Chapter 14
The
Jewish converts cautioned against judging, and Gentile believers against
despising one the other
|
1–13
|
And
the Gentiles exhorted to take heed of giving offence in their use of
indifferent things
|
14–23
|
Verses 1–6
Differences
of opinion prevailed even among the immediate followers of Christ and their
disciples. Nor did St. Paul attempt to end them. Compelled assent to any
doctrine, or conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would
be hypocritical and of no avail. Attempts for producing absolute oneness of
mind among Christians would be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be
disturbed with strifes of words. It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when
tempted to disdain and blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he
has, dare I disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty, despise
his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not the scrupulous believer
find fault with his brother, for God accepted him, without regarding the
distinctions of meats. We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to
judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view. The
case as to the observance of days was much the same. Those who knew that all
these things were done away by Christ’s coming, took no notice of the festivals
of the Jews. But it is not enough that our consciences consent to what we do;
it is necessary that it be certified from the word of God. Take heed of acting
against a doubting conscience. We are all apt to make our own views the
standard of truth, to deem things certain which to others appear doubtful. Thus
Christians often despise or condemn each other, about doubtful matters of no
moment. A thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all our mercies,
sanctifies and sweetens them.
Verses 7–13
Though
some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live to
themselves. No one who has given up his name to Christ, is allowedly a
self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The business of our lives is
not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which
makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different strength,
capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they are all the Lord’s; all
are looking and serving, and approving themselves to Christ. He is Lord of
those that are living, to rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them,
and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because
both the one and the other must shortly give an account. A believing regard to
the judgment of the great day, would silence rash judgings. Let every man
search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling
himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed of
saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one
signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree of offence; that which may be an
occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses 14–18
Christ
deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it.
Consider the design of Christ’s death: also that drawing a soul to sin,
threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our
brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so
as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from
speaking evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves
in many cases what we may lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good
name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things
in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good
we profess and practise, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of.
Righteousness, peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our
great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ’s death, sanctified
by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. As to
our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them;
following peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost;
that spiritual joy wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers,
which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their expected
home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable.
Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound
most in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good
men; and the opinion of others is not to be regarded.
Verses 19–23
Many wish
for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for
peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot
edify one another, while quarrelling and contending. Many, for meat and drink,
destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than
pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are
hurt, by wilful offence given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving
offence to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is
drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions
weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our
Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong
use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the
blessings of Christ’s kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and
ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How
preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we
are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and
whom we ought to serve.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
Rick Meyers.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. e-Sword ®: www.e-sword.net
