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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 14:10-13 Do Not Judge Your Brother  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
Chrysostom’s image is confrontation as a “physician providing medicine,” not “exacting a penalty from an adversary”; think of a real situation where you believe a believer is sinning—what would “medicine” sound like in your tone, timing, goal, and willingness to stay close after the correction?
Another way to ask: Think of a real situation where you believe a Christian is sinning. If correction is like giving “medicine” instead of punishment, what would that change about your tone, timing, goal, and staying close afterward?

Direct Answer The transcript suggests that “medicine” means correcting sin with a restorative, compassionate posture—like a doctor helping a patient—rather than with hostility, shame, or a desire to punish, and doing it in a way that protects the brother from further stumbling.

Support from Transcript:

  • Chrysostom allows correction for serious sin: “Correct him,” even in cases like “fornication.”
  • But the manner matters: “not as an enemy… not… exacting a penalty from an adversary.”
  • The positive model: “Rather, correct him as a physician providing medicine.”
  • The teacher notes true concern: “we should be concerned about the welfare of our brother.”
  • He warns against fault-finding: “focusing on the minor faults of our brother does not show concern for his welfare.”
  • Paul’s stated aim is preventing harm: “that no one will put a stumbling block or a hindrance in the way of his brother.”
Discussion Follow-ups If your goal is healing, what outcome are you praying for, and what words would you avoid? Would you still “stay close” if the person reacts badly, or are you mainly trying to win a case?

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