But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols i.e. if (1) one of your fellow-guests should display scruples of conscience, or (2) a heathen should be likely to draw the inference that you approved of idol worship. The reading ἱερόθυτον confirms the latter, that in the text the former interpretation. "This altogether alters the case. You are no longer simply eating with thankfulness the food set before you as the gift of God. The question of idolatrous worship is now introduced. If your own conscience would permit you to eat, you have to consider whether your conduct might lead another to suppose that you regarded participation in the worship of idols as permissible to a Christian." Most MSS. and Editors omit the words, -For the earth is the Lord's, &c." in this verse, as a mere and meaningless repetition from 1 Corinthians 10:16.

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