Romans 14:10
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The bēma (judgment seat) in Roman cities was where officials adjudicated disputes (Acts 18:12-17, Paul before Gallio's bēma). Paul applies this to Christ's eschatological tribunal where believers give account for their stewardship (not for salvation, secured by grace). This judgment evaluates works for reward/loss (1 Corinthians 3:10-15), faithfulness in disputable matters, and motives. Early Christians anticipated this bēma with sobriety, living 'coram Deo' (before God's face), accountable to Christ alone. This relativized human judgment—why fear man's judgment when Christ is Judge?
Questions for Reflection
- How does anticipation of standing before Christ's '<em>bēma</em>' (judgment seat) curb your tendency to judge or despise brothers?
- What will Christ evaluate at the <em>bēma</em>—salvation status, faithfulness, motives, or stewardship of freedom?
- How should the reality that 'we shall all stand' (<em>pantes parastēsometha</em>) shape your current attitudes toward those who differ on disputable matters?
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Analysis & Commentary
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?—Sy de ti krineis ton adelphon sou? ē kai sy ti exoutheneis ton adelphon sou? (σὺ δὲ τί κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου; ἢ καὶ σὺ τί ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου;). The emphatic sy (you) confronts both groups: 'weak' judge (krineis) the strong as licentious; 'strong' despise (exoutheneis, set at nothing) the weak as legalistic. Both sins violate ton adelphon sou (your brother)—familial language. You're judging/despising family, not strangers.
For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ—Pantes gar parastēsometha tō bēmati tou Christou (πάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ). The future parastēsometha (we shall stand) is certain. Tō bēmati (the judgment seat) was the elevated platform where Roman magistrates pronounced judgment. Christou (of Christ) identifies the Judge—not Caesar, not fellow believers, but Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:10). If all appear before Christ's bēma, usurping His role by judging brothers is presumptuous. Leave judgment to the Judge.