Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Romans 14:23 - 14:23

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Romans 14:23 - 14:23


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

23. ὁ δὲ διακρινόμενος κ.τ.λ. Cf. Jam 1:6, ‘he that hesitates or doubts,’ who wavers in his judgment; cf. Rom 4:20; Act 10:20.

κατακέριται is at once condemned by the act, not by the doubt.

οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως, ‘because the action does not spring from faith.’ It is not the result in him, as it is in the other, of faith: and action which cannot justify itself thus proceeds from some other motive, which necessarily makes it sinful. Faith here as throughout is the man’s faith in GOD through Christ. This faith settles for the man the principles and details of conduct. Only that conduct is right for him which springs properly from this faith. When a man’s faith either gives no answer to a question as to conduct or condemns a particular line, the conduct is sinful. Thus we are given here a practical rule for individual action: not a general principle of the value of works done outside the range of Christian profession and. knowledge. It has been constantly used for the latter purpose. Cf. S. H. “faith is used somewhat in the way we should speak of a good conscience.” It is important to observe the negative character of the phrase. It does not follow that everything which a man believes he may do is right; cf. Lid.