Romans 14:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 14:5
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Chapter Context
Romans 14 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, 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 14:5
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Analysis
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike—Hos men gar krinei hēmeran par' hēmeran, hos de krinei pasan hēmeran (ὃς μὲν γὰρ κρίνει ἡμέραν παρ' ἡμέραν, ὃς δὲ κρίνει πᾶσαν ἡμέραν). Krinei (regards/considers) here means personal judgment, not condemnation. Hēmeran par' hēmeran (one day above another) refers to Sabbath observance, Jewish feast days, or fasting days. Some believers maintained OT calendar; others considered pasan hēmeran (every day alike)—no sacred calendar under the New Covenant (Colossians 2:16-17).
Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind—Hekastos en tō idiō noi plērophoristhō (ἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ πληροφορείσθω). Plērophoreō (πληροφορέω, be fully convinced/assured) uses passive imperative—let each be fully convinced. En tō idiō noi (in his own mind) emphasizes personal conscience before God. This isn't relativism ('believe whatever you want') but liberty on non-essentials. Core doctrines demand consensus (1 Corinthians 15:1-8); disputable matters allow diversity. Conscience must be informed by Scripture, yet Scripture allows freedom where it doesn't mandate.
Historical Context
Jewish Christians observed Sabbath (Saturday); Gentile Christians worshiped on Lord's Day (Sunday, Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10). Some maintained Jewish feasts (Passover, Pentecost); others didn't. Paul allows both, provided they act from conviction, not coercion. This principle later applied to Christmas/Easter observance, liturgical calendars, and Sabbatarianism debates. Colossians 2:16 is more forceful ('let no man judge you'), but Romans 14 is pastoral—both positions acceptable if done 'unto the Lord' (v. 6). The key: heart-motivation, not external conformity.
Reflection
- What 'days' do you esteem—Sabbath, Sunday, feast days, or none—and are you 'fully persuaded' (<em>plērophoristhō</em>) or merely conforming?
- How do you distinguish between issues requiring conformity (essential doctrines) and those allowing diversity (disputable matters)?
- In what areas might you be imposing your conscience on others rather than letting them be 'fully persuaded in their own mind'?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Romans 14:23