Romans 14:4 - The Law of Liberty
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?
This phrase challenges the reader to consider their position in relation to others within the Christian community. In the Roman context, servants were common, and their loyalty was to their own masters, not to outsiders. This reflects the broader biblical principle found in Matthew 7:1, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." The idea is that judgment belongs to God, who is the ultimate master of all. This echoes the teaching of Jesus, who emphasized mercy and understanding over judgment. The cultural context of the Roman church, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers, often led to disputes over practices and observances, making this admonition particularly relevant.
To his own master he stands or falls.
This phrase underscores the accountability each believer has to God alone. In the historical context, a servant's success or failure was determined by their master, not by external opinions. This reflects the biblical theme of divine sovereignty, where God is the ultimate judge of human actions. Theologically, this aligns with 1 Corinthians 4:4-5, where Paul states that it is the Lord who judges him, not human courts. This serves as a reminder that believers should focus on their relationship with God rather than being concerned with the judgments of others.
And he will stand,
This assurance speaks to the security and stability that comes from being under God's authority. Theologically, it reflects the doctrine of perseverance, where God sustains and upholds believers. This is consistent with Jude 1:24, which speaks of God being able to keep believers from falling. The phrase offers comfort and confidence that, despite human weaknesses, God's power ensures the believer's steadfastness.
for the Lord is able to make him stand.
This final phrase emphasizes God's omnipotence and grace. It highlights the belief that it is not by human effort but by divine enablement that one remains faithful. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in Philippians 1:6, where Paul expresses confidence that God will complete the good work He began in believers. It also points to the transformative power of God's grace, which is sufficient to uphold and strengthen believers in their spiritual journey.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, addressing the Christian community in Rome.
2. Roman Christians
The recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were experiencing tensions over differing practices and beliefs.
3. Servant
A metaphorical reference to believers, emphasizing their relationship to God as their master.
4. Master
Refers to God, who is the ultimate judge and authority over each believer.
5. The Lord
Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to stand firm in their faith.
Teaching Points
Avoiding Judgment
As believers, we are called to refrain from judging others, recognizing that each person is accountable to God alone.
Recognizing God's Authority
Understanding that God is the ultimate authority and judge helps us to focus on our own walk with Him rather than critiquing others.
Encouragement in Faith
The assurance that the Lord is able to make us stand should encourage us to trust in His power and grace in our lives.
Unity in Diversity
In a diverse body of believers, we should strive for unity by respecting different practices and convictions, knowing that God is at work in each person.
Personal Accountability
Each believer is responsible for their own relationship with God, and should focus on living faithfully according to His guidance.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Romans 14What is the fate of those unaware of Christ?Romans 14 (entire chapter) – Does this chapter’s emphasis on personal conviction over collective rules lead to moral relativism within the church?Should we judge others? (Matthew 7:1 vs. John 7:24)What does the Bible say about wearing head coverings?
(4) Who art thou?--This is addressed to the weak. The Apostle indignantly challenges his right to judge. That right belongs to another tribunal, before which the conduct of the stronger Christian will not be condemned but approved and upheld.
He standeth or falleth.--It seems most in accordance with what precedes to take this of judicial condemnation or approval from the Master whom he serves--i.e., Christ.
Holden up.--The same word as that in the clause following, and similar to that in the clause preceding--"Made to stand."
God is able to make him stand.--The true reading here is "the Lord"--i.e., Christ; the word is the same as "his Master" above. "Make him stand" seems to be still judicial. "Secure his acquittal," but with reference to his previous course of conduct on which that acquittal is grounded. The trial is not necessarily reserved for the last day, but is rather the judgment which Christ may be supposed at any moment to pass upon His servants. If they can sustain this judgment, it is only because His grace has enabled them so to act as not to be condemned by it.
Verse 4. - Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? (observe the emphatic position of σὺ) to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand: for the Lord (better supported than God, as in the Textus Receptus) is able (or, has power) to make him stand. The standing or falling here spoken of may be taken to mean standing firm in, or falling from, a state of grace (cf. Romans 11:20, 22), rather than acceptance or rejection at the last judgment. "For God is able," etc., seems to require this meaning. The non-abstainer's freedom does not endanger his position; for God is powerful to sustain him, and to God alone he is accountable. Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.
are
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
you
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
to judge
κρίνων (krinōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.
someone else’s
ἀλλότριον (allotrion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 245: From allos; another's, i.e. Not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile.
servant?
οἰκέτην (oiketēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3610: A household servant. From oikeo; a fellow resident, i.e. Menial domestic.
To [his]
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
own
ἰδίῳ (idiō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.
master
κυρίῳ (kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
he stands
στήκει (stēkei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4739: To stand fast, stand firm, persevere. From the perfect tense of histemi; to be stationary, i.e. to persevere.
or
ἢ (ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.
falls.
πίπτει (piptei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4098: A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.
And
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.
he will stand,
σταθήσεται (stathēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.
for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.
the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
is able
δυνατεῖ (dynatei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1414: To be powerful, have power, be able, be mighty. From dunatos; to be efficient.
to make him stand.
στῆσαι (stēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.
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Romans 14:4 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Romans 14:4 Who are you who judge another's servant? (Rom. Ro)