Or, “fully convinced” (see on ch. 4:21). Paul does not suggest that Christians should have no convictions regarding these matters about which there may be disagreement. Rather, he urges believers to come to clear and definite conclusions. But at the same time they should do so with charity toward those who reach other conclusions. No attempt should be made to rob anyone of this freedom to make up his own mind with respect to personal duty. Compare DA 550; Ed 17.

 Gr. krinō, “to judge,” to estimate, “to approve of.” Paul now discusses the observance of special days, another cause of dissension and confusion among believers. See on v. 1. Compare a similar situation in the churches of Galatia (Gal. 4:10, 11), and in the Colossian church (Col. 2:16, 17).

 Those believers whose faith enables them immediately to leave behind all ceremonial holidays should not despise others whose faith is less strong. Nor, in turn, may the latter criticize those who seem to them lax. Each believer is responsible to God (Rom. 14:10-12). And what God expects of each of His servants is that he shall “be fully persuaded in his own mind” and conscientiously follow his convictions in accordance with the light he has received and understood so far. Among Christ’s followers there is to be no force, no compulsion. A spirit of love and sympathetic tolerance is to prevail at all times. Those who are stronger in faith are to “bear the infirmities of the weak” (ch. 15:1), as Christ has borne the weaknesses of us all. There is no room for self-righteous criticism of those whose views and practices may differ from our own, or scorn for those who may still be “babes” (Heb. 5:13).