each of us
This emphasizes individual responsibility. In the context of the early church, which was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, this phrase underscores that every person, regardless of background or cultural differences, is personally accountable. It reflects the biblical principle that God sees and knows each person individually, as seen in passages like Psalm 139:1-4, where God's intimate knowledge of each person is highlighted.

will give an account
The concept of giving an account is akin to a steward reporting to a master. In the Greco-Roman world, accountability was a familiar concept, especially in legal and financial contexts. This phrase suggests a future event where believers will report their actions and decisions to God. It aligns with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where servants must account for their stewardship.

of himself
This phrase reinforces personal responsibility. It indicates that the judgment will be based on one's own actions and decisions, not those of others. This is consistent with the teaching in Galatians 6:5, where Paul states that each person should carry their own load, emphasizing personal responsibility in the Christian life.

to God.
The ultimate accountability is to God, the righteous judge. This reflects the biblical teaching that God is the final authority and judge of all humanity, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:10, which speaks of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ. It also connects to the Old Testament understanding of God as judge, as in Ecclesiastes 12:14, where God will bring every deed into judgment. This accountability to God encourages believers to live lives of integrity and faithfulness.

Paul has been addressing disputes over non-essential matters (Romans 14:1–11). Having reminded us that every knee will bow and every tongue confess to God (Romans 14:11, quoting Isaiah 45:23), he draws a practical conclusion: “So then…”.

• The phrase links everything he has just said about not judging fellow believers to a sober reality: God Himself will render the final verdict.

• Cross reference: “Therefore we are always confident… For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:6, 10). The “so then” in both letters serves the same purpose—turning doctrine into personal application.

The scope is universal; no one is exempt.

• Whether weak or strong in faith (Romans 14:1–3), leaders or followers, Jew or Gentile—every single believer stands in this line.

• Cross reference: “It is appointed for men to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

• This guards against self-righteous comparisons; we all share the same appointment.

The scene is legal and personal, not abstract.

• “Account” pictures a stewardship report—think of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:19–23).

• Cross references:

– “I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36).

– “They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5).

• This underscores that our choices matter eternally, even in disputed “gray areas” like food or special days (Romans 14:5–6).

The report cannot be outsourced.

• No hiding behind a spouse, pastor, or culture.

• Cross reference: “Let each one examine his own work… for each one will bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4–5).

• Practical takeaway: focus more on your walk than policing someone else’s convictions in secondary issues.

The ultimate audience is the Lord, not people.

• He alone has perfect knowledge and perfect justice (Hebrews 4:13).

• Cross reference: “For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

• Revelation 20:12 pictures the same tribunal: “The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.”

• Knowing this should cultivate both reverent fear and reassuring hope—fear because His standard is holy, hope because Christ’s righteousness covers those who trust Him (Romans 8:1).

Romans 14:12 brings the discussion from theoretical debates to personal responsibility: since each believer will personally report to God, we are freed from judging others and compelled to live conscientiously before Him. Universal, individual accountability motivates humility, self-examination, and graciousness in disputable matters, all under the watchful eye of our righteous and merciful Judge.

Parallel Commentaries ...