Sinful adherence to destructive differences of opinion was a problem for the Church in Rome and has continued to be a problem down to the modern age. The opinions described in the text involved differences in secondary and tertiary matters. While even the little things of God should be matters of importance to His people, there is a caution in scripture against the error of distraction from the eternal focus the Lord's people are to maintain.
Within the Roman Church, some continued to observe special holy days beyond the Christian Sabbath and ceremonial dietary restrictions. It was not uncommon for these believers to be held in contempt by some and to reciprocate with judgmental attitudes. Neither party was legalistic nor sinful in their outward observance, but it was the sinful attitudes of divisiveness that were challenged by Paul. This passage teaches that only Christ has the right and privilege of judging His people, and all of His people will give account to Him in due time. Convictions are to be encouraged among the believers provided that they are fully convinced from the scripture, that God is honored and thanked in the practice, and that the conviction not be used to provoke division among the believers.
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Nathan Eshelman holds a Master of Divinity degree from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. He serves as clerk of the Pacific Coast Presbytery (RPCNA),...
