ACC ~ Romans 14 v21

ASSESSING ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT AND WINE. ORIGEN: Eating meat and drinking wine are matters of indifference in themselves. Even wicked people may abstain from these things, and some idol worshipers in fact do so, for reasons which are actually evil. Likewise quite a few heretics enjoin similar practices. The only reason abstinence of this kind is good is that it may help to avoid offending a brother. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

VOLUNTARY USE. AMBROSIASTER: Although the issue involves only meat, Paul adds drink here as well, in order to nurture those who abstain from both of these things, so that they will not be hurt by those who eat and drink, on the ground that it is lawful to do so. Paul gives them peace of mind by telling them to make their own decision and putting an end to the disagreement through which the dispute had arisen. No one will dispute that either option is legitimate in itself. For the creation was given for voluntary use. There is no necessity imposed on anybody, one way or the other. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

DO NOTHING THAT MAKES ANOTHER STUMBLE. CHRYSOSTOM: If you force him he will be immediately destroyed and will condemn you, strengthening himself all the more by refusing to eat. But if you yield to him, then he will love you and will not suspect you as a teacher, and afterward you will discover that you have gained the power of sowing in him the right views. But once he starts hating you, you have closed the door to reason. Do not compel him therefore, but refrain for his sake, not because the thing is unclean but because he is offended, and then he will love you all the more. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 26.

[PSEUDO-]CONSTANTIUS: In this passage Paul praises abstinence from meat and wine, but much more he warns us that we must abstain from food and drink which has been sacrificed to idols, so as not to cause scandal to our brother. THE HOLY LETTER OF ST. PAUL TO THE ROMANS.

Rom