1 Corinthians 6:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 6:12
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, sacrifice, wisdom. 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
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 6:12
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Analysis
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient (panta moi exestin, all' ou panta sympherei, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ' οὐ πάντα συμφέρει). Paul quotes a Corinthian slogan ('all things are lawful')—likely their distortion of his gospel freedom—then qualifies it. Exestin (ἔξεστιν, 'it is permissible') refers to things not explicitly forbidden, but sympherei (συμφέρει, 'beneficial, profitable') introduces wisdom: legality isn't the only criterion.
The second qualification: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (panta moi exestin, all' ouk egō exousiasthēsomai hypo tinos, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος). Exousiasthēsomai is wordplay on exestin—'I will not be mastered/enslaved.' Christian liberty paradox: freedom means not being enslaved to freedom itself! Permissible things (food, sex, drink) become idols when they master us.
Historical Context
The Corinthians' 'all things are lawful' likely justified temple feasts (8:10) and sexual libertinism. They treated Christian freedom as license—a problem Paul addresses throughout the letter. Roman Corinth prized sophisticated pleasure; Stoics preached self-control. Paul offers a third way: freedom in Christ means serving others (Galatians 5:13) and mastering appetites rather than being mastered by them. True freedom is self-governance under the Spirit.
Reflection
- What permissible activities or pleasures have you allowed to 'master' you—even though they're not explicitly sinful?
- How does the question 'Is it beneficial?' add a layer of discernment beyond 'Is it permitted?'
- In what areas of life are you using Christian freedom as an excuse for self-indulgence rather than service to others?
Cross-References
- Word: Romans 7:14
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 8:4, 9:12, 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 3:9, Jude 1:12