Romans 14:18
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Early Christians were known for righteousness (moral purity in pagan culture), peace (reconciliation across ethnic/class barriers), and joy (even in persecution). Tertullian wrote, 'See how they love one another'—pagan amazement at Christian community. This witness was more powerful than doctrinal disputation. When Christians fought over food laws or calendar observance, they forfeited credibility. Paul's emphasis on being 'approved by men' isn't compromise but effective witness: demonstrate kingdom realities, not petty squabbles. This principle applies perennially: churches known for infighting over non-essentials lose cultural credibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'serving Christ' (<em>douleuōn tō Christō</em>) in kingdom priorities differ from serving cultural Christianity or tribal identity?
- Are you more concerned with being 'acceptable to God' (<em>euarestos tō theō</em>) or 'approved of men' (<em>dokimos tois anthrōpois</em>)—and how do both relate?
- What would change if your church prioritized kingdom realities (righteousness, peace, joy) over disputable matters in both internal culture and external witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men—Ho gar en toutō douleuōn tō Christō euarestos tō theō kai dokimos tois anthrōpois (ὁ γὰρ ἐν τούτῳ δουλεύων τῷ Χριστῷ εὐάρεστος τῷ θεῷ καὶ δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις). En toutō (in these things) refers back to righteousness, peace, joy (v. 17)—kingdom realities. Douleuōn tō Christō (δουλεύω τῷ Χριστῷ, serving Christ) uses slave language—total devotion. Pursuing kingdom priorities (not food debates) renders one euarestos tō theō (well-pleasing to God).
Dokimos tois anthrōpois (δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, approved by men) doesn't mean people-pleasing but earning respect through Christlike character. Dokimos means tested, approved—like refined metal passing assay. Christians focused on kingdom essentials (righteousness, peace, joy) win both God's approval and human respect. Conversely, those obsessed with dietary disputes or externals earn neither—God sees misplaced priorities, humans see hypocrisy or irrelevance. Paul calls believers to what matters eternally and witnesses effectively.