What does Romans 15:1 mean? (2024)

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Paul continues writing to the early church about how those he describes as "strong" in their faith ought to treat those who are comparatively "weak" in their faith (Romans 14:1). This is under a specific context; Paul is referring to those issues where the Bible is not explicitly clear, such as eating meat, drinking alcohol, or observing certain holidays (Romans 14:2; 14:21). Those who are more legalistic on such matters Paul has described as "weak in faith," not recognizing their freedom in Christ. Also, Paul has made it clear that both groups are Christians. Both are trusting Christ for their salvation.

The difference between the weak and the strong, as Paul has defined it, is that the strong are fully convinced that in Christ they have been freed from the restrictions of the law, including the dietary restrictions about food and drink. Their strong faith that Christ has fully satisfied all the requirements of the law allows them to feel comfortable with eating or drinking anything.

Those less strong in their faith still feel obligated to the old rules of the law about eating certain meats, for example. Paul taught in the previous chapter that, though their convictions are not based on truth, they must not violate their own consciences. In fact, to do so would be a serious sin (Romans 14:23).

To those strong in their faith, Paul has written that they must be willing to set aside their freedom in certain situations in order to avoid leading their less strong brothers and sisters into that sin (Romans 14:13).

Now Paul includes himself when he writes that the strong have an obligation—a duty of love—to bear with the failings of the weak. Yes, he describes their lack of faith about what is permitted as a failing. And, yes, he is still teaching that those of stronger faith must not provoke the weak to violate their convictions.

In short, those strong in the faith must put a low priority on pleasing themselves, placing it below their obligation to serve weaker Christians.