>>/181/
> Out of context, it's specifically talking about days and fasting.
It's not. There isn't even a mention of fast. Verses prior don't talk about fasting but what people think they can eat and Paul says it's a matter of faith.
> Koine Greek. It simply means "common". Thus, this cannot be referring to overturning the Levitical food prohibitions!
https://biblehub.com/greek/2839.htm
If you don't trust lexicons and dictionaries then let's examine Romans 14:14
"I have known, and am persuaded, in the Lord Jesus, that nothing [is] unclean of itself, except to him who is reckoning anything to be unclean — to that one [it is] unclean;"
Switch 'unclean' to 'common' and tell me it makes perfect sense. Why would your brother be grieved by you eating common food? I never knew early Christians were so posh.
Follow to verse 17 and you have it summed up nicely:
"for the reign of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit;"
> Optional in what way?
The very way it's talked about in Rom 14:5. It doesn't matter. Love and faith matter. Mate someone must've scared you into obedience to the letter of the Law but time after time you'll find it written in the scriptures that loving your neighbour fulfills the Law. You're turning from crux of the matter towards superficialities that at best might provide some flimsy placebo for your conscience and at worst will drive you to pride.