1 Corinthians 10:28 – “But if someone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience.”

Extended Explanation

Paul has been discussing the issue of eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. In the previous verse (1 Corinthians 10:27), he told Christians that if they are invited to a meal by a non-believer, they can eat whatever is served without worrying about where it came from. However, in this verse, he gives an important exception: if someone specifically points out that the food has been offered to idols, then the believer should refrain from eating it.

The reason Paul gives for avoiding the food is not because eating it is sinful in itself, but because of the conscience of the person who mentioned it. That person—whether they are a fellow believer or even a non-believer—may see the Christian’s actions as an endorsement of idol worship. By choosing not to eat, the Christian is putting the spiritual well-being of others above their personal freedom.

This verse teaches an important principle: Christian freedom must always be exercised with love and responsibility. It is not just about what is permissible, but about what builds others up and avoids causing confusion or harm to their faith.

Historical Context

In first-century Corinth, idol worship was everywhere. Temples dedicated to pagan gods performed animal sacrifices daily, and the meat from these sacrifices was often sold in the marketplace or served at social gatherings. Some Christians, especially those who had left idol worship, struggled with whether eating such meat was a form of participating in idolatry.

Paul had already explained in 1 Corinthians 8 that idols are nothing, and that eating food sacrificed to them does not bring someone closer to or further from God. However, he also warned that if eating such food caused another believer to stumble, it was better to avoid it out of love.

Now, in this verse, he applies that same principle to situations where someone—whether a Christian or not—mentions that the food has been sacrificed. Paul’s concern is that if someone brings it up, it likely means they believe the act of eating it carries spiritual significance. By refraining, the Christian sets an example of faithfulness to God.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths about Christian life and ethics:

1. Freedom in Christ comes with responsibility – Christians are not bound by unnecessary religious restrictions, but they must consider how their actions affect others (Galatians 5:13).
2. Loving others means considering their conscience – Even if something is not sinful, if it causes someone else to struggle in their faith, it is better to abstain (Romans 14:21).
3. Christianity is not about selfishness – The believer’s goal should not be to insist on their personal rights, but to act in a way that helps others grow in faith (Philippians 2:3-4).
4. Witnessing to non-believers requires wisdom – Avoiding food in this case is not about legalism but about making sure nothing hinders the message of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

This verse helps believers understand that their actions speak louder than words. Even small decisions, like what they eat or don’t eat, can send a message about their faith.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s language in this verse is direct and practical. The phrase “if someone says to you” suggests that this is not just a hypothetical situation but something that was actually happening among the Corinthians.

• “This has been offered in sacrifice” – The concern here is not the food itself, but the meaning attached to it. If someone calls attention to the sacrifice, it shows they view it as spiritually significant.
• “Do not eat it” – Paul’s command is simple and firm. Even though the food is not sinful, eating it in this situation could send the wrong message.
• “For the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience” – Paul emphasizes that the believer’s decision should be based on concern for others, not just their own preferences.

This verse fits into Paul’s larger argument in 1 Corinthians 8-10, where he explains how Christian freedom should be used wisely. Throughout these chapters, he repeatedly emphasizes that love for others should guide a believer’s actions.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 – Paul warns against using freedom in a way that causes others to stumble.
• Romans 14:13-15 – Paul teaches that believers should not put obstacles in the way of others’ faith.
• Romans 14:21 – “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
• 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 – Paul describes how he willingly gives up personal rights to reach others for Christ.
• Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians that their actions matter—not just for their own conscience, but for their witness to others. While modern believers may not deal with food sacrificed to idols, the principle still applies in many ways.

For example:

• A Christian may feel free to watch certain movies, listen to certain music, or participate in certain activities, but if those things cause another believer to struggle, love should lead them to be cautious.
• In social settings, a believer should consider how their actions reflect their faith. If something could be misunderstood as endorsing sin, they may need to avoid it.
• When interacting with non-believers, Christians should be mindful of what might confuse their witness. Sometimes it is better to abstain from certain things to make their devotion to Christ clear.

The heart of this teaching is love over personal rights. Christian maturity is not about pushing the limits of what is allowed but about choosing what is best for others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is selfless, and He calls His people to reflect that same love. This verse demonstrates how God cares about relationships. He does not want believers to just focus on themselves—He wants them to live in a way that strengthens and encourages others.

This also shows God’s wisdom. He knows that people come from different backgrounds and struggles. Some may be more sensitive in their faith journey, and God calls mature believers to be patient and considerate toward them.

Ultimately, God’s love is seen in how He guides His people to live in a way that honors Him and draws others closer to the truth.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of putting others before Himself.

• Matthew 20:28 – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
• John 13:14-15 – Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, showing them that true greatness is found in serving others.
• Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus humbled Himself and gave up His rights for the sake of humanity.

Just as Jesus set aside His own rights to save others, Paul encourages believers to willingly give up personal freedoms if it helps someone else grow in faith.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge your understanding of Christian freedom?
2. Can you think of a time when you had to give up something for the sake of another believer’s conscience?
3. How can you balance enjoying God’s freedom while also being mindful of others?
4. What are some modern situations where this principle might apply?
5. How does Jesus’ example help you understand the importance of putting others first?