Bible Strands
Romans 14:18
For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman congregation navigating disputes over dietary practices and sacred days, concluding a section on Christian liberty and mutual acceptance. He writes to establish that conduct rooted in the Spirit transcends external regulations.
The words — δουλεύων (douleuōn) = serving; εὐάρεστος (euarestos) = well-pleasing. The participle denotes ongoing, faithful service to Christ, while the adjective describes the resulting state of divine favor.
The thread — This dual concern for divine and human approbation echoes 2 Corinthians 8:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:11, which stress integrity before God and men. It also aligns with 1 Peter 2:5, where believers offer spiritual sacrifices as a holy priesthood.
Why it lands — The text states that service to Christ in the Spirit produces both God's pleasure and human respect. It requires the reader to evaluate motives and actions against spiritual reality rather than external conformity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
- 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
- 1 Peter 2:20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3 and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
- Mark 13:34 It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.
- John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
- Acts 10:35 but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
- Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.