In the church at Rome the issues were ‘doubtful points’ (NEB) or ‘disputable matters’ (NIV) ‘opinions’ (ESV) on which it was not necessary for all Christians to agree. Having already considered pursuing the will of God in the context of His moral will revealed in the Scriptures, and His sovereign will, Paul takes us to ‘disputable’ matters that are neither right or wrong, black or white, righteous or unrighteous.

Scott suggests that the Apostle Paul in Romans 14 – 15:7 is helping to enable conservative-minded Christians (mostly Jewish) and liberal-minded Christians (mostly Gentiles) to co-exist amicably in the Christian fellowship. Here are outlined nine principles for gaining clarity on ‘disputable matters’.