1 Corinthians 10:23-29

Seeking The Good of Brethren

Paul knew all things not morally wrong were lawful, but some of those would not build up or strengthen the church. When Christians have the right to do something, the question should be "How will it affect others?"

The apostle said brethren did not need to ask questions about meat bought in the marketplace, since meat there would have been divorced from idolatrous practices. He went on to quote from Psalms 24:1, which proves all meat is pure since it comes from God. Neither did the apostle deem it necessary for the one asked into a heathen friend's home, and not to a sacrificial feast, to ask questions about the food since such would not be an act of worship (1 Corinthians 10:23-27).

However, if someone, probably a weak brother, pointed out that the meat had been offered to an idol, Paul said a Christian should not eat for the sake of the one who pointed it out. Of course, he would still have the right to eat, but should have forfeited it for the sake of the other (1 Corinthians 10:28-29).