(1) We then tliat are strong ought to hear the infirmities of the weak^ and not to please ourselves. The separation of this passage from the preceding chapter is obviously unhappy, as there is no change in the subject. 'As the points of difference are not essential, as the law of love, the example of Christ, and the honour of religion require conces- sion, we that are fully persuaded of the indifference of those things about which our weaker brethren are so scrupulous, ought to accommodate ourselves to their opinions, and not act with a view to our own gratifica- tion merely.' We that are strong .• strong in reference to the subject of discourse, i. e. faith, especially faith in the Christian doctrine of the lawfulness of all kinds of food, and the abrogation of the Mosaic law. Ought to hear, i. e. ought to tolerate. The infirmities, that is, the preju- dices, errors, and faults which arise from weakness of faith. Compare 1 Cor. 9 : 20 — 22, where the apostle illustrates this command by stating
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