The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV

by John MacArthur

  13:7 Render…to all their due. “Render” translates a Gr. word signifying the payment of something owed—not a voluntary contribution—and is reinforced by the word “due.” The apostle reiterates that paying taxes is mandatory (see note on v. 6). customs. Tolls or taxes on goods. fear…honor. God demands that we show sincere respect and an attitude of genuine high esteem for all public officials.

  13:8 Owe no one anything. Not a prohibition against borrowing money, which Scripture permits and regulates (cf. Ex. 22:25; Lev. 25:35–37; Deut. 15:7–9; Neh. 5:7; Pss. 15:5; 37:21, 26; Ezek. 22:12; Matt. 5:42; Luke 6:34). Paul’s point is that all our financial obligations must be paid when they are due. See notes on Deut. 23:19, 20; 24:10–13. love one another. Believers are commanded to love not only other Christians (John 13:34, 35; 1 Cor. 14:1; Phil. 1:9; Col. 3:14; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 6:10; 1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8; 1 John 2:10; 3:23; 4:7, 21), but also non-Christians (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35; cf. Luke 6:28, 34; Rom. 12:14, 20; Gal. 6:10; 1 Thess. 5:15). fulfilled the law. See note on 13:10.

  13:9 To demonstrate that love fulfills the law, Paul cites 4 of the Ten Commandments dealing with human relations and ties them in with an overarching OT command. He quotes Ex. 20:13–15, 17 (cf. Deut. 5:17–19, 21). summed up…love your neighbor as yourself. This command, quoting Lev. 19:18, encompasses all of God’s laws concerning human relationships (Matt. 22:39); if we truly love our neighbor (anyone with whom we have contact, cf. Luke 10:25–37), we will only do what is in his best interest (13:10).

  13:10 love is the fulfillment of the law. If we treat others with the same care that we have for ourselves, we will not violate any of God’s laws regarding interpersonal relationships (Matt. 7:12; James 2:8).

  13:11 time. The Gr. word views time not in terms of chronology, but as a period, era, or age (cf. 3:26; Matt. 16:3; Mark 1:15; Luke 21:8; Acts 1:7; 3:19; Rev. 1:3). sleep. Spiritual apathy and lethargy, i.e. unresponsiveness to the things of God. our salvation. Not our justification, but the final feature of our redemption, glorification (see note on 8:23). is nearer. We will be glorified when Jesus returns (see note on 8:23), which draws closer with each passing day. The Bible frequently uses the return of Jesus Christ to motivate believers to holy living (2 Cor. 5:10; Titus 2:11–13; Heb. 10:24, 25; James 5:7, 8; 1 Pet. 4:7–11; 2 Pet. 3:11–14).

  13:12 night. Of man’s depravity and Satan’s dominion (cf. 1 Thess. 5:4, 5). day. Of Christ’s return and reign (cf. 1 Thess. 5:2–4). cast off. In light of Christ’s imminent return, Paul exhorts believers to repent of and forsake their sins (2 Pet. 3:14; 1 John 2:28; cf. Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:8–10; Heb. 12:1, 14; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:1; 4:1–3). the armor of light. The protection that practical righteousness provides (cf. Eph. 6:11–17).

  13:13 Let us walk properly. By living a life pleasing to God, manifesting in our outward behavior the inner reality of a redeemed life (cf. 6:4; 8:4; Luke 1:6; Gal. 5:16, 25; Eph. 2:10; 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15; Phil. 1:27; 3:16, 17; Col. 1:10; 2:6; 1 Thess. 2:12; 4:1, 12; 1 Pet. 2:12; 1 John 2:6; 2 John 4, 6). revelry. Wild parties, sexual orgies, brawls, riots (cf. Gal. 5:21; 1 Pet. 4:3). lewdness and lust. Sexual immorality (cf. 1 Cor. 6:18; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Thess. 4:3; 2 Tim. 2:22). strife and envy. Closely associated iniquities (cf. 1 Cor. 3:3; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Phil. 1:15; 1 Tim. 6:4), since the former is often the result of the latter.

  13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ. This phrase summarizes sanctification, the continuing spiritual process in which those who have been saved by faith are transformed into His image and likeness (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 4:19; Phil. 3:13, 14; Col. 2:7; 1 John 3:2, 3). The image Paul uses to describe that process is taking off and putting on clothing, which is symbolic of thoughts and behavior. See notes on Eph. 4:20–24. no provision. This word has the basic meaning of planning ahead or forethought. Most sinful behavior results from wrong ideas and lustful desires we allow to linger in our minds (cf. James 1:14, 15). the flesh. See note on 7:5. its lusts. See Gal. 5:17; Eph. 2:3.

  Romans 14

  14:1–12 The diversity of the church displays Christ’s power to bring together dissimilar people in genuine unity. Yet Satan often works on man’s unredeemed flesh to create division and threaten that unity. The threat to unity Paul addresses in this passage arises when mature (strong) believers—both Jews and Gentiles—conflict with immature (weak) believers. The strong Jewish believers understood their freedom in Christ and realized the ceremonial requirements of the Mosaic law were no longer binding. The mature Gentiles understood that idols are not gods and, therefore, that they could eat meat that had been offered to them. But in both cases the weaker brothers’ consciences were troubled, and they were even tempted to violate their consciences (a bad thing to train oneself to do). Knowing that the mature Jews and Gentiles would be able to understand these struggles, Paul addresses most of his comments to them.

  14:1 Receive. The Gr. word refers to personal and willing acceptance of another. weak in the faith. This characterizes those believers who are unable to let go of the religious ceremonies and rituals of their past. The weak Jewish believer had difficulty abandoning the rites and prohibitions of the Old Covenant; he felt compelled to adhere to dietary laws, observe the Sabbath, and offer sacrifices in the temple. The weak Gentile believer had been steeped in pagan idolatry and its rituals; he felt that any contact with anything remotely related to his past, including eating meat that had been offered to a pagan deity and then sold in the marketplace, tainted him with sin. Both had very sensitive consciences in these areas, and were not yet mature enough to be free of those convictions. Cf. 1 Cor. 8:1–13. disputes over doubtful things. Better translated, “for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions (or scruples).” The mature believer should not sit in judgment on the sincere but underdeveloped thoughts that govern the weak believer’s conduct.

  14:2 one believes. The strong believer, whose mature faith allows him to exercise his freedom in Christ by eating the inexpensive meat sold at the pagan meat markets—inexpensive because a worshiper had first offered it as a sacrifice to a pagan deity (see notes on 1 Cor. 8:1–13). only vegetables. The strict diet weak Jewish and Gentile believers ate to avoid eating meat that was unclean or may have been sacrificed to idols.

  14:3 despise…judge. “Despise” indicates a contempt for someone as worthless, who deserves only disdain and abhorrence. “Judge” is equally strong and means “to condemn.” Paul uses them synonymously: The strong hold the weak in contempt as legalistic and self-righteous; the weak judge the strong to be irresponsible at best and perhaps depraved.

  14:4 To his own master he stands or falls. How Christ evaluates each believer is what matters, and His judgment does not take into account religious tradition or personal preference (cf. 8:33, 34; 1 Cor. 4:3–5).

  14:5 esteems one day. Though it was no longer required by God, the weak Jewish believer felt compelled to observe the Sabbath and other special days associated with Judaism (cf. Gal. 4:9, 10; see notes on Col. 2:16, 17). On the other hand, the weak Gentile wanted to separate himself from the special days of festivities associated with his former paganism because of its immorality and idolatry. esteems every day alike. The mature believers were unaffected by those concerns. Let each be fully convinced. Each Christian must follow the dictates of his own conscience in matters not specifically commanded or prohibited in Scripture. Since conscience is a God-given mechanism to warn, and responds to the highest standard of moral law in the mind (2:14, 15), it is not sensible to train yourself to ignore it. Rather, respond to its compunctions and as you mature, by learning more, your mind will not alert it to those things which are not essential.

  14:6 The strong believer eats whatever he pleases and thanks the Lord. The weak brother eats according to his ceremonial diet and thanks the Lord that he made a sacrifice on His behalf. In either case, the believer thanks the Lord, so the motive is the same. to the Lord. Whether weak or strong, the motive behind a believer’s decisions about issues of conscience must be to please the Lord.

>   14:7 lives to himself…dies to himself. The focus of Christian living is never oneself—everything we do should be to please our sovereign Lord (cf. 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31).

  14:9 Lord of both the dead and the living. Christ died not only to free us from sin, but to enslave us to Himself (6:22); to establish Himself as Sovereign over the saints in His presence and those still on earth (cf. Phil. 2:11; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16).

  14:10 judge…show contempt. See note on v. 3. your brother. A fellow believer in Christ. the judgment seat of Christ. The preferred rendering is “the judgment seat of God” (see notes on 1 Cor. 3:13–15). Every believer will give an account of himself, and the Lord will judge the decisions he made—including those concerning issues of conscience. That verdict is the only one that matters (see notes on 1 Cor. 4:1–5; 2 Cor. 5:9, 10).

  14:11 it is written. Paul quotes Is. 45:23; 49:18 (cf. Phil. 2:10, 11).

  14:13 judge. See note on v. 3. but rather resolve. The same Gr. word translated “judge” (14:3, 10, 13) is here translated “resolve.” In vv. 3, 10, 13a the meaning is negative: to condemn. In v. 13b, the meaning is positive: to determine or make a careful decision. The point of Paul’s play on words is that instead of passing judgment on their brothers, they should use their best judgment to help fellow believers. stumbling block. Anything a believer does—even though Scripture may permit it—that causes another to fall into sin (1 Cor. 8:9).

  14:14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus. This truth was not the product of his own thinking or the teaching of others, but of divine revelation (cf. Gal. 1:12). See note on 1 Cor. 7:12. nothing unclean of itself. See note on Acts 10:15; cf. Mark 7:15; 1 Tim. 4:3–5; Titus 1:15). unclean. The Gr. word originally meant “common” but came to mean “impure” or “evil” (see note on Acts 10:14). to him who considers…to him it is unclean. If a believer is convinced a certain behavior is sin—even if his assessment is wrong—he should never do it. If he does, he will violate his conscience, experience guilt (cf. 1 Cor. 8:4–7; see note on 2:15), and perhaps be driven back into deeper legalism instead of moving toward freedom (see note on v. 5).

  14:15 grieved. The Gr. word refers to causing pain or distress. A weak believer may be hurt when he sees a brother do something he believes is sinful. But still worse, the strong believer may cause his weaker brother to violate his own conscience (cf. 1 Cor. 8:8–13). love. See notes on 1 Cor. 13:1–13. Love will ensure that the strong Christian is sensitive and understanding of his brother’s weaknesses (1 Cor. 8:8–13). destroy. This refers to complete devastation. In the NT, it is often used to indicate eternal damnation (Matt. 10:28; Luke 13:3; John 3:16; Rom. 2:12). In this context, however, it refers to a serious devastation of one’s spiritual growth (cf. Matt. 18:3, 6, 14). the one for whom Christ died. Any Christian (cf. 1 Cor. 8:11).

  14:16 your good. The rightful exercise of one’s Christian liberty (cf. 1 Cor. 10:23–32). spoken of as evil. To blaspheme. When unbelievers see a strong Christian abusing his freedom in Christ and harming a weaker brother, they will conclude that Christianity is filled with unloving people, which reflects badly on God’s reputation (cf. 2:24).

  14:17 kingdom of God. The sphere of salvation where God rules in the hearts of those He has saved (see notes on Acts 1:3; 1 Cor. 6:9). eating and drinking. Non-essentials and external observances. righteousness. Holy, obedient living (cf. Eph. 6:14; Phil. 1:11). peace. The loving tranquillity, produced by the Spirit, that should characterize believers’ relationships with God and each other (Gal. 5:22). joy in the Holy Spirit. Another part of the Spirit’s fruit, this describes an abiding attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances, which flows from one’s confidence in God’s sovereignty (Gal. 5:22; 1 Thess. 1:6).

  14:18 approved by men. This refers to approving something after a careful examination, like a jeweler inspecting a stone to determine its quality and value. Christians are under the microscope of a skeptical world that is assessing how they live with and treat each other (cf. John 13:35; Phil. 2:15).

  14:20 work of God. A fellow Christian who has been redeemed by the efforts of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, not his own (cf. v. 15; Eph. 2:10). All things…pure. The discretionary liberties which God has given to believers and are good in themselves (cf. vv. 14, 16). who eats with offense. One who uses those God-given liberties carelessly and selfishly, offending his weaker brother.

  14:21 stumbles. See note on v. 13. offended…made weak. This phrase does not appear in the better manuscripts.

  14:22, 23 The strongest Christian can bring harm to himself in the area of Christian liberty by denouncing or belittling the freedom God has given him (Gal. 5:1), or by carelessly flaunting his liberty without regard for how that might affect others (cf. 1 Cor. 10:23–32).

  14:22 Have it to yourself before God. This is better translated, “have as your own conviction before God.” Paul urges the strong believer to understand his liberty, enjoy it, and keep it between God and himself. what he approves. The strong believer maintains a healthy conscience because he does not give a weak believer a cause to stumble.

  14:23 who doubts is condemned. When the weak brother violates his conscience, he sins. whatever is not from faith. The thoughts and actions that our conscience condemns.

  Romans 15

  15:1 We…who are strong. See notes on 14:1–13. to bear. The word means “to pick up and carry a weight.” It is used of carrying a pitcher of water (Mark 14:13), of carrying a man (Acts 21:35), and figuratively of bearing an obligation (Acts 15:10). The strong are not to simply tolerate the weaknesses of their weaker brothers; they are to help the weak shoulder their burdens by showing loving and practical consideration for them (Gal. 6:2; cf. 1 Cor. 9:19–22; Phil. 2:2–4). scruples. Better translated, “weaknesses.” weak. See note on 14:1.

  15:2 edification. To build up and strengthen. This is essentially the same appeal Paul made earlier (14:19), only with the additional qualification of self-sacrifice (1 Cor. 10:23, 24; cf. Phil. 2:2–5).

  15:3 Christ did not please Himself. His ultimate purpose was to please God and accomplish His will (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:25, 27–29; Phil. 2:6–8). it is written. Quoted from Ps. 69:9. The reproaches… fell on Me. “Reproaches” refers to slander, false accusations, and insults. Men hate God, and they manifested that same hate toward the One He sent to reveal Himself (cf. John 1:10, 11, 18).

  15:4 things…written before. The divinely revealed OT. written for our learning. Although Christians live under the New Covenant and are not under the authority of the Old Covenant, God’s moral law has not changed and all Scripture is of spiritual benefit (1 Cor. 10:6, 10, 11; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21). Paul’s description of the benefits of Scripture certainly includes the NT, but speaks primarily about “the sacred writings”—or the OT (2 Tim. 3:15–17). patience. See note on 5:3. comfort. Lit. “encouragement.” The Word of God not only informs believers how to endure, but it also encourages them in the process. hope. See note on 5:2. Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, the believer has no basis for hope (cf. Ps. 119:81, 114; Eph. 2:12; Jer. 14:8).

  15:5 to be like-minded toward one another. Paul urges the strong and the weak (see notes on 14:1–13), despite their differing views on these non-essential issues, to pursue loving, spiritual harmony in regard to matters on which the Bible is silent.

  15:6 with one mind and one mouth. Our unity should be both real (one mind) and apparent (one mouth). But the consummate purpose of unity is not to please other believers but to glorify God. God and Father. This expression emphasizes the deity of Christ. Jesus is not an adopted son of God; He is of the same essential being and nature as God. This is such an important connection that it appears frequently in the NT (2 Cor. 1:3; 11:31; Eph. 1:3; Col. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:3).

  15:7 receive. See note on 14:1. as Christ…received us. If the perfect, sinless Son of God was willing to bring sinners into God’s family, how much more should forgiven believers be willing to warmly embrace and accept each other in spite of their disa
greements over issues of conscience (Matt. 10:24; 11:29; Eph. 4:32—5:2).

  15:8 a servant to the circumcision. Jesus was born a Jew (see note on Matt. 1:1), and as a child, He was circumcised and identified physically with the sign of the covenant (see notes on 4:11; Gen. 17:11–14). promises made to the fathers. The covenant with Abraham that God reiterated to both Isaac and Jacob (see note on 4:13).

  15:9–12 To show that God’s plan has always been to bring Jew and Gentile alike into His kingdom and to soften the prejudice of Christian Jews against their Gentile brothers, Paul quotes from the Law, the Prophets, and twice from the Psalms—all the recognized divisions of the OT—proving God’s plan from their own Scriptures.

  15:9 that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy. Because He extended His grace and mercy to a people outside the covenant (see notes on 10:11–21; 11:11–18). it is written. Quoted from 2 Sam. 22:50; Ps. 18:49. The psalmist sings praise to God among the nations, which alludes to Gentile salvation.

  15:10 Quoted from Deut. 32:43.

  15:11 Quoted from Ps. 117:1. Laud. Praise.

  15:12 Quoted from Is. 11:10. root of Jesse. A way of referring to Jesus as the descendant of David, and thus of David’s father Jesse (see note on Rev. 5:5).

  15:13 God of hope. God is the source of eternal hope, life, and salvation, and He is the object of hope for every believer (see note on 5:2). by the power of the Holy Spirit. The believer’s hope comes through the Scripture (cf. 15:4; Eph. 1:13, 14), which was written and is applied to every believing heart by the Holy Spirit.