What is the meaning of Romans 14:19? So then Paul has just said, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Because believers serve Christ in this way and are “approved by men” (v. 18), the logical next step is clear. “So then” gathers the whole discussion of differing convictions—food, special days, personal scruples—and moves it to a shared goal. Similar transitions appear in Romans 12:1 (“Therefore, I urge you…”) and Galatians 6:10 (“So then, as we have opportunity…”), reminding us that doctrine always calls for action. let us pursue Pursuit is deliberate. It is the steady choice to go after something with energy, not a casual hope it will appear. Scripture keeps the verb active: • 1 Peter 3:11 “seek peace and pursue it.” • Hebrews 12:14 “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness…” • 1 Timothy 6:11 “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” The plural “us” makes the call corporate. Each believer is responsible, yet all move together. Indifference or passivity toward unity has no place; we run after it. what leads to peace Peace here is relational harmony within the body, the opposite of the quarrels over non-essentials that threatened the Roman church. Paul already urged, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Jesus blesses “the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), and James notes that “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18). Practical outworkings include: • Choosing words that soften, not inflame (Proverbs 15:1; Ephesians 4:29). • Laying aside personal rights for a brother’s good (1 Corinthians 8:13). • Remembering Christ “is our peace” who made us one (Ephesians 2:14). Such steps are not compromise of truth but obedience to it. and to mutual edification Edification means building up, like adding stones to a sturdy wall. We do not merely avoid tearing down; we intentionally strengthen. Paul elsewhere commands, “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and urges that every gathering aim for “edifying the church” (1 Corinthians 14:26). This involves: • Speaking grace that “gives grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). • Using gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Bearing with the weak (Romans 15:1-2) so all grow. Edification is mutual; no one is merely a recipient. As each member contributes, the whole body “grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). summary Romans 14:19 calls every believer to active, cooperative effort: because God’s kingdom centers on righteousness and peace, we chase whatever promotes harmony and builds others. Disputable matters fade in importance when the church locks arms to seek peace and strengthen one another. By doing so we display Christ’s character, preserve unity, and help each other advance in faith. |
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