Epistle to the Romans Community Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)

Quote #7

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. (NRSV 14:19-21)

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. (KJV 14:19-21)

This is a big one for Paul. He doesn't think these squabbles over what's safe to eat and what's not are helping anyone. Christians should be building each other up instead of creating divisions in the community over a slice of bacon.

Quote #8

Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. (NRSV 15:2)

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. (KJV 15:2)

As Bill and Ted might say, "Be excellent to one another."

Quote #9

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NRSV 15:5-6)

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV 15:5-6)

Paul says a little prayer that the Christians can sort things out and stop fighting amongst themselves. Why is this so important? Because they need to be speaking in one voice in order to move forward. Plus, it's hard to hear over all that arguing.