Romans 14:16Then don't let your good be slandered,
The setting
Rome, ~57 AD. Paul warns that Christians' public disputes over food and drink are giving enemies ammunition to mock the gospel...
The emotion here: urgently protective of the gospel's reputation in hostile Rome
The original word
blasphemeo (βλασφημείσθω) — to slander, defame, speak evil of; originally 'to harm one's reputation'
Why it matters
Romans already viewed Christians suspiciously after Claudius expelled Jews from Rome in 49 AD
Read with care
What most readers miss in Romans 14:16
The 'good' isn't just your freedom, but the gospel itself — unbelievers are watching Christian fights
Common misconceptionPeople think this means hiding your faith to avoid criticism, but Paul means don't let secondary issues overshadow the main message of salvation.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Romans 14:16
Bible Genome reading
Romans 14:16 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Romans 14:16 comes from the book of Romans, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the teaching genre of biblical literature. Key themes include reputation, wisdom, discretion. Notable phrases: don't let your good be slandered. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Romans 14:16 mean to you, today?
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