(1) Him that is weak in faith receive, hut not to doubtful disputafioruf. This verse contains the general direction that weak and scrupulous bre- thren are to be kindly received, and not harshly condemned. TVeak in faith, i. e. weak as to faith. Faith here means persuasion of the truth ; a man may have a strong persuasion as to certain truths, and a very weak one as to others. Some of the early Christians were, no doubt, fully convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, and yet felt great doubts whether the distinction between clean and unclean meats was entirely done away. This was certainly a great defect of Christian character, and arose from the want of an intelligent and firm conviction of the gratuitous nature of justification, and of the spirituality of the gospel. Since, however, this weakness was not inconsistent with religion, such persons were to be received. The word rendered receive has the general signification to take to one-self; and this is its meaning here. ' Him that is weak in faith take to yourselves as a Christian brother, treat him kindly;" see Acts 28: 2. Rom. 15 : 7. Philem. vs. 15, 17.
There is much more doubt as to the meaning of the words translated not to doubtful disputations. The former of the two important words of this clause means the faculty of discrimination, 1 Cor. 12 : 10; th,e act of discerning, Heb. 5 : 14, and then dijudication, judgment. It may also signify doubt or inward conflict; see the use of the verb in ch. 4 : 20. It is taken in this sense in our version, not to the doubtfulness of disputes, i. e. not for the purpose of doubtful disputation. The word rendered disputations means also thoughts, opinions. The clause may therefore mean not to the judging of (his) opinions, i. e. not for the purpose of judging his opinions ; do not act the part of a judge over him. This sense seems preferable en account of the context, as Paul enforces.