So then,This phrase serves as a conclusion or summary of the preceding discussion. In
Romans 14, Paul addresses the issue of differing opinions among believers, particularly concerning dietary laws and sacred days. The "so then" indicates a logical conclusion drawn from the argument that believers should not judge one another over disputable matters but rather accept each other as Christ has accepted them.
let us pursue
The verb "pursue" suggests active and intentional effort. In the original Greek, the word implies a continuous and determined action. This reflects the Christian call to actively seek out and strive for certain virtues and behaviors, rather than passively waiting for them to occur. It echoes the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He encourages His followers to seek first the kingdom of God.
what leads to peace
Peace, in the biblical sense, is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of wholeness and harmony. This peace is both internal and communal, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "shalom." In the context of the early church, which was composed of diverse groups including Jews and Gentiles, pursuing peace meant overcoming cultural and religious differences to maintain unity. This aligns with Jesus' role as the Prince of Peace, who reconciles humanity to God and to one another.
and to mutual edification.
Edification refers to the building up of one another in faith and character. The term is often used in the New Testament to describe the strengthening of the church body. Mutual edification implies a reciprocal relationship where all members contribute to the spiritual growth of the community. This concept is supported by other Pauline writings, such asEphesians 4:12, where the purpose of spiritual gifts is described as equipping the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. Romans is one of his epistles, written to the believers in Rome.
2.
The Church in RomeThe recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group, including both Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul addresses issues of unity and mutual edification within this community.
3.
Early Christian CommunitiesThe broader context of Romans includes the various early Christian communities that were grappling with issues of law, grace, and living out their faith in a predominantly pagan society.
Teaching Points
Pursue PeaceAs believers, we are called to actively seek peace in our relationships, both within the church and in the broader community. This involves a conscious effort to avoid conflict and promote harmony.
Mutual EdificationOur actions and words should build up others in the faith. This means being mindful of how our behavior affects fellow believers and striving to encourage and strengthen them.
Unity in DiversityThe early church was diverse, and so is the modern church. We must embrace this diversity and work towards unity, recognizing that our differences can be a source of strength rather than division.
Active EngagementThe Greek word for "pursue" (di?k?) implies an active, determined effort. We are not to be passive in our pursuit of peace and edification but to engage actively and intentionally.
Reflecting Christ's LoveOur pursuit of peace and edification should reflect the love of Christ, who is our ultimate example of selfless love and unity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 14:19?
2.How can we actively "pursue what leads to peace" in our daily lives?
3.What are practical ways to "build one another up" within our church community?
4.How does Romans 14:19 connect with Jesus' teachings on peacemaking in Matthew 5:9?
5.In what situations might pursuing peace require personal sacrifice or compromise?
6.How can Romans 14:19 guide our interactions with those holding different convictions?
7.How does Romans 14:19 guide Christians in resolving conflicts within the church community?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Romans 14:19?
9.How does Romans 14:19 relate to the broader theme of unity in the New Testament?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 14?
11.What is the Bible's view on taking offense?
12.Should Christians engage in pranks?
13.Can married individuals have opposite-sex friends?
14.Is it appropriate for Christians to celebrate Halloween?What Does Romans 14:19 Mean
So thenPaul has just said, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Because believers serve Christ in this way and are “approved by men” (v. 18), the logical next step is clear. “So then” gathers the whole discussion of differing convictions—food, special days, personal scruples—and moves it to a shared goal. Similar transitions appear inRomans 12:1 (“Therefore, I urge you…”) andGalatians 6:10 (“So then, as we have opportunity…”), reminding us that doctrine always calls for action.
let us pursuePursuit is deliberate. It is the steady choice to go after something with energy, not a casual hope it will appear. Scripture keeps the verb active:
•1 Peter 3:11 “seek peace and pursue it.”
•Hebrews 12:14 “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness…”
•1 Timothy 6:11 “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”
The plural “us” makes the call corporate. Each believer is responsible, yet all move together. Indifference or passivity toward unity has no place; we run after it.
what leads to peacePeace here is relational harmony within the body, the opposite of the quarrels over non-essentials that threatened the Roman church. Paul already urged, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Jesus blesses “the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), and James notes that “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18). Practical outworkings include:
• Choosing words that soften, not inflame (Proverbs 15:1;Ephesians 4:29).
• Laying aside personal rights for a brother’s good (1 Corinthians 8:13).
• Remembering Christ “is our peace” who made us one (Ephesians 2:14).
Such steps are not compromise of truth but obedience to it.
and to mutual edificationEdification means building up, like adding stones to a sturdy wall. We do not merely avoid tearing down; we intentionally strengthen. Paul elsewhere commands, “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and urges that every gathering aim for “edifying the church” (1 Corinthians 14:26). This involves:
• Speaking grace that “gives grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
• Using gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
• Bearing with the weak (Romans 15:1-2) so all grow.
Edification is mutual; no one is merely a recipient. As each member contributes, the whole body “grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
summaryRomans 14:19 calls every believer to active, cooperative effort: because God’s kingdom centers on righteousness and peace, we chase whatever promotes harmony and builds others. Disputable matters fade in importance when the church locks arms to seek peace and strengthen one another. By doing so we display Christ’s character, preserve unity, and help each other advance in faith.
(19)
Let us therefore follow.--The best MSS. have the indicative mood, "so then we follow." There is, however, some good support for the Received text, especially in the patristic quotations and versions; and mistakes of this kind were peculiarly liable to be made.
Edify.--The word has unfortunately lost its freshness of meaning, but we have no other single equivalent for it in English. It is the "upbuilding," or mutual help and assistance in the spiritual life which Christians receive from their intercourse with each other.
Verses 19-21. -
Let us therefore follow after the things that make for (literally,
the things of)
peace, and the things wherewith one may edify another (literally,
the things of the edification of one another)
.For meat's sake destroy not the work of God. "Destroy," or rather,
overthrow - the word
isκατάλυε, not
ἀππόλλυε as in ver. 15 - is connected in thought with the
edification, or building up (
οἰκοδομήν) before spoken cf. "The work of God" is that of his grace in the weak Christian's soul, growing, it may be, to full assurance of faith (cf.
1 Corinthians 3:9," ye are God's building"). Upset not the rising structure, which is God's own, as ye may do by putting a stumbling-block in the weak brother's way.
All things indeed are pure (
i.e. in themselves all God's gifts given for man's service are so);
but it is evil to that man who eateth with offence (
i.e. if the eating be to himself a stumbling-block. The idea is the same as in ver. 14).
It is good (
καλὸν, not of indispensable obligation, but a right and noble thing to do)
neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth,
or is offended, or is made weak. The concluding words in italics are of doubtful authority: they are not required for the sense. For St. Paul's expression of his own readiness to deny himself lawful things, if he might so avoid offence to weak brethren, cf.
1 Corinthians 8:13.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
SoἌρα(Ara)Conjunction
Strong's 686:Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.then,οὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.let us pursueδιώκωμεν(diōkōmen)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1377:To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.what leads toτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.peaceεἰρήνης(eirēnēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515:Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.toτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.mutualἀλλήλους(allēlous)Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240:One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.edification.οἰκοδομῆς(oikodomēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3619:Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.
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NT Letters: Romans 14:19 So then let us follow after things (Rom. Ro) 
