Romans 14:17

The kingdom of God. This expression, standing alone, may refer either to the future kingdom of glory (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9, 10) or to the present kingdom of grace (see on Matt. 4:17; Matt. 5:2, 3). The latter meaning is here obviously intended. The essence of the kingdom of God lies not in things external, but in the inward graces of the spiritual life.

Meat and drink. Or, “eating and drinking.” These matters are trifling and insignificant when compared with those of which the kingdom of God actually does consist. Presumably the Christian whose faith is strong is aware of the spiritual nature of God’s kingdom. In fact, the knowledge of this vital truth is part of the “good” mentioned in v. 16. Surely then this knowledge will prevent him from grieving or destroying his weaker brother over matters that are so relatively inconsequential in themselves.

Righteousness. That is, a righteous way of life; right doing (see Rom. 6:19; Eph. 4:24).

Peace. This includes not only reconciliation to God (ch. 5:1) but also harmony and love in the church (cf. Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:3; Col. 3:14, 15).

Joy in the Holy Ghost. This is the holy gladness with which the Spirit of God suffuses those who “live in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25; cf. Rom. 15:13; Gal. 5:22; 1 Thess. 1:6). Those who are the strongest in faith understand best that the kingdom of God consists in such spiritual graces as these, and not in such material things as food and drink. Consequently as regards their Christian freedom in eating and drinking they would rather curtail their own personal liberty than to have their exercise of such freedom destroy the peace of the church (Rom. 14:13), or lead a weaker brother to do what, for him, would be unrighteous (v. 14), or rob him of his joy in the Spirit by grieving his conscience (v. 15).