1 Corinthians 10:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

NIV: If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

NASB: If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered about that for which I give thanks?

CSB: If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I criticized because of something for which I give thanks?

NLT: If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?

KJV: For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

NKJV: But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?

This passage has dealt with the question of Christian liberty: the proper use of our freedom in Christ. Paul's simplified approach has been to agree that all things—more or less—are "lawful," but that not all are beneficial (1 Corinthians 8:4–6; 10:23–24). And, that it's crucial for "strong" Christians who understand their liberty to be gentle with the convictions of "weak" Christians who struggle to embrace it (1 Corinthians 8:7–13).

The question here follows up the question asked at the end of the previous verse. Bible scholars suggest there at least two ways to read this pair of questions together. On the one hand, Paul is perhaps giving voice to those who disagree with him about choosing not to eat idol food when someone tells them that's what it is. He may be suggesting that setting aside our right to participate in something we could give thanks for is still the right thing to do—even if no one there would object.

More likely, Paul is referring to the Christian freedom of eating meat without knowing if it has been offered to idols, even in the home of an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 10:27). In that instance, Paul agrees Christians should enjoy that which they are free to enjoy. They can do so while giving thanks to God, without being denounced. The "weak" conscience of other Christians is not meant to hobble the freedom of "strong" Christians, at all times, in all situations.

Still, Paul's restriction stands that Christians must not eat idol food once they become aware it is idol food for the sake of those who are watching them. Through all of this, Paul has made paramount the need to lovingly care for the spiritual needs of others.

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.