1. Context and content
(BKC) Christian liberty in relation to pagan worship (8:1–11:1)
a. The principle of brotherly love (chap. 8)
b. The regulation of privilege (9:1–10:13)
c. The application to idolatry (10:14–11:1)
The therefore (dioper) introduced Paul’s application of Christian freedom to eating food sacrificed to idols. He gave advice in three areas: (a) meat in the pagan temple (vv. 14–22; cf. 8:10); (b) meat in the marketplace (10:25–26); (c) meat in the home (vv. 27–30).
2.(A) R. W. sharingx2 v.16, share v.17, partners v.18, 20, drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons, take part in the table of the Lord and the table of demons v.21
(BKC) The collective worship of Christians at the Lord’s Supper expressed the unity among the members and their participation (koinōnia, “fellowship”) in the blood of Christ and in the body of Christ v.16-17
Likewise in the worship of Israel, the participants identified with what was sacrificed and with each other. v.18
Being participants with demons was unthinkable for those who are participants with Christ (10:21; cf. v. 16).
Summary and Reflection: The Corinthians Christians who ate meat in the pagan temple might disengaged the meat with the worship, but Paul said actually, not only they participated in the worship, but they fellowshipped with the idol worshippers. Paul was target at those who are "thoughtful people" and among them some might not care the argument from Paula and would still continue to eat in the pagan temple. Therefore he added v.22, "or are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we really stronger than he is?"
Am I easily disregard the implication of doing controversial things just for my lack of thoughtfulness or just for my own convenient?
When someone tried to consult me and the conclusion is obvious, will I still try to ignore that?
(B) R.W. Everything builds others up v.23, seek the good of the other person v.24. do not eat, because of the one who told you and because of conscience— I do not mean yours but the other person’s. v.28-29, Do not give offense v32, I also try to please everyone in all things. I do not seek my own benefit, but the benefit of many v.33
(BKC) A knowledgeable Christian did not need to alter his convictions to accord with the conscience of [others]...but he did need to alter his behavior when in the [presence of others]...What the knowledgeable Christian could enjoy privately with thankfulness became in the presence of the [other] a contemptible act eliciting condemnation.
Interestingly, the conclusion of this section was not to do everything for others, but to do everything for the glory of God v.31
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
Why? (EBC) doing all for the glory of God means thinking of the good of others, both Christians and non-Christians.
Summary and Reflection: The one who has the knowledge and conviction shall be the one who change their behavior, not the weaker one, and they might even got judged and blamed by the food that they ate. However, when they ate without freedom people could tell that they sacrificed for the good of others and only people who cared about the glory of God would do that.
What right am I willing to give up and be limited? Do I care about others and sacrifice? If not, how can people see God's glory in me?
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