Can we choose which day to keep holy? (Romans 14)

which day: Romans 14:5-6 and the Question of Holy Days

Some Christians refer to Romans 14:5-6 to argue that believers can choose which day to keep holy. The passage reads, “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.”

At first glance, this might sound like Paul is saying that the Sabbath commandment is optional. However, when read carefully within its context, Romans 14:5-6 is not referring to the weekly Sabbath or God’s appointed feast days. Instead, Paul addresses personal fasting practices and disputes between believers regarding ceremonial customs.

Understanding the Context of Romans 14

In Romans 14:1, Paul begins by encouraging the believers to “receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.” In the early church, disagreements often arose over diet and religious traditions. Many of the new converts in Rome came from pagan backgrounds where meat was frequently offered to idols. Because of this, some believers avoided eating meat altogether, fearing that it would make them unclean.

Paul explains that food offered to idols has no real spiritual power because idols themselves are nothing. “We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4). Therefore, eating such food does not defile a person before God.

Eating, Fasting, and Esteeming Days

When Paul says, “One person esteems one day above another,” he is referring to voluntary fasting days, not holy days like the Sabbath. During that time, both Jews and Gentiles practiced fasting on specific days for spiritual or cultural reasons. The Jews, for example, fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12) and on appointed days of mourning (Zechariah 7:4-7). Gentiles also practiced fasting as part of their religious customs.

Among early Christians, there were differences in how these customs were viewed. Some believers chose certain days to fast as an act of devotion, while others treated all days the same. Paul urged mutual respect, allowing each person to be “fully convinced in his own mind.” His focus was on personal conviction, not abolishing the Sabbath commandment.

Fasting, Paul explained, should always be done for the Lord and not to impress others (Matthew 6:16). Those who chose to fast honored God in their abstinence, while those who did not also honored Him through thanksgiving. Romans 14 teaches that no one should judge another for personal fasting habits or food choices, as long as the action is done sincerely to the Lord.

The Sabbath and Ceremonial Laws

Paul’s words in Romans 14 do not dismiss the Sabbath of the Ten Commandments. The weekly Sabbath is part of God’s moral law, not a matter of personal opinion or preference. It was established at creation (Genesis 2:2-3), reaffirmed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), and observed by Jesus Himself (Luke 4:16).

The passage also does not refer to the Jewish feast days listed in Leviticus 23. These annual festivals were part of the ceremonial system pointing forward to Christ’s redemptive work. After the cross, those ceremonies lost their binding nature because Christ fulfilled them (Colossians 2:14-17).

In contrast, the Sabbath was not given as a temporary ordinance. It was set apart long before Israel existed and represents a continuing covenant between God and His people (Exodus 31:16-17).

Paul’s Approach to Early Jewish Practices

Paul recognized that early Jewish converts still valued their cultural and religious customs. Many struggled to understand that the ceremonial laws of sacrifices and feasts were fulfilled in Christ. For this reason, the apostles did not immediately demand that believers abandon every tradition tied to the Mosaic system.

Paul himself continued to respect Jewish customs when it was helpful for ministry. He observed certain feasts (Acts 18:21), circumcised Timothy for the sake of Jewish outreach (Acts 16:3), and participated in purification rites (Acts 21:20-27). These acts were not done as requirements for salvation but as accommodations to reach others.

Over time, as believers gained greater understanding, the ceremonial elements naturally faded from Christian practice. The emphasis shifted from ritual observance to spiritual meaning in Christ.

What Romans 14:5-6 Really Means

Romans 14:5-6 teaches that believers should not judge one another over personal or traditional practices, such as fasting days or dietary habits. Paul is addressing issues of conscience, not commandments of God. Each person must act according to their conviction before the Lord.

The Sabbath, however, is not subject to human preference. It belongs to God’s moral law, enshrined in the Ten Commandments and reaffirmed by Christ. Paul never taught that believers could choose their own Sabbath. Instead, he upheld the law of God (Romans 3:31) and affirmed that faith does not nullify obedience.

Commentary Support on Romans 14

Several Bible scholars support this interpretation. The well-known commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown states that Romans 14:5-6 does not abolish the seventh-day Sabbath. They note that while some believe Paul’s words invalidate Sabbath observance, the passage clearly refers to ceremonial or voluntary observances, not the weekly Sabbath instituted at creation.

Their commentary explains, “If the Sabbath was more ancient than Judaism, enshrined in the Decalogue and uttered amidst the terrors of Sinai, it cannot be ranked among the temporary Jewish festival days. The Son of Man Himself said, ‘The Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day’ (Mark 2:28).”

In this light, Paul’s statement in Romans 14 encourages unity among believers rather than granting license to disregard God’s commandments.

Respect for Conscience and Unity in the Church

Paul’s main message in Romans 14 is about maintaining peace and mutual respect within the church. Differences in understanding should not divide believers who are all striving to serve the same Lord. He reminds the church that each person will give an account to God for their own decisions (Romans 14:12).

Those who are stronger in faith are called to be patient with those who are still learning. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1).

By applying this principle, Paul encourages believers to focus on love and unity rather than disputing over minor issues. The emphasis remains on serving God sincerely and respecting one another’s convictions.

Understanding Romans 14:5-6 in its proper context helps believers avoid confusion and appreciate the freedom and unity found in genuine faith. The Sabbath remains a distinct and holy day set apart by God. Nowhere in Paul’s writings does he abolish or minimize its importance. Instead, he emphasizes faith that leads to obedience and harmony within the body of Christ.

For more on the Sabbath, please check (Lessons 91-102) of the Bible Lessons.