Romans 14:16

Analysis & Commentary

Let not then your good be evil spoken of—The imperative μὴ βλασφημείσθω (mē blasphēmeisthō, 'let not be blasphemed') is passive voice, indicating that the 'strong' believers' exercise of freedom (τὸ ἀγαθὸν ὑμῶν, 'your good thing') can become an occasion for slander by others. The term βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō) is strong—used elsewhere for blaspheming God (Romans 2:24)—suggesting that causing a brother to stumble brings God's name into disrepute.

Paul's logic: what is objectively good (Christian freedom, right doctrine) can functionally become evil if it destroys weaker believers (v. 15). The 'good' refers to the strong believers' correct understanding that all foods are clean (v. 14, 20) and that Christ has freed them from dietary law. But truth wielded without love becomes a weapon. The passive voice implies that others will do the blaspheming—either weak believers scandalized by the strong's liberty, or outsiders who see Christian freedom as license and hypocrisy.

Historical Context

In first-century Rome, house churches often shared common meals (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34). The 'strong' eating food sacrificed to idols or ignoring Jewish food laws could cause 'weak' Jewish Christians to stumble back into law-observance or even abandon faith. Additionally, pagan neighbors observing Christian disunity over food could blaspheme the God who supposedly unites Jew and Gentile. Paul prioritizes ecclesial unity and evangelistic witness over individual rights.

Questions for Reflection

• What theologically correct positions might you hold that, if exercised without love, could cause others to blaspheme God?
• How do you balance standing firm on biblical truth while limiting your freedom for weaker believers' sake?
• In what ways might your exercise of Christian liberty cause outsiders to 'evil speak of your good'—to see faith as hypocritical or divisive?