Romans 14:19 - The Law of Love
So then,
This phrase serves as a conclusion or summary of the preceding discussion. In Romans 14, Paul addresses the issue of differing opinions among believers, particularly concerning dietary laws and sacred days. The "so then" indicates a logical conclusion drawn from the argument that believers should not judge one another over disputable matters but rather accept each other as Christ has accepted them.
let us pursue
The verb "pursue" suggests active and intentional effort. In the original Greek, the word implies a continuous and determined action. This reflects the Christian call to actively seek out and strive for certain virtues and behaviors, rather than passively waiting for them to occur. It echoes the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He encourages His followers to seek first the kingdom of God.
what leads to peace
Peace, in the biblical sense, is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of wholeness and harmony. This peace is both internal and communal, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "shalom." In the context of the early church, which was composed of diverse groups including Jews and Gentiles, pursuing peace meant overcoming cultural and religious differences to maintain unity. This aligns with Jesus' role as the Prince of Peace, who reconciles humanity to God and to one another.
and to mutual edification.
Edification refers to the building up of one another in faith and character. The term is often used in the New Testament to describe the strengthening of the church body. Mutual edification implies a reciprocal relationship where all members contribute to the spiritual growth of the community. This concept is supported by other Pauline writings, such as Ephesians 4:12, where the purpose of spiritual gifts is described as equipping the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. Romans is one of his epistles, written to the believers in Rome.
2. The Church in Rome
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group, including both Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul addresses issues of unity and mutual edification within this community.
3. Early Christian Communities
The broader context of Romans includes the various early Christian communities that were grappling with issues of law, grace, and living out their faith in a predominantly pagan society.
Teaching Points
Pursue Peace
As believers, we are called to actively seek peace in our relationships, both within the church and in the broader community. This involves a conscious effort to avoid conflict and promote harmony.
Mutual Edification
Our actions and words should build up others in the faith. This means being mindful of how our behavior affects fellow believers and striving to encourage and strengthen them.
Unity in Diversity
The early church was diverse, and so is the modern church. We must embrace this diversity and work towards unity, recognizing that our differences can be a source of strength rather than division.
Active Engagement
The Greek word for "pursue" (di?k?) implies an active, determined effort. We are not to be passive in our pursuit of peace and edification but to engage actively and intentionally.
Reflecting Christ's Love
Our pursuit of peace and edification should reflect the love of Christ, who is our ultimate example of selfless love and unity.
(19) Let us therefore follow.--The best MSS. have the indicative mood, "so then we follow." There is, however, some good support for the Received text, especially in the patristic quotations and versions; and mistakes of this kind were peculiarly liable to be made.
Edify.--The word has unfortunately lost its freshness of meaning, but we have no other single equivalent for it in English. It is the "upbuilding," or mutual help and assistance in the spiritual life which Christians receive from their intercourse with each other.
Verses 19-21. - Let us therefore follow after the things that make for (literally, the things of) peace, and the things wherewith one may edify another (literally, the things of the edification of one another). For meat's sake destroy not the work of God. "Destroy," or rather, overthrow - the word is κατάλυε, not ἀππόλλυε as in ver. 15 - is connected in thought with the edification, or building up (οἰκοδομήν) before spoken cf. "The work of God" is that of his grace in the weak Christian's soul, growing, it may be, to full assurance of faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:9," ye are God's building"). Upset not the rising structure, which is God's own, as ye may do by putting a stumbling-block in the weak brother's way. All things indeed are pure (i.e. in themselves all God's gifts given for man's service are so); but it is evil to that man who eateth with offence (i.e. if the eating be to himself a stumbling-block. The idea is the same as in ver. 14). It is good (καλὸν, not of indispensable obligation, but a right and noble thing to do) neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. The concluding words in italics are of doubtful authority: they are not required for the sense. For St. Paul's expression of his own readiness to deny himself lawful things, if he might so avoid offence to weak brethren, cf. 1 Corinthians 8:13. Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
So
Ἄρα (Ara)
Conjunction
Strong's 686: Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.
then,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.
let us pursue
διώκωμεν (diōkōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1377: To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.
what leads to
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
peace
εἰρήνης (eirēnēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.
to
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
mutual
ἀλλήλους (allēlous)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240: One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.
edification.
οἰκοδομῆς (oikodomēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3619: Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.
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Romans 14:19 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Romans 14:19 So then let us follow after things (Rom. Ro)