23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:23-33 KJV)
Do All to the Glory of God
In this passage, the apostle shows in what instances Christians might lawfully eat what had been sacrificed to idols. They must not eat it out of respect for the idol, nor go into its temple to feast on what they knew was an idol sacrifice, nor even outside the temple if it was clearly part of an idol feast. However, there were cases in which they could eat such food without sin.
He begins by warning against abusing Christian liberty. Some things may be lawful but not helpful or edifying (1 Corinthians 10:23). A believer must not only consider what is lawful but what benefits others. He must not seek only his own good but that of his neighbor (Philippians 2:4). Christians must consider how their actions affect others’ holiness, comfort, and salvation. Something not sinful in itself can become sinful by circumstance if it harms another. Therefore, we must weigh what is beneficial and leads to edification before acting. The welfare of others, not just our own convenience, must guide our choices.
He next tells them that what was sold in the market could be eaten without question. The priests often sold portions of heathen sacrifices there. Yet Christians need not ask whether such meat had been offered to idols, for it was sold as ordinary food. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (1 Corinthians 10:26; Psalm 24:1). All food comes from God, and “every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4-5). “To the pure all things are pure” (Titus 1:15). It is sinful to eat in an idolatrous way, but not to use such food later for ordinary, thankful enjoyment.
He adds that if a Christian is invited by an unbeliever to a feast, he may go and eat whatever is set before him without asking questions (1 Corinthians 10:27). Christianity does not forbid social courtesy or kindness, even toward unbelievers. Believers should not make needless inquiries that might trouble their consciences. Anything fit to be eaten may be received with gratitude, unless it is part of a religious act of idolatry, which Paul has already forbidden. At a common feast, they could expect common food and eat without raising needless scruples. Christians should strive to understand their duty but not burden their consciences with unnecessary doubts.
However, if anyone at such a feast says, “This has been offered to idols,” the believer should refrain “for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake” (1 Corinthians 10:28). Whether the remark came from the host or another guest, whether believer or unbeliever, the Christian should abstain—out of respect for conscience, both his own and the other’s. Paul adds the same principle as before: “The earth is the Lord’s.” There is plenty to eat without giving offense. Therefore, while believers may freely eat common food, they should abstain when doing so might lead others into sin or misunderstanding. Christians should avoid anything that weakens others’ consciences or undermines their example.
Paul continues, “Another man’s conscience is no measure of mine. What he thinks unlawful is not thereby made unlawful for me; but as long as I give thanks to God, it is unjust to reproach me for eating” (1 Corinthians 10:29-30). Yet he also warns, “Do not let your good be spoken of as evil” (Romans 14:16). Believers must not use their freedom to harm others or bring reproach upon themselves.
He then gives a guiding rule for all conduct: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The ultimate goal of all actions should be to honor God. Nothing should be done that dishonors Him or harms others. “Give no offense, either to Jews or to Gentiles or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32). Christians should avoid grieving Jews, encouraging Gentiles in idolatry, or weakening young converts. Personal pleasure or interest must never outweigh the glory of God or the good of His church. A true Christian lives for God and seeks the good of others.
Paul closes with his own example: “I try to please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but that of many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:33). A minister can speak with authority when his example matches his teaching. It is praiseworthy for a servant of Christ to set aside personal advantage for the spiritual good of others. Such self-denial shows a heart devoted to public usefulness and to the salvation of souls.