1 Corinthians 10:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.

NIV: Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,

NASB: Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions, for the sake of conscience;

CSB: Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, without raising questions for the sake of conscience,

NLT: So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience.

KJV: Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

NKJV: Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake;

The last several chapters address what might seem to be a small issue to modern readers: Is it acceptable for Christians in Corinth to eat meat or other food that has been offered to an idol? The case for allowing the practice is not entirely unreasonable. The Corinthians have argued that they understand the idol is imaginary. It is not, in reality, a god. And the food is just food, nothing more. So why shouldn't a Christian with a strong faith in the one, true God eat food offered by people foolish enough to believe in idols? Paul has agreed with the premise that the idols themselves are nothing and even that there is nothing evil in the physical food (1 Corinthians 8:4–7).

He has disagreed with them on two important points, however. First, not all believers have a strong, mature faith. Some may struggle to know idols are fictional. They may wonder if God will judge them for eating idol food. For these Christians to violate their own convictions is sin (Romans 14:23). Stronger Christians have an obligation not to lead "weaker" brothers and sisters into such sin by their own example. They can lovingly disciple them, developing a maturity to see the idols as those who are stronger in faith do. But they should not flaunt their freedom around those who are not as prepared (1 Corinthians 8:8–13). Chapter 9 gave an extensive argument as to why self-discipline, including giving up things one has a "right" to, is an essential part of the discipleship process.

The second problem is that, though the idols are false, the demons attached to them are real and powerful. No Christian should knowingly associate with demons in any way (1 Corinthians 10:14–22).

With those arguments in mind, Paul gives his final verdict on this issue with a set of specific guidelines. The first one is this: Buy your meat in the market and eat it with a clear conscience. Some had asked about this, because much of the meat sold in the market had been offered to idols. Paul instructs the Corinthian Christians not to ask about that and to eat the meat they buy freely and openly. The physical meat, in and of itself, is not the issue.

First Corinthians 10:23—11:1 shows that merely asking, ''Is this lawful?'' is the wrong question for Christians. Instead, we must continue by asking, ''Will this glorify God?'' and ''Will this build up our neighbors?'' Paul instructs them to act on this by refusing to eat meat they know has been offered to an idol. The reason is to avoid causing anyone to think Christians approve of idol worship in any way. They are free, though, to eat any meat they don't know to have been offered to an idol, with a clear conscience, and with thanks to God. The key message of this passage is that our intent, and the effects of our actions on others, are more important than the physical things involved.

Idol worship is an extremely serious sin. Paul reminds the Christians in idol-saturated Corinth of that by referring to the history of the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness. Though blessed by God, they worshiped false idols. God killed many of them for it. Paul commands his readers to flee from idol worship. To participate with idol worship in any way is to participate with demons. God always provides some way to avoid sin. So, they must avoid giving anyone the idea that they approve of idol worship, even by knowingly eating food offered to idols. Their first question must always be, ''Will this glorify God?''

The previous chapter concluded with Paul's commitment to continue to control himself. He exercises discipline so he does not become ineffective in his ministry. He begins chapter 10 by reminding the Corinthians of how the Israelites brought consequences on themselves in the wilderness. Among their many sins was worshiping idols, and God killed many of them for it. The Corinthians must flee idol worship and any appearance of supporting the demonic practice. They are free to eat meat if they don't know that it is idol food. However, they should be ready to set aside their own freedoms and rights whenever doing so will glorify God and win others to Christ.

First Corinthians is one of the more practical books of the New Testament. Paul writes to a church immersed in a city associated with trade, but also with corruption and immorality. These believers are struggling to properly apply spiritual gifts and to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. Paul's letter gives instructions for real-life concerns such as marriage and spirituality. He also deals with the importance of unity and gives one of the Bible's more well-known descriptions of love in chapter 13.