Author : M.W. Dunkin
In 1 Cor. 9:22, Paul writes, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.’ Within this passage lies a very important message that demands our attention.
In the previous chapter, Paul discusses eating meat offered to an idol (8:1,4), and he reveals that a disagreement existed among the brethren on this matter. Some readily recognized that an idol does not really exist (8:4), and that God created the animals for man to sustain his life on earth (8:6). These brethren saw no problem with the meat in the marketplace and exercised their liberty to eat. Yet some did not possess this knowledge (8:7) and could not understand how a Christian could participate in such a thing. To them, no such liberty existed, and eating the meat sacrificed to an idol could only fall within the scope of sin.
What should they do in such cases? How could they all enjoy unity, commanded by Paul in chapter 1:10-13, in light of such a strong disagreement?
The One with Knowledge
Paul enjoins the brethren with knowledge to consider the spiritual well being of their weaker brethren (8:11), and to refrain from eating in such cases (8:13). His basis for this admonition?
1. Eating meat was a liberty (8:9) “Liberty” comes from “exousia,” (“authority” – Mt 28:18), and it means the right, power, or freedom to act or choose. Notice the difference between liberty (authorized) and command (required). In granting liberty, God does not require; instead, He allows us to make a choice. For example: Marriage is a liberty (1 Cor 7:1-2) and Baptism is a command (Acts 2:38; 10:48). Paul says eating meat is a liberty.
2. An opportunity to show love (8:11) Eating meat made no difference to God (8:8). Because it was not a requirement (a matter of faith), it should not be an issue to divide brethren. Instead, it should provide an opportunity to express love for our spiritual kin, and a soul for whom Christ died (8:11).
3. My liberty could cause sin (8:9) Yes, exercising a liberty can produce sin: both in me (8:12), and my weak brother (8:7, 10-11). Thus, Paul’s stern warning. My objective towards my brother is the salvation of his soul, therefore, in no way whatsoever do I want to cast a stumbling block in his path. (rf. Mt 18:6)
Based upon these points, and under such circumstances, the strong should abstain from eating meats for the sake of his brother (8:13). In chapter 9, Paul seemingly shifts gears and begins talking about supporting preachers. But his purpose is to show that, in his life, he practiced what he preached. He refrained from exercising a liberty (receiving financial support from the Corinthian brethren) in light of the accusations being made against him (9:15-18). At the time, it was better for him to take nothing from the Corinthians, until they reached a certain level of spiritual maturity (3:1-3). Paul willingly sacrificed his liberty, without complaint (9:19-23), and charges us to follow the pattern (11:1).
Yet some strongly protest and declare, “This is my right! I have power to choose!” While this is true, it is not indicative of the right spirit or attitude of love towards my brother. Is the liberty, and the exercising thereof, more important than my brother’s soul (8:11)? Yet others argue, “This is not fair!” Beloved, sacrifice is never fair – that’s why it’s called sacrifice (Rom 5:8; 2 Cor 5:21; Acts 8:33, et al ). Instead, it is a willingness to give up one’s self for the benefit of others: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5-8).
Faith Is the Key
Please consider at this point that faith resolves this issue quickly and precisely. In Romans 10:17, Paul says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In 2 Cor. 5:7, he writes, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” To “walk by faith” means that one conducts himself based upon the instructions that God reveals in His word. Without a command or authority from the Lord, i.e., “book, chapter, and verse,” we cannot walk by faith. To act without knowing that God authorizes or commands what we do is to act without faith. And, “…whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Rom 14:23)
The brethren who knew God authorized the eating of meat did so by faith (based upon God’s word). The brethren who did not know or understand this point could not, in clear conscience, consume the meat and, therefore, they either refrained, or violated their conscience in eating (8:7, cf. Rom. 14:23). Once educated, faith bridges the gaps of discord and division.
What about Today?
Consider today the possibility of such things occurring. When a Muslim or a Jew is converted to Christ, they have been taught all of their lives to abstain from certain meats. This belief doesn’t just disappear overnight. In fact, the uncertainty or doubt may remain until they die. We must be patient with them, all the way through (Rom 15:1-2) and not badger them (Rom 14:1). Remember, knowledge of God’s word and faith in that word bridges gaps and brings unity and harmony (1 Cor 14:33)
Now, consider another angle. What if you found yourself in a different country with different customs? As a Christian, what would you do?
For example, in some countries, a wife should not walk next to or in front of her husband. In that culture, to do so shows great disrespect to him and dishonors her simultaneously. Now ladies – American ladies – liberated ladies, what would you do?
Gentlemen – American gentlemen – free citizens of this republic – what would you do in a society that would not listen to you preach the word unless you were circumcised? (cf. Acts 16:1-3).
For the Gospel’s Sake
Please understand that this is not an exhaustive treatise on the subject. More can be found in Rom 14 and 1 Cor 10, but this subject needs attention as more and more are converted out of different backgrounds and into Christ. We must be careful that our knowledge does not make us arrogant and divisive (1 Cor 8:1). “…though I am free…I made myself servant to all, that I might win the more; to the Jews I became as a Jew.; to those without law (Gentiles – MWD), as without law (I became as a Gentile – MWD).; to the weak I became as weak. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake” (1 Cor 9:19-23) .
