Romans 14:18 kjv
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Romans 14:18 nkjv
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Romans 14:18 niv
because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
Romans 14:18 esv
Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Romans 14:18 nlt
If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
Romans 14 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 12:1 | ...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. | Service acceptable to God |
| Rom 14:17 | For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. | Context: "these things" (Kingdom elements) |
| Rom 15:2 | Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. | Pleasing others for good |
| 1 Cor 8:9 | But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. | Not to stumble others |
| 1 Cor 10:31 | Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. | All for God's glory |
| Gal 5:13 | For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. | Serve one another in love |
| Eph 5:10 | Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. | Discerning God's will |
| Eph 6:6-7 | Not with eyeservice... but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God... serving with goodwill, as to the Lord... | Serving Christ with sincerity |
| Phil 2:3 | Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. | Humility and valuing others |
| Phil 2:15 | That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; | Approved of men (witness) |
| Phil 4:18 | ...I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. | Offering acceptable to God |
| Col 3:23-24 | And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward... for ye serve the Lord Christ. | Serving Christ heartily |
| 1 Thes 2:4 | But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. | Pleasing God, not men |
| 1 Tim 3:7 | Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. | Good reputation among non-believers |
| Titus 2:7-8 | In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. | Integrity, sound speech, blamelessness |
| Heb 13:16 | But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. | God pleased by good works |
| James 2:18 | Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. | Faith evidenced by works |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. | Tested and approved faith |
| 1 Pet 2:12 | Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. | Good conduct for God's glory |
| 2 Cor 8:21 | Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. | Approved by God and men |
Romans 14 verses
Romans 14 18 Meaning
This verse teaches that the believer who, in matters pertaining to the Kingdom of God (righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit), serves Christ with sincerity and consideration for others, receives God's approval. Furthermore, such service earns the respect and acceptance of fellow believers and can positively influence those outside the faith, demonstrating the authenticity of their commitment. It highlights that true service is not merely about external practices but about an internal posture of love and unity, particularly in disputable matters.
Romans 14 18 Context
Romans 14 addresses disputable matters within the early Christian community in Rome, specifically concerning dietary laws and the observance of certain days. Paul emphasizes mutual acceptance and love between believers with differing convictions, distinguishing between "the weak" (those with scrupulous consciences regarding external practices) and "the strong" (those who understood Christian liberty). The core message is to prioritize unity, avoid judging others over non-essentials, and never cause a fellow believer to stumble. Verse 18 concludes a section that began with verse 17, defining the "kingdom of God" not by outward rules, but by "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." It explains the positive outcome for the believer who applies these Kingdom principles in their service to Christ within the context of these disputable issues.
Romans 14 18 Word analysis
- For (γὰρ, gar): A connective particle, indicating a reason or explanation for the preceding statement in Rom 14:17. It clarifies why focusing on righteousness, peace, and joy (not food and drink) is paramount.
- he that (ὁ, ho): Refers to any individual believer who embodies the principles being discussed.
- in these things (ἐν τούτοις, en toutois): A critical phrase. It points directly back to "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" from verse 17, not to the external practices (eating or observing days). The emphasis is on the spiritual character of the Kingdom, which guides one's actions and attitudes in all matters, including those that are disputable.
- serveth (δουλεύων, douleuōn): From douleúō, meaning "to serve as a slave, to be enslaved." This signifies not just casual action, but devoted, absolute allegiance and obedience to Christ as one's Lord and master. It implies commitment and intentional action.
- Christ (Χριστῷ, Christō): The direct object of the service. All genuine Christian life and conduct is ultimately directed toward Christ.
- is acceptable (εὐάρεστος, euárestos): Meaning "well-pleasing, acceptable." This term implies that such service meets God's approval and finds favor in His sight. It denotes a subjective assessment of being pleasing to another.
- to God (τῷ Θεῷ, tō Theō): Specifies the ultimate judge and recipient of acceptable service. God's approval is the highest validation.
- and approved (καὶ δόκιμος, kai dókimos): From dokimázō, meaning "to test, examine, approve after testing." It carries the connotation of being tried and found genuine, like gold passing a purification test. It is an objective judgment of worthiness. This is not mere acceptance but proven worth.
- of men (τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, tois anthrópois): Refers to approval or good reputation from other believers (the strong and the weak, who observe the love and consideration) and potentially from those outside the church who recognize the integrity and goodness of such a life. This secondary approval serves as a testament to the authenticity of the service to Christ.
- "he that in these things serveth Christ": This phrase combines the internal disposition ("in these things" - righteousness, peace, joy) with active service. It indicates that true service to Christ isn't primarily about adherence to external rules in disputable matters, but about manifesting the fruits of the Spirit, particularly through love and consideration for fellow believers. This is what truly honors Christ in the context of chapter 14's controversies.
- "is acceptable to God, and approved of men": This grouping highlights the dual affirmation received by such a servant. The service is vertically affirmed by God's pleasure and horizontally by the respect of human beings. This dual validation emphasizes the authenticity and positive impact of a Christ-like approach to divisive issues within the community and in external witness. God's ultimate approval validates the actions, and human approval supports the community's cohesion and public testimony.
Romans 14 18 Bonus section
The concept of being "approved of men" does not diminish the primary importance of being "acceptable to God." Instead, it underscores the holistic impact of authentic Christian living. A good testimony "among men" (or "of men") serves several purposes: it maintains unity within the church, avoids causing others to stumble or to doubt the authenticity of faith, and can attract non-believers to the Gospel by demonstrating its transformative power in producing lives of love, peace, and integrity (as seen in passages like 1 Tim 3:7 and Titus 2:7-8). This external validation, however, is a consequence of internal service to Christ and divine acceptability, not the primary goal. The "approval" is often a recognition of consistency and genuine godliness rather than a pursuit of human praise. This "dokimos" or proven quality acts as a signpost to God's work.
Romans 14 18 Commentary
Romans 14:18 succinctly declares the two-fold outcome for believers who orient their service to Christ by prioritizing the principles of God's Kingdom (righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit) in matters of indifference. First, their actions are "acceptable to God" – they bring Him pleasure and receive His approval. This emphasizes that genuine piety is not found in rigid adherence to secondary rules or legalism, but in a Spirit-led life that seeks harmony and edification. Second, they are "approved of men." This signifies gaining respect and trust from fellow believers (both "strong" and "weak") because their actions demonstrate love and consideration, preventing unnecessary stumbling blocks. It also implies a credible witness to those outside the church, as a life marked by such grace and wisdom shines brightly. The verse thus commends a Christ-centered service characterized by internal spiritual quality rather than external dispute.