Romans 14:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 14:19
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Chapter Context
Romans 14 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, fellowship, faith. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 14:19
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Analysis
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another—Ara oun ta tēs eirēnēs diōkōmen kai ta tēs oikodomēs tēs eis allēlous (ἄρα οὖν τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης διώκωμεν καὶ τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τῆς εἰς ἀλλήλους). Diōkōmen (διώκω, pursue/follow after) is vigorous—actively chase, not passively wait. Ta tēs eirēnēs (the things of peace) means actions promoting harmony, unity, reconciliation. Eirēnē (εἰρήνη, peace) is Hebrew shalom—wholeness, right relationships, communal flourishing.
Oikodomēs (οἰκοδομή, edification/building up) is architectural—constructing the church as spiritual edifice (1 Corinthians 3:9, 'ye are God's building'). Eis allēlous (toward one another) emphasizes mutuality—both strong and weak bear responsibility for building up. Pursuing peace and edification requires self-limitation: strong limit liberty, weak limit judgment, all prioritize unity over being 'right.' This isn't compromise on truth but wisdom in application—choose battles wisely, prioritize what builds up.
Historical Context
The early church faced constant threats to unity: Jew-Gentile tensions, rich-poor divisions, doctrinal disputes, personality conflicts. Paul's letters repeatedly call for unity (1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 2:2). 'Peace and edification' became guiding principles: Does this action promote unity or division? Build up or tear down? Later church councils (Nicaea, Chalcedon) distinguished dogma requiring unity from adiaphora (indifferent matters) allowing diversity. Augustine's maxim: 'In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.'
Reflection
- What actions in your church 'make for peace' (<em>ta tēs eirēnēs</em>) versus promote division—and how do you actively pursue peace?
- How do you evaluate decisions by whether they 'edify' (<em>oikodomē</em>) others or merely assert your rights/opinions?
- Where might you limit your freedom or opinions for the sake of unity and building up the body?
Cross-References
- Peace: Romans 12:18, Psalms 34:14, Matthew 5:9, Mark 9:50, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Hebrews 12:14
- Parallel theme: Romans 15:2, Psalms 133:1, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 4:29