10:23 {6} {t} All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
(6) Coming to another type of things offered to idols, he repeats that general rule, that in the use of indifferent things we ought to have consideration not of ourselves only, but of our neighbours. And therefore there are many things which of themselves are lawful, which may be evil when done by us, because of offence to our neighbour.
(t) See before in 1Co 6:13.
10:23 All things are lawful for me. All meats are especially referred to. See PNT 1Co 6:12.
But all things are not expedient. But things that are lawful, i.e. not sinful in themselves, are often not expedient.
10:23 Supposing this were lawful in itself, yet it is not expedient, it is not edifying to my neighbour.
10:23-33 There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.
