23 All things to me are lawful, but all things are not profitable; all things to me are lawful, but all things do not build up; 24 let no one seek his own—but each another's. 25 Whatever in the meat-market is sold eat ye, not inquiring, because of the conscience, 26 for the Lord's 'is' the earth, and its fulness; 27 and if any one of the unbelieving do call you, and ye wish to go, all that is set before you eat, nothing inquiring, because of the conscience; 28 and if any one may say to you, 'This is a thing sacrificed to an idol,'—do not eat, because of that one who shewed 'it', and of the conscience, for the Lord's 'is' the earth and its fulness: 29 and conscience, I say, not of thyself, but of the other, for why 'is it' that my liberty is judged by another's conscience? 30 and if I thankfully do partake, why am I evil spoken of, for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether, then, ye eat, or drink, or do anything, do all to the glory of God; 32 become offenceless, both to Jews and Greeks, and to the assembly of God; 33 as I also in all things do please all, not seeking my own profit, but that of many—that they may be saved.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
(Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33)
There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.