23 All things are lawful , but not all things are profitable . All things are lawful , but not all things edify . 24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor . 25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience' sake ; 26 FOR THE EARTH IS THE Lord'S , AND ALL IT CONTAINS . 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go , eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience' sake . 28 But if anyone says to you, "This is meat sacrificed to idols ," do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience' sake; 29 I mean not your own conscience , but the other man's; for why e is my freedom judged by another's conscience ? 30 If I partake with thankfulness , why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks ? 31 Whether , then , you eat or drink or whatever you do , do all to the glory of God . 32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God ; 33 just as I also please all men in all things , not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many , so that they may be saved .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
(Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33)
There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.