, we may refer the pronoun (him or that) either to the principle expressed in Rom 14:17 (“thus”), or to the Holy Spirit. The first meaning is forced; it would have required κατὰ τοῦτο, according to (this principle). Nor is the second less so; for it would be the merest commonplace to say that he who serves Christ in the Holy Spirit is acceptable to God. We must therefore read, with the T. R. and the Byzs., ἐν τούτοις, in these dispositions. Such a man is acceptable to God, who reads the heart, and he enjoys merited consideration even in the judgment of men. Every one, Christian or non-Christian, recognizes him to be a man really animated with power from above, the opposite of a fool or a boaster; δόκιμος: an approved Christian, who has stood the test of trial.

Frédéric Louis Godet — Commentaries on Luke, John, Romans, and 1 Corinthians — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1870s–1890s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.