10:30 For if I by {y} grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
(y) If I may through God's grace eat this meat or that meat, why should I through my fault cause that benefit of God to turn to my blame?
10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, etc. If by God's gift I partake with thanksgiving to him, there should be no reproach.
10:30 If I by grace am a partaker - If I thankfully use the common blessings of God.
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.
