Kevin B. McCruden, «Judgment and Life for the Lord: Occasion and Theology of Romans 14,1–15,13», Vol. 86 (2005) 229-244
This article explores Paul’s discussion
concerning the strong and the weak in Rom 14,1–15,13. My thesis is that Paul’s
comments in this section of the letter function neither completely as a response
to an actual problem in Rome, nor as entirely general paraenesis. Rather, Paul’s
comments function simultaneously on both a situational and non-situational level.
Considering that specific concerns over food were likely operative in the Roman
congregation, Paul employs non-specific language in this section in order to espouse
a larger theological vision of the essential unity of Jew and Gentile under God’s
salvation in Christ.
244 Kevin B. McCruden
mid first century opinions concerning food and Sabbath observances
were undoubtedly present (39). This is different from saying, however,
that Paul is writing to allieve an actual full blown conflict between
literally strong and weak Christians conceived of as separate groups or
parties at odds with one another. Such a reconstruction exceeds the
evidence at hand, as I see it. Second, it is necessary to note how the
situational and non situational dimensions are joined by Paul in a
decidedly theological manner. Ultimately, for Paul judgment against
fellow Christian brothers and sisters is wrong since both the strong and
the weak have equally been received by God (Rom 14,8), and
therefore they share equally in the new reality of the Gospel
accomplished through Christ’s death (Rom 14,15). The central Pauline
theme of God’s impartiality thus assumes more concreteness in these
chapters by virtue of its ethical application to the new life that is lived
in the one body of Christ (Rom 12,54). For Paul such new existence is
a blessing that imparts the power of God’s salvation to both the strong
and weak, to both Jew and Gentile. The new life, however, is a
blessing at once fragile and strong, since it is a blessing of divine
presence either to be received or destroyed to the degree that the
community walks according to love (Rom 14,15).
Gonzaga University Kevin B. MCCRUDEN
Department of Religious Studies
502 East Boone
Spokane, WA 99258 - USA
SUMMARY
This article explores Paul’s discussion concerning the strong and the weak in Rom
14,1–15,13. My thesis is that Paul’s comments in this section of the letter function
neither completely as a response to an actual problem in Rome, nor as entirely
general paraenesis. Rather, Paul’s comments function simultaneously on both a
situational and non-situational level. Considering that specific concerns over food
were likely operative in the Roman congregation, Paul employs non-specific
language in this section in order to espouse a larger theological vision of the
essential unity of Jew and Gentile under God’s salvation in Christ.
(39) This is my chief reason for disagreeing with Karris. Paul is not
generalizing from pastoral experience in Corinth. Rather, Paul is cognizant of the
Jewish character of Roman Christianity and argues accordingly.