Scrupulous Christians, whose consciences are weak, are to be kindly received, and not harshly condemned, v. 1. This direction the apostle enforces in reference to those who were scrupulous as to eating particular kinds of meat, and the propriety of neglecting the sacred days appointed in the law of Moses. Such persons are not to be condemned, 1 . Because tfiis weakness is not inconsistent with piety; notwithstanding their doubts on these points, God has received them, v. 3. 2. Because one Christian has no right to judge another (except where Christ has ex- pressly authorized it and given him the rule of judgment) ; to his own master he stands or falls, v. 4. 3. Because such harsh treatment is unnecessary ; God can and will preserve such persons, notwithstanding their feebleness, v. 4. 4. Because they act religiously, or out of regard to God in this matter ; and therefore, live according to the great Christian principle, that no man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself, but whether he lives or dies belongs to God, vs. 6 — 9. On these grounds we should abstain from condemning or treating contemptuously our weaker brethren, remembering that we are all to stand before the judg- ment-seat of Christ, vs. 10 — 12.
As to the use of Christian liberty, the apostle teaches that it is not to be given up or denied ; that is, we are not to make things sinful which are in themselves indifferent, v. 14. But it does not follow that because