1 Corinthians 10:31

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

In this passage the apostle shows in what instances, notwithstanding, Christians might lawfully eat what had been sacrificed to idols. They must not eat it out of religious respect to the idol, nor go into his temple, and hold a feast there, upon what they knew was an idol-sacrifice; nor perhaps out of the temple, if they knew it was a feast held upon a sacrifice, but there were cases wherein they might without sin eat what had been offered. Some such the apostle here enumerates.?But, I. He... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

10:23-33 All things are allowed to me, but all things are not good for me. All things are allowed, but all things do not build up. Let no one think only of his own good, but let him think of the good of the other man too. Eat everything that is sold in the market place, and don't ask fussy questions for conscience sake; for the earth and its fulness belong to god. If one of the pagans invites you to a meal, and you are willing to go, eat anything that is put before you, and don't ask... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat or drink ,.... Which may principally refer to eating things sacrificed to idols, and drinking the libations of wine offered to them, since this is the subject of the apostle's discourse; in doing of which he directs them to have the glory of God in view, and so to conduct, that that end may be answered: and it may also be applied to common eating and drinking, or to ordinary meals upon food, about which there is no dispute; and which common actions of life are done... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink - As no general rule can be laid down in reference to the above particulars, there is one maxim of which no Christian must lose sight - that whether he eats or drinks of this or the other kind of aliments, or whatever else he may do, he must do it so as to bring glory to God. This is a sufficient rule to regulate every man's conscience and practice in all indifferent things, where there are no express commands or prohibitions. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Verse 31 31.Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink Lest they should think, that in so small a matter they should not be so careful to avoid blame, he teaches that there is no part of our life, and no action so minute, (605) that it ought not to be directed to the glory of God, and that we must take care that, even in eating and drinking, we may aim at the advancement of it. This statement is connected with what goes before; for if we are eagerly desirous of the glory of God, as it becomes us to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 10:14-33

Argument further enforced; fellowship with Christ by means of the communion; idolatrous feasts a communion with demons; law, expediency, conscience. "Wherefore," says St. Paul, as a deduction from the foregoing argument, "my dearly beloved," his heart kindled anew towards his brethren, "flee from idolatry." This dread of idolatry is the key to what follows. Idolatry, in those days, was a sin that included all sins, and Corinth was behind no city in the charm and splendour it threw around... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Gospel casuistry. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient," etc. These verses teach us the following lessons:— I. A GOOD MAN MAY HAVE A RIGHT TO DO THAT WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE EXPEDIENT FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS . "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." What has not a good man a right to? He has a right to go wherever he pleases, to eat whatever... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 10:31

All . There is much grandeur in the sweeping universality of the rule which implies that all life, and every act of life, may be consecrated by holy motives. To the glory of God. Not to the glorification either of your own breadth of mind or your over-scrupulosity of conscience, but "that God in all things may be glorified" ( 1 Peter 4:11 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 10:31

The aim of the Christian's life. Nothing is more characteristic of Paul's mind than the way in which, upon every suggestion, he ascends to great principles. He begins with what it seems must be a homely and practical and almost trivial discussion concerning idol feasts. But now and again, before he quits the subject, he rises to some sublime truth and principle. What could be a grander precept in itself, what could be worthier of acceptance by all rational beings, not to say all sincere... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 10:31

The great rule of life. I. WHAT IT IS . To seek the glory of God. There have been and are many life rules; this alone is flawless. Many have themselves as life ends. Some enjoin us to make the welfare of others our life object, and preach to us "the greatest happiness of the greatest number," which would prove a very high and excellent object to aim at were it a little less obscure and a little more practicable; but it would not be high enough even then. God must be the Sun of our... read more

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