ESTEEMING SPECIAL DAYS
Now let's consider Romans 14:5-6 (NKJ)
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day (alike). Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. {6} He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
This chapter is introduced as pertaining to doubtful things and is predominantly about food matters. (Food matters are expressly mentioned in nine verses out of twenty three.) There is no direct reference to the Sabbath here. In fact a discussion of a matter as important as the Sabbath in vv 5 & 6a would seem somewhat out of place in this chapter as a change in the observance of the day of worship would hardly be an individual matter. It would be an issue seriously affecting the whole church.
The discussion of the significance of certain days can be understood as part of the discussion of food matters rather than as a digression. The observance of "days" would best fit the immediate context if the particular days being discussed concerned fasting. It is conceivable that the problem being addressed was a dispute over the appropriate days for fasting.
There was a tradition among the Pharisees that they should fast twice a week, on Monday and Thursday. This tradition was followed by the early Christian Church.
As the fasting mentioned here is a voluntary practice, Paul's exhortation, "Let each be fully convinced in his own mind" is an appropriate response to the situation.
If Paul was referring to the Sabbath it is strange that he didn't just write, "He who observes the Sabbath etc". The fact that Paul did not specify an actual day could suggest that Paul was referring to a number of different days that had significance for Jews but not for Gentiles [OUTSIDE OF THE WEEKLY AND ANNUAL SABBATHS OF THE LORD GIVEN AS AN EVERLASTING STANDARD]
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Col 2:8)
ReplyDeleteLet no man beguile you of your reward: (Col 2:18)
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? (Col 2:22)
"I, the LORD, never change. That is why you descendants of Jacob haven't been destroyed yet. (Malachi 3:6 GW)
ReplyDeleteI will not profane My covenant or change what My lips have spoken. (Psalms 89:34 CJB)
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who change darkness into light and light into darkness, who change bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter! (Isaiah 5:20 CJB)
Because of this, the land will mourn and the sky above be black; for I have spoken, I have decided, I will not change My mind, I will not turn back." (Jeremiah 4:28 CJB)
The more they increased in number, the more they sinned against Me. I will change their glory into shame. (Hosea 4:7 CJB)
Let your broken heart show your sorrow; tearing your clothes is not enough." Come back to the Lord your God. He is kind and full of mercy; He is patient and keeps His promise; He is always ready to forgive and not punish. (Joel 2:13 GNT)
WHAT WE DEEM GOOD OR LIGHT MAY BE AN ABOMINATION TO GOD...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)
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