Question 1

What does Romans 14:22 mean?

Accepted Answer

Romans 14:22 says that if you have faith or confidence about what is right for you in matters of conscience, you should keep it between yourself and God. The verse adds that a person is fortunate if they do not feel guilty about the choices they make in these personal matters. Paul is writing to believers in Rome about disagreements over things like food and special days, urging them not to judge each other over personal convictions. Romans 14:22 encourages keeping your convictions private before God and not pressuring others, highlighting the blessing of a clear conscience when your actions do not cause you inner conflict.

Question 2

The Greek behind Romans 14:22

Accepted Answer

πίστις (pistis, "faith"): This word often means trust or conviction, not just belief in general. Here, it refers to personal confidence about what is right or acceptable in these disputable matters. κατακρίνω (katakrinō, "condemneth"): This word means to judge or find fault with oneself. Paul is pointing out the happiness of someone who does not feel self-condemnation over their choices. δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, "alloweth"): This word means to approve after testing. It suggests that the person has thoughtfully considered and accepted their own actions, not just acted carelessly.

Question 3

Why Romans 14:22 matters

Accepted Answer

Romans 14:22 clarifies that personal convictions about non-essential matters are between the individual and God, not for public debate or pressure. The verse highlights the importance of a clear conscience, showing that peace comes from not feeling guilty about one's own choices when they have been thoughtfully considered. This verse fits into Paul's larger message in Romans 14 about respecting differences among believers and not causing others to stumble over issues of personal conviction.

Romans 14:22 (KJV)