Verse 12
12. All things are lawful unto me—These, which were Paul's own words on a former occasion (to the Corinthians, compare 1 Corinthians 10:23; Galatians 5:23), were made a pretext for excusing the eating of meats offered to idols, and so of what was generally connected with idolatry (Galatians 5:23- :), "fornication" (perhaps in the letter of the Corinthians to Paul, 1 Corinthians 7:1). Paul's remark had referred only to things indifferent: but they wished to treat fornication as such, on the ground that the existence of bodily appetites proved the lawfulness of their gratification.
me—Paul giving himself as a sample of Christians in general.
but I—whatever others do, I will not, c.
lawful . . . brought under the power—The Greek words are from the same root, whence there is a play on the words: All things are in my power, but I will not be brought under the power of any of them (the "all things"). He who commits "fornication," steps aside from his own legitimate power or liberty, and is "brought under the power" of an harlot (1 Corinthians 7:1- : compare 1 Corinthians 7:4). The "power" ought to be in the hands of the believer, not in the things which he uses [BENGEL]; else his liberty is forfeited; he ceases to be his own master (John 8:34-36; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16; 2 Peter 2:19). Unlawful things ruin thousands; "lawful" things (unlawfully used), ten thousands.
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