Romans Chapter 14 · Verse 18
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τούτοις
these things
G5125
τούτοις
these things
Strong's:
G5125
Word #:
4 of 14
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
δουλεύων
serveth
G1398
δουλεύων
serveth
Strong's:
G1398
Word #:
5 of 14
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δόκιμος
approved
G1384
δόκιμος
approved
Strong's:
G1384
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.2 Corinthians 5:11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.1 Peter 2:20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
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?
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.