1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - For Gospel’s Sake

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;
21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

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V. 19 - “For though I am free from all men” - Paul is not beholden to any person on earth.

“I have made myself a slave to all’ - Still, Paul serves every man he meets. He tells of Christ and Him crucified.

V. 20 - “To the Jews I became as a Jew” - Paul was a Jew, and a Roman citizen. He did not abdicate from being a Jew when he believed and accepted Christ as Savior. As we read through Acts we see the first place Paul goes when he enters a new city is the synagogue. Being a Jew and a Pharisee he immediately relates and has a connection with the people in the synagogue. He is not a ‘stranger’. He is able to start with the Law - familiar ground for those in the synagogue - and explain how Jesus fulfills the Law and the Messianic prophecies.

V. 21 - “to those who are without law” - He was not stymied when speaking and teaching to Gentiles. God’s love and forgiveness is available to all.

“under the law of Christ” - No longer bound to the Law - as revealed in the Pentateuch - but committed to the ‘new’ law as revealed by Jesus Christ. The question was asked of Jesus: "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" Jesus said to him, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." (Matt. 22:36-40. See also - Deut. 6:5; Lev.19:18) This is the Law we are now ‘under’.

All of the apostles understood the ‘new’ Law - “Then he brought them outside and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.’ " (Acts 16:30-31) I think the jailer was more concerned for his physical life, for it was forfeit if prisoners escaped his custody. Paul elevates the answer to a new level of understanding. Note the ‘Law’ is never mentioned in this instance. Salvation was found in no one else. (See Acts 4:12)

All of the apostles understood their mission: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned.’ ” (Mark 16:15-16)

The apostles debated and came to the same conclusion, that it was faith, not obedience to the Law that saved. “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, ‘Brothers, you know that some time ago God chose me to preach to the Gentiles so they would hear the message of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, has testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between them and us, cleansing their hearts by faith. So now why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they are.’ " (Acts 15:7-11)

Paul was called to go to the Gentiles and spread the gospel, without encumbering them with Levitical law. Peter and the other leaders of the early church came to the same opinion - Salvation is in faith in Christ alone. “Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation. For the scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9-13)

V. 22 - “I have become all things to all men” - This is not about being wishy-washy, spineless or go-with-the-flow, letting others determine what you believe. Paul wants to use the most effective approach to every person he meets in order to win all to Christ.

V. 23 - “I do all things for the sake of the gospel” - No half measures for Paul. Whatever it takes being led by the Holy Spirit to win souls to Christ.

“so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” - If Paul did not preach the gospel to everyone he meets, then he would be disobedient to his calling. Rather than standing for the gospel, he would be working against the gospel. But being in the gospel, sharing and teaching the gospel to all comers he is fully involved in the gospel. When Paul talks of being a “partaker” of the gospel, he is not discussing his personal salvation. He is taking part in preaching and teaching the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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1 Corinthians 9:12-18 - My reward

1 Corinthians 9:12-18

12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?
14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

***

Those Who Serve The Lord

V. 12 - “If others share the right over you, do we not more?” - What ‘right’? The right to be supported financially by the Corinthian church. See the discussion for verses 4-11, above. I have this note from a Bible Study on 1 Corinthians (See note 1), “This question of Paul’s support or non-support is related to the larger issue of how the philosophers and wandering missionaries in the the first-century world were supported. There were four traditional sources: fees for service, support by a rich patron, begging, and work (at another job). Paul’s means of support came from the latter, which in his case meant tent-making (4:12).”

He could have claimed he deserved the right to be supported by the Corinthian church. And there is some validity there - Paul had spent a lot of time and effort to share and teach the Gospel to them. Had any other missionary devoted so much to them?

“Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.” - From the same Bible Study, “Were Paul to have accepted financial reward, this might well have been misunderstood by potential converts in Corinth as the main motive for his ministry.” (See note 1.)

V. 13 - “Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?” - We know that is true for the priests and Levites of Judaism.

The Jewish priests were to all from the tribe of Levi. That tribe received no allotment in the distribution of the promised land to Israel. That is, the tribe of Levi did not get a section of land for their tribe.n(See Josh. 13-19.) There were some towns and surrounding farm land given to the Levites in each of the other tribal allotments. The Levites were chosen by God to represent Israel in the tabernacle or temple for sacrifices and offerings, so they did not receive tribal land. Also, parts of certain sacrifices and offerings were to be given to the Levite priests for their use and livelihood. The Jewish priests were supported by a temple (or tabernacle) tax and by the bread and meat of some of the offerings and sacrifices. (See Lev. 7, for example).

I do not know the religious practices of the pagan religions in the first century, especially those that took place in one of the temples. I suppose those who worked in a temple received payment from offerings and sacrifices made at the temple.

V. 14 - “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” - Jesus also indicated this, see Matt. 10:10. The apostles, preachers and teachers were supported by the believers from the very beginning. (See: Acts 2:41-47)

V. 15 - “But I have used none of these things.” - Paul has every right to claim and demand support from the Corinthian church based on scripture and local custom. He has not demanded the Corinthian church provide support him.

“it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.” - Paul is bragging (just a little…). What a claim! He would rather be dead than have people be able to say he demanded and accepted money from the church. What a dilemma! Paul and Barnabas were called to spread the gospel - this is their full-time ‘job’ - yet they were not making demands upon the new believers. What a difference from the modern day ‘televangelists’ who overwhelm us with appeals for support for their ‘ministry’. I do not think Paul is exaggerating.

V. 16 - “For I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” - Called by God to spread the gospel. Jesus takes an enemy, reveals Himself to him, and gets an apostle. Paul is ‘driven’ to share the gospel - he can think of doing nothing else with his life. He would be the most unhappy man alive if he did not teach and preach Christ. It is a compulsion; he will go slightly insane if he does not preach.

V. 17 - “For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward” - The money is not the reward! Paul is saying: If you think I do this (preach the gospel) because I want to do it; you are correct. There is a reward for me because I am following my calling. God will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (See: Matt. 5:21, 23; Luke 19:17)

“But if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.” - Paul is also saying: If you think I do this (preach the gospel) because I am forced to do it, that I don’t really want to do it; you are not correct. God has called me to be a missionary. I give myself to Him to use as He pleases. Knowing that He is using me to spread the gospel, means that I know what is required - the stewardship of the gospel. It is not just a job, there is an important responsibility to be faithful to the message God has for the lost.

V. 18 - “I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” - Support for Paul must never be a stumbling block for new or potential believers. Sometimes perceptions can put up mental roadblocks that prevent us from hearing a message. We see this all the time - in politics, in our work, in social settings. Is there a president or congressman (-woman) with whom you disagree? Do you immediately dismiss their statements and claims - simply because they are in the other political party, or you dislike them so much? If a person in your home owners association board gets on your nerves, do you roll your eyes and shake your head whenever they talk? Do you hesitate to talk with a co-worker because you know you will probably disagree with whatever they say?

Paul is saying he does not want support for his ministry to stop the Corinthians from hearing and believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. He may deserve support as an apostle-missionary. No one should be ‘turned off’ because of a demand for support. This is an interesting turn-around: he claims he is worthy of support because of his calling; yet he is making no claim for support if such a claim will prevent you from becoming a Christian. Your salvation is more important than any other thing.

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Note 1: “Serendipity Group Bible Study Series”; Serendipity House, Littleton, CO; 1989. ***

1 Cororinthians 9:7-11 - Soldiers and Oxen

1 Cororinthians 9:7-11

7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock?
8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things?
9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He?
10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.
11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

We Work and Deserve to Make a Living

Paul defends his position using examples in verses 7-11, and reminds them the Levites and priests were supported by offerings and tithes (see: 12-18).

V. 7 - “Who… serves as a soldier… plants a vineyard… tends a flock” - All of these ‘jobs’ are done with an expectation of remuneration. A nation does not expect its soldiers to provide their own weapons, ammunition, uniform and living quarters. (One of the interesting problems the United States had during the revolution from Great Britain, was that many of the citizen soldiers had to supply their own muskets, clothes and food. Being a land that was only a few steps away from wilderness, many men had rifles and were rugged frontiersmen. The fledgling government struggled during that period to purchase and distribute weapons and supplies to Washington’s armies.) If we work, either at a job for a company or at our own farm, ranch or company, we expect to be paid - hardly anyone works for free. Non-paid volunteers are supported by someone else, or are retired and supported by their retirement savings.

V. 8-9 - “I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I?” - We see the human perspective as set against God’s Law. Often we are proud to say, “I did this!” We get puffed up at the amazing things we accomplish. God has the welfare of all His creation on His heart and mind. To wit: the lowly ox pulling the threshing machine must not be denied eating some of the grain being processed. (See: Deut. 25:4; Prov. 12:10; Deut. 22:1-4) God sees compassion for others, even other’s animals as a primary ‘righteous’ characteristic for His people. He knows this is not the type of behavior of the ‘wicked’ - they are without compassion.
Wait a minute. Why would God be concerned for oxen? They are ‘dumb’ animals after all. Life in the universe is the Lord’s creation, and He is aware, He knows everything, from the smallest bird to the largest animal, from the dumbest animal to the smartest human. (See: Matt. 10:29)

V. 10-11 - “Or is He speaking altogether for our sake?” - I don't think Paul is referring only to himself and the other missionaries with him. But, he is applying the principle God sets: that workers have earned their wages - whether you are an engineer, a farmer, or an ox pulling a plow. A farmer does not plow the field, plant the seed, tend and harvest the crops for nothing! There is a hope that your efforts will pay off.

Of course it is for us this kind of thing is written. We need to be told that a worker must be paid for his work done. Because we are sinners, we will try to get by paying as little as possible (not all of us are like this, but the law must be stated for someone will say, “I didn’t know…”). The Israelites are instructed in Leviticus and Deuteronomy to promptly pay your hired workers (See: Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:15) Jesus uses hired workers as an example of people being paid what they were promised, and what was agreed upon when they were hired. (See: Matt. 20:1-16)

“Is it too much if we reap material things from you?” - Paul notes that he, Barnabas and others have spent their life and labors to bring Christ to the Corinthians so that they may have eternal life. Is that not more valuable than any thing? Of course it is! So, Paul poses the question, “If we have worked for you and with you, are not we worth being supported by you?” Paul understood that his missionary work would take him out of Corinth. He was asking the Corinthians to support him in his work, so that other people would have the chance to accept Christ as Lord and Savior just as the Corinthians did. These new Christians would return the favor, and support Paul so the work could continue.

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1 Corinthians 9:1-6 - Support Paul & Barnabas

1 Corinthians 9:1-6
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3 My defense to those who examine me is this:
4 Do we not have a right to eat and drink?
5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?
6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?

Am I An Apostle?

V. 1 - “Am I not free?” - It appears that Paul is under attack. I don’t know the details. Interpreting the next few sentences give the impression there were people in the Corinthian church that objected to supporting Paul in his missionary work. His credentials are being questioned. He starts with his status as a “free man”.
Paul was a Roman citizen and a Jew. He asserts his natural Roman citizenship in Acts 22:-29 when he asks, “Is it okay for you to flog a Roman citizen who has not been found guilty?” (paraphrased.) Panic ensues! He was not the member of some conquered, subjugated country. His status was even higher than the Roman commander to whom he asked the question. That Roman soldier was ‘naturalized’ - he had purchased citizenship. Paul was Roman by birth. He has rights and privileges others do not.

On the other hand, Paul is free in Christ. No longer a slave to sin. Paul is reminding them of Christ’s teaching: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” (John 8:31-38).
The Jews were self-deluded - they were under Roman rule, not an autonomous nation. (Need proof: The Jews had to appeal to Pontius Pilate when trying Jesus Christ.) They were self-deluded - refusing to recognize that sin had control of their lives; they were not free from sin, nor the penalty of sin.

“Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” - This is the next line defense - his apostleship. From Easton’s Bible Dictionary, an apostle “is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he (Jesus) entrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, ‘the twelve,’ as they are called (Mat 10:1-5; Mar 3:14; 6:7; Luk 6:13; 9:1)… It was characteristic of the apostles and necessary (1) that they should have seen the Lord, and been able to testify of him and of his resurrection from personal knowledge (Jhn 15:27; Act 1:21,22; 1Cr 9:1; Act 22:14,15). (2.) They must have been immediately called to that office by Christ (Luk 6:13; Gal 1:1).” Paul meets these criteria. He met Christ on the road to Damascus, and was taught by Jesus. (See Acts 9:1-19; Gal. 1:12)

“Are you not my work in the Lord?” - Next, Paul appeals to his personal involvement in their lives. He was called to be a missionary to the Gentiles. Many believers in Corinth (and elsewhere) were saved by their faith in Jesus Christ because Paul preached, witnessed to them and taught them. He was in Corinth for an extended period of time, not just an itinerant preacher. They are the living proof that Paul was called to spread the gospel.

V. 2 - “If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you” - He is saying, “Hey, you guys! I understand that other people may not think I am an apostle. But you you know better. You have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior - you heard it from me. You are living your life as a believer - as you learned from me.”

“you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord” - You are all the proof anyone needs. Important documents, legal documents may have a ‘seal’ - whether it is a inked stamp, or a wax seal, or an impression embossed into the page - which is verification that the document is official.

V. 3-6 - “My defense…” - IF all the other apostles - Peter, James, John (to name the famous ones) - are able to devote their time and effort to the gospel, THEN Paul and Barnabas should have the same privilege to be full-time servants of Christ.

“A right to eat and drink… to take along a believing wife… refrain from working?” - Early in the beginning of the church, it was decided that the apostles needed to be teaching and preaching the gospel. This was not just the twelve making a decision, but the congregation came to the apostles to urge them to devote themselves (the apostles) to study, teaching and preaching the Word of God. (See: Acts 4:31-35; 6:1-5) From that time on, the leaders of the church - preachers, teachers, evangelists - did not work at a secular job to support themselves or the groups of believers. (Note: It is believed that Paul worked as a tentmaker on one of his extended stays in his missionary journeys. See: Acts 20:34). After initial reticence to Paul (Can you blame them, after all he was rounding them up to be imprisoned or killed for their belief in Christ? See: Acts 7:58-8:3.), and after a council in Jerusalem in which Barnabas and Paul presented their case for reaching the Gentiles, it was decided that Paul was legitimately an apostle. Paul lived Peter’s admonition, “But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.Yet do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Pet. 3:15-16)

It may have been outsiders urging the church to reject Paul - hadn’t he persecuted believers; how do they know he isn’t setting them up for arrest, etc. It may have been jealousy of local believers, or others who didn’t want to support a preacher/teacher who wasn’t serving the local church.
I don’t know if Paul was married, but earlier in this letter he advises the unmarried to remain as he is. (See: 1 Cor. 7:6-8) He did not command them, but reminded them they would have more time for the ministry and church if they weren’t spending time on family matters. He did not denigrate Peter (Cephas) or others for being married.
That being said, if Peter as an apostle was supported by the church, then Paul and Barnabas were equally worthy of support.

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1 Corinthians 9 - Introduction

Outline: Chap. 9
9:1-6 - Support Paul & Barnabas
9:7-11 - Soldiers & Oxen
9:12-18 - My Reward
9:19-23 - For Gospel’s Sake
9:24-27 - Discipline to Win
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Up to this point, Paul has answered questions about:

•   Living harmoniously with other Christians (Ch. 6), 
•   Marriage (Ch. 7), 
•   Christian behavior and concern for other believers (Ch. 8). 

Next he turns to the validity of his ministry and financial support for him and Barnabas. It seems odd to me that he would need to defend himself to the Corinthian church. On the other hand, he had his own past to live down - starting with the stoning of Stephen and other acts of persecution. See Acts 7:57-8:3, in which the NASB reads “Paul began ravaging the church…” That is quite a reputation to live down. After the Lord accosted Paul on the road to Damascus and he gave himself and his life to Jesus, Paul witnessed for Jesus Christ with the same verve as when he was persecuting believers. Understandably, some Christians were skeptical. Perhaps they were thinking Paul was faking it in order to identify believers. Getting names and addresses of believers would be an easy way to round them up.

Add the confused Jewish leaders to the Christian skeptics. The man who had been vocal and committed to eliminating Christians was now behaving like one of them. They were confounded (Acts 9:22). He was so successful as an apologist, the Jews decided to kill Paul! (Acts 9:24) The church acted, sending Paul away from Jerusalem to Caesarea and Tarsus - which is about 600 miles north of Jerusalem. This is perhaps the actual beginning of Paul’s missionary work. The persecution of the church lessened - a little - since there seemed to be a short period of peaceful co-existence with the Jews. As the gospel spread throughout the region due to the dispersion of believers, more and more Gentiles heard the Gospel and believed. Barnabas goes to Tarsus to get Paul, bringing him back to Antioch, where believers are first called “Christians”. (Acts 11:26) Paul and Barnabas work and learn together in Antioch. They are commissioned to spread the Gospel “throughout the world”, and also go to Jerusalem to received the commission from the other apostles.

This is a head-snapping change in direction! What’s this all about? Paul, who had persecuted Jews when they converted to Christianity, was now taking the Gospel to Gentiles. Gentiles! This caused some consternation among the Jewish believers. Now Paul is asking for money and support for the church in Jerusalem. Reading through verse 18 of this chapter we can deduce that some people in the Corinthian church were objecting to sending money and supplies to support Paul. Most Biblical scholars think Paul wrote this letter during his stay in Ephesus, near the end of his second missionary journey. Two major churches were established on that journey - Corinth and Ephesus. This letter may have been written between two and four years after he left Corinth, and is perhaps the second letter written. (We do not have any copies of that letter, but it is referenced in this letter. I don't think 2 Corinthians is the second letter, but is the third and just the second letter preserved or saved. ).

1 Cor. 8:7-13 - Use Knowledge Wisely

1 Cor. 8:7-13 - Use Knowledge Wisely

7 However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.
9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
10 For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols?
11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
12 And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

So No One Can Boast

This is a continuation of the discussion about idols. Some believers, most probably Jewish Christians, were feeling smug because they did not worship idols or the gods represented by those idols. That smugness and arrogance was upsetting some of the Gentile believers. There is an additional problem with respect to the idols.

V. 7 - “Not all men have this knowledge” - The church is becoming ‘multi-cultural’, i.e., Gentiles and Jews are being saved. Some, or all, of the Gentiles will know of sacrifices made to idols and the pagan altars. Most of the religions in that time had idols, and the gods that inhabited the idols. And often the gods of these religions may have been powerful, but also limited in some way, not being omnipotent. Gentiles coming to faith in Christ may be newly introduced to the concept of Yahweh God who is above and beyond all others.

“some, being accustomed to the idol until now” - It seems that some people were eating food that had been offered to idols. Since Jews and Jewish Christians did not believe in the idols or the gods of the idols, they may have had no problem eating the food left from the sacrifice.

From a different point of view, the Jews were very aware that food that had been offered as a sacrifice (with a very few exceptions according to the Law) were never eaten by the Jews. Some was eaten by the Levites, some was eaten by the priests, but that is about it. (See: Exodus 34:15; Dt 27:7; 1 Sam 9:13 ) (See Note 1, below) Jews may have been leery, uncomfortable, eating food offered in a sacrifice.  
David Guzik (in his commentary on 1 Corinthians) indicates that pagan offerings or sacrifices were distributed in three possible ways - one portion burned on the altar, one portion given to the offerer to be eaten as a feast, and one portion given to the priest. The priests might sell the meat in a market place. Matthew Henry’s commentary says something similar.

“Eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.” - The question seems to be centered on whether eating food (meat, especially) that was originally offered to a pagan idol is okay to eat. Have they sinned against God if they eat the offered meat? Obviously, some of the Christians had no problem eating food formerly offered to an idol - after all, the idol meant nothing. However, others were bothered significantly, bothered to the point they felt defiled by the practice.

I think this may be like the question, “Should Christians drink beer?” There are believers who see no problem having a beer (as long as you don’t go to excess and drunkenness). There are believers that think any consumption of alcohol is leading to sin. Which one is correct? Well, it depends. Back to the dilemma presented to Paul: If you are not tempted sin, when eating meat sacrificed to idols, go ahead and eat. If your conscience will be ‘defiled’ by eating meat, don’t eat the sacrificed meat. That is, if eating sacrificial food will lure you away from living for Christ and into sin, stay away from it.

V. 8 - “But food will not commend us to God” - What you eat does not bring you to a closer relationship with the Lord.

“we are neither the worse... nor the better” - Being a vegan will not cleanse you of your sin. Only Christ’s death and resurrection can do that. Eating meat will not move you up the ‘approved’ list of God’s people. We have all fallen short and are in need of the cleansing blood of Christ.

V. 9 - “But take care that this liberty of yours” - However. What you do can have negative consequences for other believers. We now have moved from theoretical theology into living the Christian life, caring for and about others. Put other’s needs above your own. See the following: “But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13) “... encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:25) “We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thes 5:14)

“a stumbling block to the weak” - Let nothing you do cause a fellow believer to be weakened spiritually and fall into sin. If drinking beer with a believer weakens his resolve - don’t do it. I am not sure it is ‘your fault’ if a Christian weakens and sins, it is his personal choice. He will bear the consequences of his sin, not you. But if your behavior, your activity, causes that believer to question his commitment to the Lord, and commit a sin, you have become a ‘stumbling block’. Don’t do it.

V. 10-13 - “For if someone sees you” - Paul sets up this hypothetical lesson.

“will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols?” - So you ‘know better’ than others, and don’t have any problem eating meat or food that was dedicated to an idol or a god. On the other hand, another person isn’t so sure that eating such dedicated food is not a sin. Your actions encourage them to violate their own conscience to partake.

“For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined” - As a result the other person, led by your actions, has remorse and guilt because of the perceived sin of eating dedicated food. The joy of living for Christ has been sullied, dirtied.

“the brother for whose sake Christ died” - Jesus died for the other person’s sin, just as He died for yours. You are no better than any other.

“by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience” - The brethren were doing okay in their Christian life. Now, because they were tempted to sin (it may not have been a sin to you, but with their background and understanding...) their conscience tells them they have done wrong. You can say that it was their responsibility, not yours. Indeed, they had to make the final decision. But they did it against their own best judgment and now they believe they have sinned.

“you sin against Christ” - Your encouragement to eat dedicated meat was not an enlightenment for them. You were part of the temptation for them to sin. You have offended Christ Jesus our Lord because you didn’t care enough about your fellow Christian. That is your sin - not loving others as Christ has loved you!

“Therefore” - Paul’s conclusion to the object lesson:

“if food causes my brother to stumble” - Your actions do not follow these words in Hebrews, “But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13) Or, “let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24-25)

“I will never eat meat again” - More than saying, “Sorry ‘bout that.” I know there are some Christians who drink beer occasionally (myself included). I know there are some for whom drinking beer is anathema. If drinking beer while with them bothers them, I will refrain. I will not, to the best of my ability, live my life in a way that harms another’s faith in the Lord. This is a pretty low hurdle to clear! Live so as to not harm those who already believe in Jesus. An even more important life goal is to live so non-believers will want to know who Christ is and how He has changed your life. God loves us, and Jesus Christ is the only way we can know and understand that love.

*** Note 1: The Biblical law specifies which offerings were eaten and which were wholly consumed. Burnt offerings (olah) were wholly burned on the altar and not eaten (Leviticus 1:9 ESV). By contrast, grain offerings and peace (fellowship) offerings had parts burned but other portions were for the offerer and for the priests to eat—“it shall be eaten on the day of his offering” (Leviticus 2:3,10; 7:11–15 ESV). Some sin and guilt offerings gave the priest a portion to eat in the sanctuary in certain cases (Leviticus 7:6; Numbers 6:19–20 ESV). (From faith assistant AI on “Leading the Way” website.) ***
End of Chapter 

1 Corinthians - Chapter 8 Introduction

Introduction:

What does ‘liberty’ in Christ mean? Paul just finished a long discussion of the concept of Christian marriage. It seems that in the very next breath as he was dictating this letter, the subject changes.
As mentioned at the beginning of chapter seven, Paul is responding to questions being sent to him about how to live the Christian faith. Although Paul almost always started a missionary visit in a synagogue in the town he was visiting, we should remember that many of his ‘converts’ were not of Jewish background. Paul was called by God to spread the gospel to Gentiles. I suspect that most non-Jewish people, not living in Jerusalem or Judea, would ‘know’ some Jews, but know very little about the Jews or their faith, or their scripture.

It might be like it is today in America. Most people know there are churches in their towns, but unless they are regular attendees they only have a vague notion of Christian teachings and beliefs.

Even as we look back to chapter seven, it is quite possible the concept of marriage being a permanent bond because God wanted it that way may be ‘news’ to the Gentiles. Paul’s teaching about the permanence of marriage, through God, would be a major change in the way people think about marriage. Again, looking at the United States today, marriage is not the revered institution Paul is discussing in this letter. Sometimes is seems our leaders or entertainers change marriages like we change underwear. The marriages are thrown away like we throw our dirty clothes in the hamper.

Paul deals with ‘living the Christian life’ more in this letter than any of the others. He deals with more than canonical issues (how to run the church, elders, deacons, pastors, teachers). He is addressing how you live your life for Christ, because you will be unique in your community. You may be the only Christian there. Make sure people see Christ in the way you live, and see Him in such a way that they want to be His also!