1 Corinthians 10:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 10:28
28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 10 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, righteousness, faith. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 10:28
28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
Analysis
But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof—Paul introduces a qualification to v. 27's permission. If someone at the meal explicitly identifies food as offered in sacrifice unto idols (hierothyton, ἱερόθυτον, "temple-sacrificed"), then eat not. The reason isn't that the food itself becomes defiled but consideration for his sake that shewed it (di' ekeinon ton mēnysanta, δι' ἐκεῖνον τὸν μηνύσαντα, "on account of the one who informed you").
Who is this informer? Either
- a weaker Christian whose conscience would be violated seeing you eat known idol-food, or
- a pagan host deliberately framing the meal as religious, testing your allegiance.
In either case, abstaining is required—with the Christian, to avoid wounding conscience (8:9-13); with the pagan, to maintain clear witness that you worship only Christ, not idols. Knowledge changes obligation: what was permissible in ignorance becomes wrong when idol-association is explicit.
For conscience sake refers to the other person's conscience (clarified in v. 29), not your own. Your conscience can handle eating (knowing idols are nothing), but love constrains liberty to protect another's weaker conscience or clarify witness to pagans. The final clause for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof (absent in some manuscripts) reaffirms that abstaining isn't due to food's defilement but relational wisdom.
Historical Context
This scenario likely occurred frequently in Corinth—Christians attending social dinners where food origins became explicit through conversation. Paul's instruction navigates complex social dynamics: maintain relationships with pagans, accept hospitality, but draw clear boundaries when explicit idol-association arises. This requires situational discernment rather than rigid rules, using love and witness concerns to guide decisions.
Reflection
- How can you discern when accepting an invitation would compromise witness versus when declining would appear self-righteous?
- In what situations should you limit your freedoms to avoid confusing or harming others' consciences?
- How does the principle of abstaining "for his sake that shewed it" apply to modern ethical dilemmas involving disputed practices?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Corinthians 10:26, Psalms 24:1, 115:16
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 8:7, Romans 14:15