Devine Scripture

Romans 14:18

What does Romans 14:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 14:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 14:18 means

Serving Christ by pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy is pleasing to God and gains the respect of people. God delights when His children prize what He prizes. Such service also tends to win approval from others, because it builds rather than breaks. The focus shifts from the self to Christ and His people’s good. This is not people-pleasing but Christ-pleasing that bears good fruit in community. When liberty is harnessed to love, the church experiences harmony and the watching world sees credible testimony. Thus, the measure of mature freedom is whether it advances Christ’s priorities and commends the gospel by its fruit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he who in these things is Christ's servant, is pleasing to God and has the approval of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for he who in these things is serving the Christ, <FI>is<Fi> acceptable to God and approved of men.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he that in this serveth Christ pleaseth God and is approved of men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he that in this serves the Christ [is] acceptable toGod and approved of men.

Context

Flowing from the kingdom’s priorities in verse 17, this verse adds the assurance of divine and human commendation for those who live accordingly. It sets up the practical charge in verse 19 to actively pursue peace and mutual edification. The logic moves from values (what matters) to outcomes (God’s approval, others’ respect) to actions (what to chase in church life). Paul is shaping both heart and habit.

v.17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

v.18This passage

v.19So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 12:26

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

    but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

  • Acts 10:35

    but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.

  • Romans 6:22

    But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:22

    For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord’s freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ’s bondservant.

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