For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

ROMANS 14:18KJV
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Romans 14:18 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:18 mean?

Romans 14:18 says that anyone who serves Christ by living in a way that reflects the values Paul has just described—things like peace and building others up—is pleasing to God and respected by other people. The verse highlights that serving Christ in these practical ways brings both God's approval and the respect of others.

Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, addressing disagreements about food and special days among Christians with different backgrounds. In this verse, Paul assures them that focusing on Christ-like living, rather than arguing over minor issues, is what truly matters to God and earns the good opinion of others. Romans 14:18 sums up the practical results of living out the principles he has been teaching.

The Greek behind Romans 14:18

  • "Serveth" (δουλεύω, douleuō): This word means to serve as a bondservant or to be devoted to someone. Here, it emphasizes a life of active, humble service to Christ, not just belief or words.
  • "Acceptable" (εὐάρεστος, euarestos): This Greek word means well-pleasing or fully acceptable. Paul is saying that this kind of service is not just tolerated by God, but is genuinely pleasing to Him.
  • "Approved" (δόκιμος, dokimos): This word means tested and found genuine or worthy. It suggests that such a person is recognized as genuine and trustworthy by other people, not just by God.

Why Romans 14:18 matters

  • Romans 14:18 clarifies that what pleases God is not rigid rule-keeping about food or days, but serving Christ in practical, loving ways.
  • The verse connects personal faith with public witness, showing that a Christ-like life earns both divine approval and human respect.
  • It helps resolve tension in the church by shifting the focus from judging others to serving Christ together, which is the heart of Paul's message in this chapter.

Where else these words appear

“approved” Greek G1384 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

“acceptable” Greek G2101 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
  • Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

“things” Greek G5125 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
  • Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

“serveth” Greek G1398 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
  • Galatians 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.