Romans 14:10

"For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living."

Key Reflection

In the first-century Jewish world, the concept of life after death was deeply rooted in the belief that there would be a resurrection of the dead, a notion closely tied to the hope of a messianic age. The statement that Christ died, rose again, and now lives to rule over both the living and the dead (Romans 14:9) would have resonated with this expectation, emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. By claiming lordship over all, including those in the grave, Paul asserts Christ's supremacy even beyond death itself, reinforcing the transformative power of his resurrection for believers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 10. But why, etc. Since we are all subjects and servants alike, and must all stand at the same tribunal, what right have we to sit in judgment on others? Thou judge. Thou who art a Jewish convert, why dost thou attempt to arraign the Gentile disciple, as if he had violated a law of God? Comp. Ro 14:3. Thy brother. God has recognised him as his friend, (Ro 14:3,) and he should be regarded by thee as a brother in the same family. Or why dost thou set at nought. Despise, (Ro 14:3) why dost thou, who art a Gentile convert, despise the Jewish disciple as being unnecessarily scrupulous and superstitious? Thy brother.

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