15:1-3 What are the "infirmities of the weak" referred to here?
15:1-3 What are the "infirmities of the weak" referred to here?
The infirmities of the weak are the non-essential scruples and doubtful practices of weak Christians outlined in Ch 14 (CP 14:1-5). Strong and enlightened Christians must bear with the failings of weaker and less enlightened Christians until they too become strong in faith and knowledge.
In V2 Chapter 15, Paul enjoins the strong to sacrificially order their lives to help the weak and build up their faith (CP Ac 20:35; 1Cor 8:9-13; 9:19-22; 10:23-24, 32-33; 2Cor 13:9; 1Th 5:14).
Christ is the model of conduct in relationships between weak and strong Christians and the example for all Christians to follow (CP Php 2:5-8 with Psa 69:9). Christ did not live to please Himself but for the interests of others, and Christians must do likewise (CP Php 2:3-4; 1Pe 2:19-23). Reproaches refer to slander, false accusations and insults.
Men hate God and they manifested that same hate toward Jesus. (See also comments on Ro 14:1-9; 1Cor 8:1-3, 10:23-33; Ga 5:13 and Php 2:5-8 and author's study How Christians are to Love One Another in his book Foundational Truths of the Christian Faith).