Paul identifies himself with the strong (‘We who are strong,’ verse 1). As in Romans 14:14, it’s clear where Paul stands theologically. But driving the weak to the edge (or even out) of the community that bears the Christ’s name because they’ve got some wrong practices is a denial of his cross. The thinking of the strong may be right but their behaviour and attitudes are emphatically wrong.

Paul insists that both sides must take their example from Jesus, seeking to build each other up rather than insisting on their own way (v 2). This is emphatically Christ-like (v 3). The heart of it all is given in verse 7: however much one side might feel they deserve God’s favour more than the other, their attitudes mean that none of them do. Their acceptance of one another has to be as open-hearted and unreserved as Christ’s acceptance of them.

In challenging them all to learn from the Scriptures, Paul hopes and prays that they will find both patient endurance and encouragement: patience to bear peacefully with the differences, and encouragement to go forward together, filled with the hope that brings unity among the church and glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (vs 5–7).

Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith that I might encourage others for the glory of your name.

‘We who are strong’, Paul says (v 1), clearly including himself in this description. The ‘strong’ aren’t troubled by the anxieties and doubts of those who are ‘weak’ in faith. They know that God in Christ has done all that is necessary for their salvation, but Paul warns against complacency, urging the ‘strong’ to support the ‘weak’ – those who struggle with a faith that trusts in Christ alone. The diverse community of the Roman church is given guidance for how to live together and there is constructive advice for us too. Notice the key thread through these verses – the name and presence of Christ. 

The selfless living of Christ is our model (v 3). Quoting Scripture, Paul alludes to the fact that Christ did not put his own interests first. We are to ‘please our neighbours’ (v 2) – quite different, as John Stott reminds us, from being pleasers of men.¹ We may be reminded of Christ’s summary of the Law: to love God, and our neighbours as ourselves.² In this context, our neighbours are our fellow believers (v 2). This altruistic pleasing is for their good, to build up our common life of faith (v 2). Paul encourages us to learn from the Scriptures: the story of God’s people – who have relied on his strength in adversity and been encouraged by him.³ His prayer is that, as a result of reading God’s Word, not only will we be encouraged and hopeful, but the servant-heart of Christ will be formed in us (vs 5,6).

The outcome? Paul has urged believers to accept the one who is weak.⁴ Now he says ‘Accept one another’ (v 7), addressed to the whole community of believers. As Christ has welcomed all of us, so we are to welcome one another. As we are united in Christ, God is glorified.

‘… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow’.⁵ Praise God for his acceptance of you and your fellow believers.

¹ John Stott, The Message of Romans, IVP, 1994, p369  ² Matt 22;36–40; Mark 12:29–31  ³ See, for example, Heb 11:1 – 12:3  ⁴ Rom 14:1  ⁵ Phil 2:10