Extremes are fairly common today in the area of liberty. It was so in New Testament times. Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 6-10 were written to help avoid extremes by brethren in matters of indifference. There were those among the strong who gave proper consideration to the conscience of the weak. There also were those among the ones considered weak who were able to have and maintain a correct relationship with the strong. However, problems arose when some who were considered strong and knew the truth on these subjects would demand the right to do certain things such as eating meat, and, in so doing, would not perform their responsibilities toward their weak brethren. Then, there were those among the weak who would "despise" or reject as worthless those who were considered the strong in these chapters and demanded that each one should be regulated by their weak conscience. There were also those who could be led astray by the actions of the strong, 1 Corinthians 8:10-11. How could these different groups get along with each other? Paul addresses this problem by giving rules that outline their responsibilities to each other that would provide an atmosphere for edification and growth. Romans 15:1-2.

They were to receive each other. The strong were to receive the weak. 14:1. The weak were to receive the strong. v3. Remember, these rules are given regarding principles wherein the individual has the right to choose to do them or not do them. They do not regulate our relationship regarding laws wherein we have no choice but to obey.

If an individual's conscience is not properly educated regarding truths on these types of principles then it would be sin to him to participate in them. v23. This is one of the reasons he is described as "weak." His conscience's conviction is weak in that area. This rule must be remembered by the strong and properly respected even though it would not be sin for the strong one to participate in that thing. He must remember the weak one does not have the conviction that it is alright to do that thing.

The strong has the right to participate in that thing that to the weak is sin. The weak must recognize this and alter his conduct accordingly. The strong can do this because of the conviction of his conscience. However, he must hold this right in a responsible manner and engage in it in such way that he does not lead his weak brother into sin. The word used to describe this action is "offense." vv20-21. Two ideas are involved in this and related words: 1. Setting a snare. And 2. being a stumbling block. It seems that some were deliberately setting a trap or snare to lead their brother into sin. Others, perhaps, had unknowingly become a stumbling block over which others fell. At any rate, the weak brother is grieved or made sorry over the actions of the strong because such actions had in them elements that could destroy the weak brother. V15. The responsibility of the strong is to edify the weak. 15.1-2.

The strong and the weak were to keep their convictions to themselves. v22. This seems to be the interpretation of the last part of v1, "but not to doubtful disputations." It would not edify to argue about the matter and certainly would not be following after peace. v19. Following this rule would have saved much trouble in local congregations as well as the brotherhood. God and you are enough to know about your convictions on matters like this. If it becomes necessary for your convictions to be made known you must make them known in such way you do not condemn the other brethren who might differ with you. vvlO-14.

The strong could not participate in something that made them a part of an unholy alliance, 1 Corinthians 10:19-22. This might happen knowingly, or unknowingly. For example, if it were revealed that the meat on the table had been offered to an idol they were to refuse to eat it for the sake of the conscience of the one that supplied the information, vv28-29. A brother did not sin if he unknowingly ate meat sacrificed to idols, vv25-27. A brother would sin if he ate meat sacrificed to idols. Acts 15:28-29. Because of this, 1 Corinthians 8:10 must be interpreted as a position held, not by Paul, but by some of those in Corinth. It would have been sin for any, strong or weak, to have eaten meat in a heathen temple because such action would put them in fellowship with the demons they were sacrificed to and the pagan worshipers. Similarly, eating the Lord's supper declares our fellowship with Jesus and each other, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, and verse 18 shows how partaking of the sacrifice in The Old Testament made the eater a partaker of the altar.

There may be other rules I have not noticed in this brief article but followed we can easily fulfill the intent of Romans 14:19. "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things where with one may edify another."-Bennie Cryer.