Articles
All Things Are Lawful
"All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify" (v.23). At first glance, Paul's statement that all things are lawful, gives us concern. His statement must be understood in context. Clearly, not all things were lawful or allowed by the Lord. The Corinthians repudiated all kinds of sins when they obeyed the gospel (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). If all things were lawful, why did they have to give up fornication, adultery, homosexuality, etc.? Paul is speaking about things that are morally indifferent; he makes an immediate application to eating meats used in idolatrous sacrifices.
"Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good" (v.24). Our attitudes and actions as Christians must help others grow and mature in their service to God. Selfishness does not help others; it only promotes self. "Whatever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience sake" (v.25). Shambles refers to the marketplace where meat was sold. Since the meat had dietary value, it could be eaten; if the Corinthians ate, they were not worshiping an idol.
"For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof” (v.26). Meat purchased in the marketplace was part of the earth that the Lord created. The Corinthians were to receive such with thanksgiving. "If one of them that believe not biddeth you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake" (v.27). When you sit down to eat (in the home of an unbeliever in this case), don't ask: Where did this meat come from? This was simply a social occasion and had nothing to do with idolatry. "But if any man says unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake" (v.28). Who is the "any man?" Is it the host? Is it a Christian, weak or strong? Regardless, the Christian was to refrain from eating the meat because the conscience of another is involved.
"Conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?" (v.29). This is not the conscience of the strong Christian who understood the true application of eating meat. This could be a pagan; so, in this case do not endorse idolatry by eating. This could refer to a weak brother who was led to eat because of your actions; he ate and violated his conscience. Paul says that our eating might lay a stumbling block before the "any man." "If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?" (v.30). Paul knew that if he did eat he would be spoken against. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (v.31). Will my actions glorify God? Will someone turn away from God because of me? "Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God" (v.32). We must always seek to be without offense to others. Don’t cause one to stumble.
"Even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved" (v.33). Paul was willing to waive his rights in order to save others; their salvation was more important than personal liberty. No personal advantage is worth the loss of one precious soul. Or is it?
