1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

In conclusion Paul has first made it clear that we cannot engage in idolatry such as that related to eating the meal at the pagan temple that was involved in the sacrifices of the pagan worshipers.  But now the question is, as it was in the beginning of this section (8:1-4), what about eating the meat that was left over from the pagan meal and that was sold at the market?

The principle is in 10:23-24: there is no law against this but the real question is, “what will edify others?”  As Paul has explained previously, this is not just a matter of not causing offense to a brother in Christ; it also involves offending those who need to hear the gospel among both Jews and Greeks (10:32).  

Paul’s argument is quite fascinating as he uses the same Bible passage to apply to both answers.

·        On the one hand, there is freedom to eat the “reduced price” meat because the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness (Psalm 24:1).  The meat is part of God’s creation which we are to enjoy (1 Tim. 4:4-5).

·        On the other hand, if our eating of that meat offends someone’s conscience then we ought to refrain because the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness (Psalm 24:1).  That person is made by God and we need to respect them as one made in His image.  

Paul is clear to say that the issue is the conscience of the offended person.  He does not say that there is a law against eating the meat but only asks if someone will be hurt spiritually by our action.  When he says, why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience (v29) he is saying that there is nothing wrong with eating the meat; rather the issue is our concern for more important things.

What is more important?  Clearly, the glory of God.  Paul taught elsewhere that the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).  So we see here: the issue is not our stomach but our heart.  We must honor the gospel by putting a clear path to Christ before the people of this world.  Likewise we must honor brothers and sisters in Christ by not putting a stumbling block in their path to Christ-likeness.  As they grow in Christ they will come to realize their error and by the word of God their mind will be renewed and their conscience retrained.  Paul practiced this and calls the Corinthians (and us) to follow his example (10:33-11:1).

So again, let us remember that we are known to be Christians by our love for one another (John 13:34-35), not by our freedoms.  To imitate Paul in this is to be a follower of Jesus Christ who most exemplified this by His love in which He laid down His life for us.