In this week’s text, Paul concludes and summarizes his long discussion of the appropriate use of meat sacrificed to idols. Consistent with the fact that the idol is in itself nothing, and the “offering” is really nothing more than cooked meat, Paul refused to be legalistic about the use of all meat sacrificed to idols. He advises Christians to purchase food which is offered for sale in the market without raising a question as to whether it had previously been used in the worship of idols. This is far different from the case of eating meat in an idol’s temple, where the meat was most certainly used to celebrate the pagan god. What is purchased in the market is not part of a sacrifice, but is food which God has graciously supplied for the enjoyment of man. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof,” and therefore all food is God’s gift and ought to be gratefully received. In offering this counsel, Paul does not bend to the legalists who perhaps were denouncing him for not establishing a code generally banning all Christians from eating meat sacrificed to idols in all circumstances.
This text teaches us the great comprehensive principles that we are to apply on all matters of conscience: Consider what is expedient and edifying, and whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
