Romans 14:17,18 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For the kingdom of God Into which we enter by believing in Christ, and becoming his subjects, or which thereby enters into us, and is set up in our hearts, namely, true religion; is not Does not consist in; meat and drink Or in any ceremonial observances whatever; but righteousness The righteousness of faith, love, and obedience; or justification, sanctification, and a holy conduct; see notes on Romans 5:21; Romans 10:4; peace With God, peace of conscience, and tranquillity of mind, the consequence of these three branches of righteousness; and joy in the Holy Ghost Joy arising from a sense of the forgiveness of our sins; (Psalms 32:1;) and of the favour of God; (Psalms 4:6-7;) from a lively hope of the glory of God; (Romans 5:2;) from the testimony of a good conscience; (2 Corinthians 1:12;) and from communion with God, and an earnest of our future inheritance in our hearts; (Ephesians 1:14; Philippians 2:1.) He that in these things In this righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; serveth Christ Lives in obedience to his commands, and dedicates his soul and body, faculties and members, to serve his cause and interest in that line of life to which he believes God hath called him; is acceptable to God Whether he abstains from the liberties in question, or allows himself in them; and approved of men Namely, of truly wise and good men; how much soever the ignorant and wicked may censure such a man as an enthusiast, fanatic, or hypocrite, he will not want the approbation of those who are truly enlightened by the truth, and regenerated by the grace of God.