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Romans 14:18 For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/14-17.htm" title="Romans 14:17">◄</a> Romans 14:18 <a href="/romans/14-19.htm" title="Romans 14:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/romans/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For the <i>one</i> serving Christ in these things <i>is</i> well-pleasing to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For he that in these things serveth Christ <i>is</i> acceptable to God, and approved of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For he who serves Christ in these things <i>is</i> acceptable to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the one who serves Christ in this <i>way</i> is acceptable to God and approved by <i>other</i> people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For he who in this <i>way</i> serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For he who in this <i>way</i> serves Christ is pleasing to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For the one who serves Christ in this way [recognizing that food choice is secondary] is acceptable to God and is approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and receives human approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you serve Christ in this way, you will please God and be respected by people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The person who serves Christ with this in mind is pleasing to God and respected by people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For the person who serves the Messiah in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For whoever serves Christ in these things is pleasing to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for he who in these things is serving the Christ, [is] acceptable to God and approved of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For the <i>one</i> serving Christ in these things <i>is</i> well-pleasing to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for he who in these things is serving the Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For he in these serving Christ, pleasing to God, and acceptable to men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For he that in this serveth Christ, pleaseth God, and is approved of men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For he who serves Christ in this, pleases God and is proven before men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and is approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For whoever serves The Messiah in these things is beautiful to God and is approved before the children of men.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For he who serves the Christ in these things is acceptable to God, and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For in this the one serving Christ is acceptable to God, and approved unto men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For he who in these things is the servant of Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for he that thus pays his allegiance to Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For he that in these things serves Christ, is well-pleasing to God, and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />that in these serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/14-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3525" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/14.htm">The Law of Love</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/1398.htm" title="1398: douleuōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.">serves</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this way</a> <a href="/greek/2101.htm" title="2101: euarestos (Adj-NMS) -- Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.">is pleasing</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">to God</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1384.htm" title="1384: dokimos (Adj-NMS) -- Approved, acceptable, tried. From dokeo; properly, acceptable, i.e. Approved.">approved</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpois (N-DMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">by men.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a></span><br />So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a></span><br />For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:1</a></span><br />Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Philippians 4:18</a></span><br />I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a></span><br />So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10</a></span><br />Test and prove what pleases the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a></span><br />Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Hebrews 13:16</a></span><br />And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a></span><br />His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-3.htm">1 Timothy 2:3</a></span><br />This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4</a></span><br />A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Proverbs 16:7</a></span><br />When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4-5</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— / I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.</p><p class="hdg">in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Romans 14:4</a></b></br> Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-22.htm">Romans 6:22</a></b></br> But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a></b></br> Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;</p><p class="hdg">is.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1,2</a></b></br> I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, <i>which is</i> your reasonable service… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Genesis 4:7</a></b></br> If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee <i>shall be</i> his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7</a></b></br> Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.</p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a></b></br> But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">2 Corinthians 5:11</a></b></br> Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4</a></b></br> But in all <i>things</i> approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/acts/8-1.htm">Approved</a> <a href="/romans/14-15.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/14-9.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Commend</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Herein</a> <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/romans/10-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/luke/22-27.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/romans/14-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Well-Pleasing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/romans/16-10.htm">Approved</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/romans/16-1.htm">Commend</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">Herein</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/romans/15-31.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Well-Pleasing</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Men may not condemn one another for disputable matters;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/14-13.htm">but must take heed that they give no offense in them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/14-15.htm">which the apostle proves unlawful by many reasons.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For whoever serves Christ in this way</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of serving Christ through actions that reflect His teachings. The context of <a href="/romans/14.htm">Romans 14</a> discusses the acceptance of differing opinions among believers, particularly regarding dietary laws and sacred days. Serving Christ "in this way" refers to living in a manner that promotes peace and mutual edification, as outlined in the preceding verses. This service is not merely about following rules but embodying the love and grace of Christ. The concept of serving Christ is echoed in <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a>, where Jesus speaks of serving Him by serving others.<p><b>is pleasing to God</b><br>Pleasing God is a central theme throughout Scripture, and it involves living a life of faith and obedience. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> states that without faith, it is impossible to please God, highlighting the necessity of trust in Him. In the cultural context of the early church, pleasing God often meant going against societal norms and embracing a countercultural lifestyle that prioritized spiritual values over worldly ones. This phrase reassures believers that their efforts to live according to Christ's teachings are recognized and valued by God.<p><b>and approved by men.</b><br>Being "approved by men" suggests that living a Christ-like life can also earn the respect and approval of others, even those outside the faith. This approval is not about seeking human validation but rather demonstrating a life of integrity and love that naturally garners respect. In <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a>, believers are encouraged to live such good lives among non-believers that they may see their good deeds and glorify God. Historically, the early Christians were often noted for their charitable acts and moral conduct, which set them apart in the Roman world and attracted others to the faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a></b><br>Central to this verse, Christ is the one whom believers are called to serve, embodying the principles of the Kingdom of God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge and the one whom believers aim to please through their service and conduct.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/men.htm">Men</a></b><br>Refers to fellow humans, both within and outside the church, whose approval is secondary to God's but still significant in the context of witness and testimony.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/serving_christ_with_integrity.htm">Serving Christ with Integrity</a></b><br>Serving Christ involves living out the principles of the Kingdom of God, such as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This service is not just about actions but the heart's posture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pleasing_god_as_the_primary_goal.htm">Pleasing God as the Primary Goal</a></b><br>Our primary aim should be to please God. This involves aligning our actions and attitudes with His will, as revealed in Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_witness.htm">The Importance of Witness</a></b><br>While God's approval is paramount, being approved by men is also important as it reflects our witness to the world. Our conduct should draw others to Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_freedom_and_responsibility.htm">Balancing Freedom and Responsibility</a></b><br>In the context of <a href="/bsb/romans/14.htm">Romans 14</a>, believers are called to exercise their freedom in Christ responsibly, considering the impact on others and the unity of the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_gospel.htm">Living Out the Gospel</a></b><br>Our service to Christ should be a living testimony of the Gospel, demonstrating love, humility, and grace in our interactions with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_god_expect_from_us.htm">What does God expect from us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_prayer_not_heal_amputees.htm">Why does prayer not heal amputees?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus_uphold_the_law_in_grace.htm">If Christians are under grace, why does Jesus say that not even a 'jot or tittle' of the law will pass away (Matthew 5:18)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_1_samuel.htm">What does 'Nothing Will Be Impossible with God' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">In these things.</span>--The more correct reading is, <span class= "ital">in this </span>(<span class= "ital">way</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span> The meaning, however, is the same.<p><span class= "bld">Serveth Christ.</span>--Here the principle of unity which holds together different sides and manifestations of the Christian character is indicated.<p><span class= "bld">Approved of men.</span>--So that He will not be "evil spoken of," as the uncompromising legalist or anti-legalist is apt to be.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/14-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whoever</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">serves</span><br /><span class="grk">δουλεύων</span> <span class="translit">(douleuōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1398.htm">Strong's 1398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Christō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this way</span><br /><span class="grk">τούτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(toutō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] pleasing</span><br /><span class="grk">εὐάρεστος</span> <span class="translit">(euarestos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2101.htm">Strong's 2101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Theō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">approved</span><br /><span class="grk">δόκιμος</span> <span class="translit">(dokimos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1384.htm">Strong's 1384: </a> </span><span class="str2">Approved, acceptable, tried. From dokeo; properly, acceptable, i.e. Approved.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by men.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνθρώποις</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/14-18.htm">NT Letters: Romans 14:18 For he who serves Christ in these (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/14-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 14:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 14:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/14-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 14:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 14:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>