1 Corinthians 10:27
If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
Original Language Analysis
καλεῖ
bid
G2564
καλεῖ
bid
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
4 of 20
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπίστων
of them that believe not
G571
ἀπίστων
of them that believe not
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
7 of 20
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
καὶ
to a feast and
G2532
καὶ
to a feast and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θέλετε
ye be disposed
G2309
θέλετε
ye be disposed
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
9 of 20
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
πορεύεσθαι
to go
G4198
πορεύεσθαι
to go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
10 of 20
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρατιθέμενον
is set before
G3908
παρατιθέμενον
is set before
Strong's:
G3908
Word #:
13 of 20
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
ἐσθίετε
eat
G2068
ἐσθίετε
eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
15 of 20
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
ἀνακρίνοντες
question
G350
ἀνακρίνοντες
question
Strong's:
G350
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
18 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:2 Corinthians 5:11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.2 Corinthians 1:13For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;Luke 19:7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.Luke 15:23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
Historical Context
Greco-Roman society operated through patronage networks and social reciprocity. Accepting dinner invitations built relationships and facilitated business. Refusing would seem antisocial and hinder gospel access. Paul's permission balanced cultural engagement with spiritual integrity—Christians could accept hospitality from pagans without participating in explicitly idolatrous contexts. This missionary strategy required discernment but allowed incarnational witness.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate relationships with unbelievers that create gospel opportunities without compromising spiritual integrity?
- What principles should guide your decisions about which social invitations to accept or decline?
- In what ways might unnecessary scrupulosity about minor issues hinder your witness to unbelievers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake—Paul addresses dinner invitations from them that believe not (apistos, ἄπιστος, "unbelievers"). Unlike temple banquets (explicitly prohibited, v. 14-22), private meals in pagan homes are permissible if ye be disposed to go (ei thelei hymas, εἰ θέλει ὑμᾶς, "if you wish"). Paul permits but doesn't require accepting such invitations—it's a matter of personal judgment.
The instruction whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question parallels v. 25's market principle. Don't interrogate your host about food origins or preparation. This maintains social courtesy while avoiding unnecessary offense. If you don't know the food's background, your conscience isn't implicated. Eat with thanksgiving, recognizing God's ownership (v. 26) without creating awkwardness through investigation.
This permission demonstrates Paul's missionary pragmatism. Accepting social invitations from pagans creates opportunities for gospel witness and incarnational presence in unbelieving culture. Refusing all such contact would create inappropriate separation (5:9-10). The boundary isn't all social contact with unbelievers but contexts explicitly dedicated to false worship (temple banquets). Private dinners are acceptable provided they don't compromise conscience or witness.