Nothing Is Unclean In Itself

“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.” -Romans 14:14

At this point, Paul finds it helpful to lay out the truth of the matter concerning meats in light of the new creation in Christ. But prior to doing so, it was necessary to establish the priority of charitably tolerating personal convictions of the weak on the matter. Ultimately, it is a matter of conscience that is under consideration, not the meats themselves. 

Paul establishes that “everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4). He has taught this in other places and it is based not merely on opinion but on the teachings of the Lord Jesus himself (Cf. Mark 7:14-23). Nothing is unclean in itself.

However, for the one who thinks it is unclean, it is unclean for him. This is not to suggest matters of conviction are subjective and relegated personal opinion. Rather, it means that for a weak brother to eat of something that is truly clean but he is not convinced of it in his conscience, then he is sinning against his conscience. He is not sinning in the matter of eating the clean thing. He is sinning in the matter of violating his conscience which believes it is unclean (Cf.Romans 14:23).

Two implications should be noted in light of all that has said here (though Paul still has more to say on the matter). First, Paul takes the position of the stronger while tactfully and lovingly accommodating for the weaker. Second, the weaker should not remain weak for the sake of remaining weak but see the gracious tolerance as room to build up one’s conscience according to the truth of Scripture.