The question of whether Christians should eat whatever food is offered to them has been a topic of discussion since the early church. This issue is addressed in various passages of the New Testament, where the apostles provide guidance on how Christians should handle food offered to them, particularly in the context of food offered to idols and dietary laws. This article explores this topic in depth, using references from the Bible to provide clarity and understanding.
The Context of Food Offered to Christians
Food Offered to Idols
The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the church at Corinth, provided instructions regarding food offered to guests.
1 Corinthians 10:27 (NKJV)
“If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.”
This verse must be interpreted in its context. The subject here deals specifically with the eating of meats sacrificed to idols. The invited guest is encouraged to set aside his scruples and enjoy the food provided without questioning whether the meat had been offered to idols worshiped by his host.
During Paul’s time, believers often reached out to non-believers and were invited to share meals with them as a gesture of friendliness. Such occasions were used to witness for the Lord and to highlight God’s love and His plan for salvation (John 3:16). Therefore, believers were instructed to avoid offending their hosts and to prevent barriers between them and the truth.
1 Corinthians 8:4-8 (NKJV)
“Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.”
Paul acknowledges that idols are nothing and that eating food offered to idols does not inherently defile a person. However, he emphasizes the importance of considering the conscience of others.
1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (NKJV)
“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”
Paul teaches that while Christians have the freedom to eat any food, they should abstain if their eating might cause another believer to stumble. The well-being and conscience of fellow believers take precedence over personal freedom.
The Principle of Edification
Paul further elaborates on this principle in his letter to the Romans, emphasizing that Christians should act in love and avoid causing others to stumble.
Romans 14:14-15 (NKJV)
“I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.”
Romans 14:20-21 (NKJV)
“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.”
Paul’s guidance is clear: Christians should prioritize the spiritual well-being of others and avoid actions that could cause offense or stumbling, even if those actions are permissible.
Freedom and Responsibility
Paul balances the concept of Christian freedom with responsibility towards others. He acknowledges that all food is clean but insists that believers should use their freedom responsibly.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NKJV)
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.”
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NKJV)
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
Paul emphasizes that Christians should seek to glorify God in all they do, including their eating and drinking, and should seek the benefit and salvation of others over their own preferences.
Clean Meats
1 Corinthians 10:27 does not approve the use of meats that are clearly forbidden in the Bible. These meats are listed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. The meats that a believer should eat must be clean, allowing them to partake without breaking God’s commands. If the meat meets God’s requirements, the believer may receive it with thanksgiving without asking questions regarding their conscience (Romans 14:1).
The apostle Paul addressed the question of the use of food offered to idols but did not discuss the propriety of foods from a nutrition and health perspective. Christians should be wise and avoid eating unclean meats that could endanger their physical well-being (Romans 12:1, 2).
Paul wrote, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). Man is the property of God by creation and redemption. Therefore, he is to live mentally, physically, and spiritually to the glory of His name.
The New Testament, particularly in the teachings of the Apostle Paul, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding whether Christians should eat whatever food is offered to them. Key principles include that food offered to idols cannot defile the believer and the importance of considering the conscience and well-being of others.
Before Romans 14:1, you wrote "conscious" instead of "conscience". Thanks for all you do.