1 Corinthians 10:31,32

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32. Give none offence neither to the Jews, nor to the Greeks, nor to the Church of God;”

Here again we have both the συμφέρειν and the οἰκοδομεῖν (the promotion of good in general, and our neighbour's edification in particular), which Paul had recommended, 1 Corinthians 10:23; only he here expresses himself in a more concrete way; first positively, 1 Corinthians 10:31, then negatively, 1 Corinthians 10:32. In questions which are not in themselves questions of good or evil, and which may remain undecided for the Christian conscience, the believer ought to ask himself, not: What will be most agreeable to me, or what will best suit my interest? but: What will contribute most to promote God's glory and the salvation of my brethren?

God's glory is the splendour of His perfections, particularly of His holiness and love, manifested in the midst of His creatures. The question for the Christian is therefore translated into this: What will best make my brethren understand the love and holiness of my heavenly Father?

Vv. 32. To this positive criterion another of a negative character is added. Will not my brother's conscience be shocked by the use I make of my liberty, if I act in this or that way? The apostle mentions the three circles of persons of which the Christians of Corinth ought to think in a case of uncertainty: first, the Greeks, who are here put for the heathen in general; next, the Jews, who are intentionally placed between the heathen and the Church; and, finally, Christians, whom he calls the Church of God, to emphasize the preciousness of the least of the members of such a body, in virtue of his being God's property. The believer should avoid both what may prevent those without from entering and what may alienate and drive out those who are already saved.

Paul concludes by reminding them how this principle guides all his conduct.