Tag Archives: Romans 14:1

Romans, Part 83

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But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please ourselves.[1]  I assume that the weak (ἀδυνάτων, a form of ἀδύνατος) referred back to the one who is weak in the faith (ἀσθενοῦντα [a form of ἀσθενέω] τῇ πίστει).  The weak person (ἀσθενῶν, another form of ἀσθενέω) eats only vegetables[2] and has a tendency to judge[3] those who do not do likewise.  And I assume this weakness is an infirmity of the flesh, since even the law…was weakened (ἠσθένει, another form of ἀσθενέω) through the flesh.[4]  Though Paul considered himself one of we who are strong, after the affliction that happened to [him] in the province of Asia[5] he identified wholeheartedly with the weak (2 Corinthians 11:29, 30 NET):

Who is weak (ἀσθενεῖ, another form of ἀσθενέω), and I am not weak (ἀσθενῶ, another form of ἀσθενέω)?  Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with indignation?  If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness (ἀσθενείας, a form of ἀσθένεια).

Let each of us [who are strong] please his neighbor for his good to build him up.[6]  I’ve already written how I feel about the strong (δυνατοὶ, a form of δυνατός).  But the time I’ve spent knowing the only true God (e.g., Jesus’ Father), and Jesus Christ, whom [He] sent,[7] has made me less faith-weak now than when I began.  Perhaps it is time to begin to please (ἀρεσκέτω, a form of ἀρέσκω) [my] neighbor for his good to build him up, or at least to appreciate the scope of such an undertaking.

When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased (ἤρεσεν, another form of ἀρέσκω) Herod and his dinner guests.[8]  This pleasure may or may not have been sexual desire.  Herodius’ daughter Herodius is portrayed as completely clueless in the Gospel narratives: 1) No king would offer half his kingdom to a woman with any grasp of power.  Herod didn’t offer it to his wife Herodias, for instance.  2) The offer seems to have perplexed the girl and sent her to her mother for advice.  And, 3) she followed her mother’s grisly advice without argument or any hint of rebellion.  She seems to have been mentally incompetent or very young or both.

If Herodias’ daughter Herodias was also Salome mentioned by Josephus (Antiquities 18.5.4) she was possibly as young as 12, little more than 16.  If not, she was Salome’s little sister.  Still, pleasing my neighbor with some fancy footwork probably doesn’t qualify as for his good to build him up.  When a complaint arose on the part of the Greek-speaking Jews against the native Hebraic Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food,[9] the Apostles proposed a solution that may have been closer to what Paul had in mind (Acts 6:2b-4 NET):

It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to wait on tables.  But carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task.  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

The proposal pleased (ἤρεσεν, another form of ἀρέσκω) the entire group…[10]

Do not give offense to Jews or Greeks or to the church of God, Paul wrote the Corinthians, just as I also try to please (ἀρέσκω) everyone in all things.[11]  Here, he equated pleasing everyone in all things to not giving offense to very disparate groups of people.  The Greek word translated offense is ἀπρόσκοποι (a form of ἀπρόσκοπος), defined quite beautifully in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon as “having nothing for one to strike against.”  I do not seek my own benefit, Paul continued, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.[12]

There are some caveats and warnings:

An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how to please (ἀρέσῃ, another form of ἀρέσκω) the Lord.  But a married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please (ἀρέσῃ, another form of ἀρέσκω) his wife, and he is divided.  An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit.  But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world, how to please (ἀρέσῃ, another form of ἀρέσκω) her husband.[13]

I assume that Paul thought a divided man might succeed at pleasing his wife, but I have not, not enough that she would stick it out with me.  It makes me doubly aware that if any good is to come from me Jesus must please Himself through me by his Holy Spirit rather than rely on me to do it for Him.  I will fail; He will not.  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, Paul wrote Timothy, so that he may please (ἀρέσῃ, another form of ἀρέσκω) the one who enlisted him as a soldier.[14]  Those who are in the flesh cannot please (ἀρέσαι, another form of ἀρέσκω) God.[15]

Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Paul asked rhetorically in reference to the Galatians heeding a doctrine other than the grace of God in Jesus Christ.  Or am I trying to please (ἀρέσκειν, another form of ἀρέσκω) people?  If I were still trying to please (ἤρεσκον, another form of ἀρέσκω) people, I would not be a slave of Christ![16]

Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please (ἀρέσκειν, another form of ἀρέσκω) God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more.[17]

For the appeal we make does not come from error or impurity or with deceit, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please (ἀρέσκοντες, another form of ἀρέσκω) people but God, who examines our hearts.  For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness – nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others…[18]

For you became imitators, brothers and sisters, of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they in fact did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely.  They are displeasing (μὴ ἀρεσκόντων, another form of ἀρέσκω) to God and are opposed to all people, because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved.[19]

These are not simple rules I might obey in my own strength or wisdom.  “Having nothing for one to strike against” among disparate people to please [my] neighbor for his good to build him up while pleasing God rather than people seems to describe a space, a terrain, where I need to be guided moment by moment by the Holy Spirit, with his love, his joy, his peace, his patience, his kindness, his goodness, his faithfulness, his gentleness and his control.  But this introduction to the scope of the terrain has prepared me to hear Romans 15:1-4 (NET):

But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please (ἀρέσκειν, another form of ἀρέσκω) ourselves.  Let each of us please (ἀρεσκέτω, a form of ἀρέσκω) his neighbor for his good to build him up.  For even Christ did not please (ἤρεσεν, another form of ἀρέσκω) himself, but just as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”  For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.

The Greek words translated for his good are εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν (literally, “for this good”), though εἰς might have been translated “into, unto, to” or “towards.”  Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? Jesus asked rhetorically.  In the same way, every good (ἀγαθὸν, a form of ἀγαθός) tree bears good (καλοὺς, a form of καλός) fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good (ἀγαθὸν, a form of ἀγαθός) tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good (καλοὺς, a form of καλός) fruit.[20]  And, Why do you call me good (ἀγαθόν, a form of ἀγαθός)?  No one is good (ἀγαθὸς) except God alone.[21]

The good for my neighbor is not for him to try to do good.  Though that may please me (especially if he does that good for or to me) it is hypocrisy, the work of an actor imitating the good.  “I’m not good but I play good on TV.”  My neighbor’s good is to be good, every good tree bears good fruit, a good tree is not able to bear bad fruit.  My neighbor’s good is to be born from above, to be led by the Holy Spirit.  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.[22]  And, No one is good except God alone.

The Greek words translated to build him up are πρὸς οἰκοδομήν (a form of οἰκοδομή).  I can glean a lot of Paul’s attitude concerning οἰκοδομή and pleasing one’s neighbor for his good from 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (NET):

Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.  For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit.  But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening (οἰκοδομὴν, a form of οἰκοδομή), encouragement, and consolation.  The one who speaks in a tongue builds (οἰκοδομεῖ, a form of οἰκοδομέω) himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up (οἰκοδομεῖ, a form of οἰκοδομέω) the church.  I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy.  The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened (οἰκοδομὴν, a form of οἰκοδομή).

Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen (οἰκοδομὴν, a form of οἰκοδομή) the church.[23]  When you come together, each one has a song, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation.  Let all these things be done for the strengthening (οἰκοδομὴν, a form of οἰκοδομή) of the church.[24]  Paul wrote on this theme to believers in Ephesus as well (Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV):

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (οἰκοδομὴν, a form of οἰκοδομή) until we all reach unity (ἑνότητα, a form of ἑνότης) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds (οἰκοδομὴν, a form of οἰκοδομή) itself up in love, as each part does its work.

You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up (οἰκοδομὴν, a form of οἰκοδομή) of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk.  Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.[25]

Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity (φρονεῖν, a form of φρονέω; literally, “thought” or “thinking”) with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Receive one another, then, just as Christ also received you, to God’s glory.[26]

[1] Romans 15:1 (NET)

[2] Romans 14:2b (NET)

[3] Romans 14:3 κρινέτω (a form of κρίνω); Romans 14:10 κρίνεις (another form of κρίνω)

[4] Romans 8:3b (NET)

[5] 2 Corinthians 1:8 (NET)

[6] Romans 15:2 (NET)

[7] John 17:3b (NET)

[8] Mark 6:22a (NET)  Also: Matthew 14:6

[9] Acts 6:1b (NET)

[10] Acts 6:5a (NET)

[11] 1 Corinthians 10:32-33a (NET)

[12] 1 Corinthians 10:33b (NET)

[13] 1 Corinthians 7:32b-34 (NET)

[14] 2 Timothy 2:4 (NASB)

[15] Romans 8:8 (NET)

[16] Galatians 1:10 (NET)

[17] 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NET) Table

[18] 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 (NET)

[19] 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16a (NET)

[20] Matthew 7:16b-18 (NET)

[21] Mark 10:18 (NET)

[22] Romans 8:14 (NET)

[23] 1 Corinthians 14:12b (NET)

[24] 1 Corinthians 14:26b (NET)

[25] Ephesians 4:29-32 (NET)

[26] Romans 15:5-7 (NET)

Romans, Part 80

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JudgmentalPerhaps every old human (παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον, translated old man) should come with this warning label, but love says: Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions.[1]  Paul continued his discussion of love with a then current example (Romans 14:2, 3a NET):

One person believes in eating everything, but the weak (ἀσθενῶν, a form of ἀσθενέω) person eats only vegetables.  The one who eats everything must not despise (ἐξουθενείτω, a form of ἐξουθενέω) the one who does not…

Luke introduced Jesus’ parable contrasting religious and righteous prayer this way: Jesus also told this parable to some who were confident that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else.[2]  The Greek word translated looked down is ἐξουθενοῦντας (another form of ἐξουθενέω) like ἐξουθενείτω, translated despise in Romans 14:3.  Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, replied, “Rulers of the people and elders[3]….This Jesus is the stone that was rejected (ἐξουθενηθεὶς, another form of ἐξουθενέω) by you, the builders, that has become the cornerstone.”[4]  Paul wrote believers in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NET Table):

Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters.  Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position.  But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak (ἀσθενῆ, a form of ἀσθενής) to shame the strong.  God chose what is low and despised (ἐξουθενημένα, another form of ἐξουθενέω) in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.  He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Love doesn’t despise the faith-weak the way the world despises all believers.  And love doesn’t judge those who do not adhere to the rules the faith-weak live by.  Paul continued (Romans 14:3b NET):

…and the one who abstains must not judge (κρινέτω, a form of κρίνω) the one who eats everything, for God has accepted (προσελάβετο, a form of προσλαμβάνω) him.

Therefore do not let anyone judge (κρινέτω, a form of κρίνω) you with respect to food or drink, Paul wrote believers in Colossae, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days – these are only the shadow of the things to come, but the reality is Christ![5]  Yet of love Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 8):

With regard to food sacrificed to idols, we know that “we all have knowledge.”  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  If someone thinks he knows something, he does not yet know to the degree that he needs to know.  But if someone loves God, he is known by God.

With regard then to eating food sacrificed to idols, we know that “an idol in this world is nothing,” and that “there is no God but one.”  If after all there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we live, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we live.

But this knowledge is not shared by all.  And some, by being accustomed to idols in former times, eat this food as an idol sacrifice, and their conscience, because it is weak (ἀσθενὴς, another form of ἀσθενής), is defiled.  Now food will not bring us close to God.  We are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do.  But be careful that this liberty of yours does not become a hindrance to the weak (ἀσθενέσιν, another form of ἀσθενής).  For if someone weak (ἀσθενοῦς, another form of ἀσθενής) sees you who possess knowledge dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience be “strengthened” to eat food offered to idols?  So by your knowledge the weak (ἀσθενῶν, a form of ἀσθενέω) brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed.  If you sin against your brothers or sisters in this way and wound their weak (ἀσθενοῦσαν, another form of ἀσθενέω) conscience, you sin against Christ.  For this reason, if food causes my brother or sister to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause one of them to sin.

Paul continued for believers in Rome (Romans 14:4a NET):

Who are you to pass judgment (κρίνων, another form of κρίνω) on another’s servant?  Before his own master he stands or falls.

Jesus said, there is One who seeks and judges[6] (ἔστιν ὁ ζητῶν καὶ κρίνων).  I quoted the NAS because the NET translation reads, There is one who demands it, and he also judges.  This leaves me with the impression that Jesus told the Ἰουδαῖοι (Judeans, NET; Jews, NAS) that his Father demanded glory for Jesus from them and would judge them for failing to deliver it.  The latter is simply false, the Father does not judge (κρίνει, another form of κρίνω) anyone, but has assigned all judgment (κρίσιν, a form of κρίσις) to the Son…[7]  What the Father seeks (ζητῶν, a form of ζητέω) was specified earlier in John’s Gospel: But a time is coming – and now is here – when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks (ζητεῖ, another form of ζητέω) such people to be his worshipers.[8]

I think Jesus meant what He said: I am not trying to get (ζητῶ, another form of ζητέω) praise (δόξαν, a form of δόξα) for myself.[9]  The person who speaks on his own authority desires (ζητεῖ, a form of ζητέω) to receive honor (δόξαν, a form of δόξα) for himself; the one who desires (ζητῶν, a form of ζητέω) the honor (δόξαν, a form of δόξα) of the one who sent him is a man of integrity (ἀληθής), and there is no unrighteousness in him.[10]  Clearly, the translators of the NET thought of δόξαν as honor, also translated praise, something originating with people.  The Father has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all people will honor (τιμῶσι, a form of τιμάω) the Son just as they honor (τιμῶσι, a form of τιμάω) the Father.[11]

In that light then since the Father seeks true worshipers who worship…in spirit and truth, then He might also seek honor from those worshippers for his Son.  The one who does not honor (τιμῶν, another form of τιμάω) the Son does not honor (τιμᾷ, another form of τιμάω) the Father who sent him.[12]  And granted, Jesus prefaced his remarks with, I honor (τιμῶ, another form of τιμάω) my Father – and yet you dishonor (ἀτιμάζετε, a form of ἀτιμάζω) me.[13]  But I’m still not convinced that made δόξαν a synonym for τιμάω.

I think Jesus meant glory from or of God, his Father.  “If I glorify (δοξάσω, a form of δοξάζω) myself, my glory (δόξα) is worthless.  The one who glorifies (δοξάζων, another form of δοξάζω) me is my Father, about whom you people say, ‘He is our God.’”[14]  I glorified (ἐδόξασα, another form of δοξάζω) you on earth, Jesus prayed to his Father, by completing the work you gave me to do.[15]  And I think Jesus was focused on that work, both to seek the Father’s true worshiper’s—For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise[16]—and to do it in a way that satisfied the Father’s judgment (of Him as opposed to others).  I think Jesus expressed a relationship to his Father very similar to the relationship Paul expressed to Jesus (1 Corinthians 4:3, 4 NET):

So for me, it is a minor matter that I am judged (ἀνακριθῶ, a form of ἀνακρίνω) by you or by any human court.  In fact, I do not even judge (ἀνακρίνω) myself.  For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not acquitted because of this.  The one who judges (ἀνακρίνων) me is the Lord.

And that relationship answers why He was so impressed with the faith of the centurion: “just say the word and my servant will be healed.  For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.  I say to this one, ‘Go’ and he goes, and to another ‘Come’ and he comes, and to my slave ‘Do this’ and he does it.”[17]  The servant and the slave honored the centurion but Caesar glorified him.

I consider when Jesus sought his own glory and what He did with it: “Father, the time has come.  Glorify (δόξασον, another form of δοξάζω) your Son, so that your Son may glorify (δοξάσῃ, another form of δοξάζω) you…[18]  Now, Father, glorify (δόξασον, another form of δοξάζω) Me together with Yourself, with the glory (δόξῃ, another form of δόξα) which I had with You before the world was.”[19]  Then He took that glory and nailed it naked, bruised and bleeding to a cross; Jesus said (John 10:17, 18; Matthew 26:53, 54 NET):

This is why the Father loves me – because I lay down my life, so that I may take it back again.  No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down of my own free will.  I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it back again.  This commandment I received from my Father.

Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would send me more than twelve legions of angels right now? [Table]  How then would the scriptures that say it must happen this way be fulfilled?

The prophet Isaiah described it this way (Isaiah 53 NET):

Who would have believed what we just heard?  When was the Lord’s (yehôvâh, יהוה) power revealed through him?

He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, no special appearance that we should want to follow him.

He was despised and rejected by people, one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness; people hid their faces from him; he was despised, and we considered him insignificant.

But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God (ʼĕlôhı̂ym, אלהים), and afflicted for something he had done.

He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed.

All of us had wandered off like sheep; each of us had strayed off on his own path, but the Lord (yehôvâh, ויהוה) caused the sin of all of us to attack him.

He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth.  Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth.

He was led away after an unjust trial – but who even cared?  Indeed, he was cut off from the land of the living; because of the rebellion of his own people he was wounded.

They intended to bury him with criminals, but he ended up in a rich man’s tomb, because he had committed no violent deeds, nor had he spoken deceitfully.

Though the Lord (yehôvâh, ויהוה) desired to crush him and make him ill, once restitution is made, he will see descendants and enjoy long life, and the Lord’s (yehôvâh, יהוה) purpose will be accomplished through him.

Having suffered, he will reflect on his work, he will be satisfied when he understands what he has done.

“My servant will acquit many, for he carried their sins.  So I will assign him a portion with the multitudes, he will divide the spoils of victory with the powerful, because he willingly submitted to death and was numbered with the rebels, when he lifted up the sin of many and intervened on behalf of the rebels.”

Paul described it this way for believers in Rome, For God achieved what the law could not do because it was weakened (ἠσθένει, another form of ἀσθενέω) through the flesh.  By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.[20]  And he described it this way for believers in Corinth: God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.[21]

Who are you to pass judgment on another’s servant? Paul wrote.  Before his own master he stands or falls.  And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.[22]  Though it may seem at first that this latter applies only to the less faith-weak, I don’t think that is the case.  I as a believer stand not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness – a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness.[23]  And this confidence in Christ’s faithfulness may be the ultimate meaning of thinking of one another.

[1] Romans 14:1 (NET)

[2] Luke 18:9 (NET)

[3] Acts 4:8 (NET)

[4] Acts 4:11 (NET)

[5] Colossians 2:16, 17 (NET)

[6] John 8:50b (NAS)

[7] John 5:22 (NET)

[8] John 4:23 (NET)

[9] John 8:50a (NET)

[10] John 7:18 (NET)

[11] John 5:22b, 23a (NET)

[12] John 5:23b (NET)

[13] John 8:49b (NET)

[14] John 8:54 (NET)

[15] John 17:4 (NET)

[16] John 5:19b (NET)

[17] Matthew 8:8b, 9 (NET) Table

[18] John 17:1b (NET)

[19] John 17:5 (NAS)

[20] Romans 8:3, 4 (NET)

[21] 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NET)

[22] Romans 14:4 (NET) Table

[23] Philippians 3:9 (NET)

Romans, Part 79

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Now receive the one who is weak in the faith,[1] Paul wrote, still describing love for believers in Rome.  The Greek word translated weak is ἀσθενοῦντα (a form of ἀσθενέω).  The righteous will ask the Son of Man, When did we see you sick (ἀσθενοῦντα, a form of ἀσθενέω) or in prison and visit you?[2]  For the Son of Man had said to them (Matthew 25:34b-36 NET):

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick (ἠσθένησα, another form of ἀσθενέω) and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.

Love will receive the ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει (the faith-sick or faith-weak[3]).  The word translated receive is προσλαμβάνεσθε (a form of προσλαμβάνω).  Receive (προσλαμβάνεσθε, a form of προσλαμβάνω) one another, then, just as Christ also received (προσελάβετο, another form of προσλαμβάνω) you, to God’s glory.[4]  After we had safely reached shore, Luke wrote about a shipwreck, we learned that the island was called Malta.  The local inhabitants showed us extraordinary kindness,[5] for they built a fire and welcomed (προσελάβοντο, another form of προσλαμβάνω) all because (διὰ) it had started to rain and was cold.[6]  All included Roman soldiers, sailors and their prisoners.  But the meaning of προσλαμβάνω doesn’t end there (Acts 18:24-26 NET):

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, arrived in Ephesus.  He was an eloquent speaker, well-versed in the scriptures.  He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm he spoke and taught accurately the facts about Jesus (KJV: the Lord), although he knew only the baptism of John [Table].  He began to speak out fearlessly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside (προσελάβοντο, another form of προσλαμβάνω) and explained the way of God to him more accurately.

This calls for some humility and patience with every new encounter, at least until one determines who is the least faith-sick or faith-weak (Matthew 16:21-23 NET):

From that time on Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.  So Peter took him aside (προσλαβόμενος, another form of προσλαμβάνω) and began to rebuke him: “God forbid, Lord!  This must not happen to you!”  But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me, because you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but on man’s.”

Granted, Jesus was very direct before Peter had received the Holy Spirit.  I think the rest of us, if we discern that we are the least faith-sick or faith-weak in a particular encounter, will need even more humility and patience if our goal is to win a brother rather than an argument.  Peter might have benefited from Paul’s teaching on this receiving love.

Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions.[7]  The word translated disputes is διακρίσεις (a form of διάκρισις).  The goal is that we all become the mature, whose perceptions are trained (γεγυμνασμένα, a form of γυμνάζω; that naked exercise with the Holy Spirit) by practice to discern (διάκρισιν, another form of διάκρισις) both good and evil.[8]  And the διακρίσεις πνευμάτων (discernment of spirits) is a manifestation of the Spirit.  But the way of love does not receive, welcome or take one aside to dispute over differing opinions.  Or as the NAS rendered it: Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.[9]

The Greek word translated differing opinions is διαλογισμῶν (a form of διαλογισμός).  James wrote about κριταὶ διαλογισμῶν πονηρῶν (judges with evil motives).  It’s an interesting translation of διαλογισμῶν because my motives were the instant object of concern when I discussed my ideas with my elders.  Simeon prophesied over Jesus as a baby, as a result of him the thoughts (διαλογισμοί, another form of διαλογισμός) of many hearts will be revealed[10] (ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν, a form of ἀποκαλύπτω).  For out of the heart come evil ideas (διαλογισμοὶ, another form of διαλογισμός), Jesus said, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.  These are the things that defile a person…[11]  The words translated evil ideas in Mark’s Gospel are οἱ διαλογισμοὶ οἱ κακοὶ, and here in Matthew’s διαλογισμοὶ πονηροί.

I grasped κακοὶ (a form of κακός) immediately.  My idea that group sex was the way of peace was truly οἱ διαλογισμοὶ οἱ κακοὶ.  But understanding πονηροί (a form of πονηρός) has taken me the better part of a lifetime.  My idea that I could become righteous by turning Paul’s definition of love into rules I obeyed in my own strength, no matter how well-intentioned, was also one of my evil ideas, διαλογισμοὶ πονηροί.  Matthew recorded what happened when some people brought…a paralytic lying on a stretcher[12] to Jesus (Matthew 9:2b-5 NET).

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Have courage, son!  Your sins are forgiven.”  Then some of the experts in the law said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!”  When Jesus saw their reaction (ἐνθυμήσεις, a form of ἐνθύμησις) he said, “Why do you respond with evil in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?

The Greek word translated evil above is πονηρὰ (another form of πονηρός; hurtful, full of labours, annoyances, hardships) contrasted immediately with easier (εὐκοπώτερον, a form of εὐκοπώτερος; better for toil, more facile, with easy labour, easy).  By the way the word translated respond above is ἐνθυμεῖσθε (a form of ἐνθυμέομαι); to be inspirited, ponder, to bring to mind, revolve in mind, to think, to deliberate).  I note that Paul did not choose a form of ἐνθυμέομαι or ἐνθύμησις (deliberation, thinking, consideration, thoughts) in Romans 14:1.  But Luke, narrating the same story, called the law experts’ reaction διαλογισμοὺς (another form of διαλογισμός), translated hostile thoughts (Luke 5:21, 22 NET):

Then the experts in the law and the Pharisees began to think (διαλογίζεσθαι, a form of διαλογίζομαι) to themselves, “Who is this man who is uttering blasphemies?  Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  When Jesus perceived their hostile thoughts, he said to them, “Why are you raising objections (διαλογίζεσθε, another form of διαλογίζομαι) within yourselves?”

When Peter falsely assumed he was the least faith-sick and took Jesus aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately, Jesus smacked him fairly hard with his words.  When the experts in the law (and, in Luke’s Gospel narrative, the Pharisees) questioned—Who can forgive sins but God alone—Jesus answered with deeds more than words (Luke 5:23-25 NET):

“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he said to the paralyzed man – “I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher and go home.”  Immediately he stood up before them, picked up the stretcher he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God.

Another example follows (Luke 6:6-11 NET):

On another Sabbath, Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching.  Now a man was there whose right hand was withered.  The experts in the law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they could find a reason to accuse him.  But he knew their thoughts (διαλογισμοὺς, another form of διαλογισμός), and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Get up and stand here.”  So he rose and stood there.  Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good (ἀγαθοποιῆσαι, a form of ἀγαθοποιέω) on the Sabbath or to do evil (κακοποιῆσαι, a form of κακοποιέω), to save a life or to destroy it?”  After looking around at them all, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”  The man did so, and his hand was restored.  But they were filled with mindless rage (ἀνοίας, a form of ἄνοια) and began debating (διελάλουν, a form of διαλαλέω) with one another what they would do to Jesus.

It is easy to criticize the experts in the law and the Pharisees.  But I am fairly certain if an apostle walked into my childhood church, preached a sermon that questioned the force or validity of any of our cherished religious beliefs and healed the sickest most beloved person in the congregation to make his point, we would have called it a lying wonder.  I’ve had my own issues with Jesus and the Sabbath.[13]

In the Gospel harmony below Jesus demonstrated this receiving, welcoming and taking aside love with his disciples without disputing their opinions; in fact He didn’t even confront them directly with their opinions:

Matthew 18:1-5 (NET)

 Mark 9:33-37 (NET)

Luke 9:46-48 (NET)
Now an argument (διαλογισμὸς, another form of διαλογισμός) started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest.
Then they came to Capernaum.  After Jesus was inside the house he asked them, “What were you discussing (διελογίζεσθε, another form of διαλογίζομαι) on the way?”  But they were silent, for on the way they had argued (διελέχθησαν, a form of διαλέγομαι) with one another about who was the greatest.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
After he sat down, he called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts (διαλογισμὸν, another form of διαλογισμός)…
He called a child, had him stand among them [Table]… He took a little child and had him stand among them. …he took a child, had him stand by his side…
…and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!  Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven [Table].
Taking him in his arms, he said to them… …and said to them…
And whoever welcomes (δέξηται, a form of δέχομαι) a child like this in my name welcomes (δέχεται, another form of δέχομαι) me. “Whoever welcomes (δέξηται, a form of δέχομαι) one of these little children in my name welcomes (δέχεται, another form of δέχομαι) me, and whoever welcomes me (δέχηται, another form of δέχομαι) does not welcome me (δέχεται, another form of δέχομαι) but the one who sent me.” “Whoever welcomes (δέξηται, a form of δέχομαι) this child in my name welcomes (δέχεται, another form of δέχομαι) me, and whoever welcomes (δέξηται, a form of δέχομαι) me welcomes (δέχεται, another form of δέχομαι) the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Luke recorded yet another example how Jesus handled his disciples διαλογισμοὶ.  Cleopas and another disciple had heard the rumor—a vision of angels, who said he was alive[14]—but left Jerusalem for Emmaus anyway.  The resurrected Jesus walked with them, inquired about and listened to their discussion.  Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.[15]  But their religion and unbelief blinded them.  They didn’t recognize Him until he had taken his place at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.[16]  Then he vanished out of their sight.[17]  The story continued (Luke 24:33-43 NET):

So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.  They found the eleven and those with them gathered together and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!”  Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.  While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost.  Then he said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts (διαλογισμοὶ, another form of διαλογισμός) arise in your hearts?  Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me!  Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.”  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.  And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”  So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in front of them.

The only way I know to show his resurrection rather than tell it is to be led by his Spirit, to demonstrate his love, his joy, his peace, his patience, his kindness, his goodness, his faithfulness, his gentleness and his self-control.  And yet, the reasoning, differing opinions, debates and nagging doubts of my heart, which make me feel like one of the foolish people…slow of heart to believe,[18] is that I love too much.

Romans, Part 80

[1] Romans 14:1a (NET)

[2] Matthew 25:39 (NET)

[3] I think “in the faith” would probably take the form of ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ (in the East), ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ (in the wilderness), ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ (in the house), ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ (in the kingdom), ἐν τῇ πρύμνῃ (in the stern), ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ (in the synagogue), ἐν τῇ κρίσει (in the judgment) or ἐν τῇ πίστει (in the faith).

[4] Romans 15:7 (NET)

[5] τὴν τυχοῦσαν φιλανθρωπίαν

[6] Acts 28:1, 2 (NET)

[7] Romans 14:1 (NET)

[8] Hebrews 5:14b (NET)

[9] Romans 14:1 (NAS)

[10] Luke 2:35a (NET)

[11] Matthew 15:19, 20a (NET)  Also Mark 7:21-23

[12] Matthew 9:2a (NET)

[13] Romans, Part 11; Romans, Part 12; Romans, Part 26; Justice and Mercy; Romans, Part 54; My Reasons and My Reason, Part 6; Romans, Part 70

[14] Luke 24:23b (NET)

[15] Luke 24:27 (NET)

[16] Luke 24:30 (NET)

[17] Luke 24:31b (NET)

[18] Luke 24:25a (NET)