Romans 14:2-4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For one believeth that he may eat all things A converted Gentile, who rightly understands his Christian liberty, is firmly persuaded that he may eat any kind of food indifferently, though forbidden by the ceremonial law, (blood excepted, of which see on Acts 15:20,) without sin. Another, who is weak A believing Jew, not thoroughly informed of his Christian liberty; eateth herbs Namely, for fear lest he should offend by eating any meat forbidden by the law, or which was not killed in a legal manner. See Leviticus 17:10-14; Daniel 1:8. Let not him that eateth That makes use of his liberty to eat any thing that is wholesome indifferently; despise him As over-scrupulous or superstitious; that eateth not That forbears the use of such kind of food as is forbidden by the law. And let not him which eateth not Who, from a scrupulous conscience, abstains from many kinds of food; judge him that eateth Censure him as profane, or as taking undue liberties. For God hath received him Acknowledges both the one and the other for his servant, on account of their common faith in Christ, and in the truths and promises of his gospel. This is a powerful argument for our conversing in a friendly manner, and holding communion with those who differ from us in opinion, on some points of lesser importance in religion. Who art thou Whether weaker or stronger; that judgest another man's servant One over whom thou hast no power. To his own master he standeth or falleth He must abide by Christ's judgment only, to whom it belongs either to acquit or condemn him. Yea, he shall be holden up If he offends in no greater points than these in debate among you, he shall be upheld in his Christian profession, and established to eternal salvation. For God is able to make him stand And certainly will do it, if he continue to act conscientiously and uprightly.