Him {1} that is weak in the faith {a} receive ye, but not to {b} doubtful disputations.

(1) Now he shows how we ought to behave ourselves toward our brethren in matters and things indifferent, who offend in the use of them not from malice or damnable superstition, but for lack of knowledge of the benefit of Christ. And thus he teaches that they are to be instructed gently and patiently, and so that we apply ourselves to their ignorance in such matters according to the rule of charity.

(a) Do not for a matter or thing which is indifferent, and such a thing as you may do or not do, shun his company, but take him to you.

(b) To make him by your doubtful and uncertain disputations go away in more doubt than he came, or return back with a troubled conscience.

People's New Testament

14:1 Differences of Opinion

SUMMARY OF ROMANS 14:

Differences Concerning Food and Holy Days. We May Not Condemn One Another for Things Indifferent. Let Us Not Judge One Another. Let Us Be Charitable to Each Other. The Kingdom Higher Than Meats, Drinks, or Days. Do Nothing Doubtful in Your Mind.

Him that is weak in the faith. Not firmly established; not rooted and grounded in the faith (Col 2:7); not fully instructed in Christian knowledge.

Receive ye, etc. Take him into your fellowship, but not to discuss and pass judgments on any doubts he may entertain. Conybeare and Howson write:

Literally, not acting so as to make distinctions about disputatious reasonings. The idea is that disputes over doubtful questions must not be in the way of Christian fellowship.''

Wesley's Notes

14:1 Him that is weak - Through needless scruples. Receive - With all love and courtesy into Christian fellowship. But not to doubtful disputations - About questionable points.

King James Translators' Notes

not...: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin to doubtful

for decisions of doubts, i.e. doubts about meats, etc. The church has no authority to decide questions of personal liberty in things not expressly forbidden in Scripture. Rom 14:2-6.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 14

Ro 14:1-23. Same Subject Continued-Christian Forbearance.

The subject here, and on to Ro 15:13, is the consideration due from stronger Christians to their weaker brethren; which is but the great law of love (treated of in the thirteenth chapter) in one particular form.

1. Him that is weak in the faith-rather, "in faith"; that is, not "him that is weak in the truth believed" [Calvin, Beza, Alford, &c.], but (as most interpreters agree), "him whose faith wants that firmness and breadth which would raise him above small scruples." (See on [2259]Ro 14:22, 23).

receive ye-to cordial Christian fellowship.

but not to doubtful disputations-rather, perhaps, "not to the deciding of doubts," or "scruples;" that is, not for the purpose of arguing him out of them: which indeed usually does the reverse; whereas to receive him to full brotherly confidence and cordial interchange of Christian affection is the most effectual way of drawing them off. Two examples of such scruples are here specified, touching Jewish meats and days. "The strong," it will be observed, are those who knew these to be abolished under the Gospel; "the weak" are those who had scruples on this point.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

14:1-6 Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did St. Paul attempt to end them. Compelled assent to any doctrine, or conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would be hypocritical and of no avail. Attempts for producing absolute oneness of mind among Christians would be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdain and blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare I disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty, despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not the scrupulous believer find fault with his brother, for God accepted him, without regarding the distinctions of meats. We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view. The case as to the observance of days was much the same. Those who knew that all these things were done away by Christ's coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. But it is not enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is necessary that it be certified from the word of God. Take heed of acting against a doubting conscience. We are all apt to make our own views the standard of truth, to deem things certain which to others appear doubtful. Thus Christians often despise or condemn each other, about doubtful matters of no moment. A thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all our mercies, sanctifies and sweetens them.