- Paul has just explained to us how man must relate to the authorities and to his neighbor. He picks up again with how one should act towards his neighbor, with particular focus on how one must relate to his brother that is weak in conscience.
- This is especially relevant for his audience, of believing Jews and gentiles, with Jewish believers being actively sanctified in their understanding of "Christian liberty"
- (v. 4\) He speaks then to the brother with a stronger conscience and understanding of his liberty, reminding him to not be haughty and suppose that he is the master of his weaker brother
- (v. 5\) And Paul applies this not just to matters of the food that believers ate, but also to the days of ritual and celebration that one would maintain
- Paul is speaking particularly of observation of Jewish rituals, such as Passover and the various feasts
- Rather, Paul suggests to the stronger and weaker brother a principle to apply, which is that "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" (v. 5\)
- (v. 13\) If we are to walk in love, we must both not bind our weaker brother's conscience, and also not grieve the weaker brother by offending them with our practice
- This does not mean we are to avoid holding one another to account for sinful actions
- This does mean that our conscience is of importance in binding our actions
- (v. 17\) However, we should strive for a teachable conscience, not binding ourselves beyond the reach of God's word