1 Corinthians 10:23

King James Version (KJV)

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

All things are lawful for me - I may lawfully eat all kinds of food, but all are not expedient; ου παντα συμφερει· It would not be becoming in me to eat of all, because I should by this offend and grieve many weak minds. See the notes on 1 Corinthians 6:12, etc.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

All things are lawful for me - See the note at 1 Corinthians 6:12. This is a repetition of what he had said before; and it is here applied to the subject of eating the meat that had been offered to idols. The sense is,” Though it may be admitted that it was strictly “lawful” to partake of that meat, yet there were strong reasons why it was inexpedient; and those reasons ought to have the binding force of law.”

All things edify not - All things do not tend to build up the church, and to advance the interests of religion; and when they do not have this effect, they are not expedient, and are improper. Paul acted for the welfare of the church. His object was to save souls. Anything that would promote that object was proper; anything which would hinder it, though in itself it might not be strictly unlawful, was in his view improper. This is a simple rule, and might be easily applied by all. If a man has his heart on the conversion of people and the salvation of the world, it will go far to regulate his conduct in reference to many things concerning which there may be no exact and positive law. It will do much to regulate his dress; his style of living; his expenses; his entertainments; his mode of contact with the world. He may not be able to fix his finger on any positive law, and to say that this or that article of dress is improper; that this or that piece of furniture is absolutely forbidden; or that this or that manner of life is contrary to any explicit law of Yahweh; but he may see that it will interfere with his great and main purpose, “to do good on the widest scale possible;” and therefore to him it will be inexpedient and improper. Such a grand leading purpose is a much better guide to direct a man‘s life than would be exact positive statutes to regulate everything, even if such minute statutes were possible.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

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.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

23. Lawful for me. See on ch. 6:12.

Expedient. Gr. sumpher?, literally, “to bring together” used impersonally, as here, the meaning is “advantageous,” “profitable.” Although a Christian is lawfully entitled to do everything that is not out of harmony with the will of God, there are times when it would not be profitable for him to do certain things, nor would it serve to “bring together,” or unite in the belief of the truth, others who might observe the behavior of the Christian. The believer must consider how to behave so that he will help others in their efforts to live aright. If his “lawful” behavior would place a stumbling block in another’s way, then he should refrain from the course that perplexes his brother (see Matt. 18:7-10; Rom. 14:13, 15; 1 Cor. 8:9; 1 John 2:10). The welfare of others, rather than one’s own convenience, must dictate what the Christian does, if he is to do all things well.

Edify. Gr. oikodome?, “to build up.” This word explains what Paul means by “expedient.” Christian behavior should be governed by the principle here laid down; namely, that all things be done with the glory of God and the blessing of one’s fellow men in mind. Those who do not follow this principle, but permit themselves to do anything they desire, provided that it is not of itself sinful, will frequently do that which injures others. Circumstances might make something wrong which is not of itself a sin.

Though it might be admitted that per se it was no sin to eat meat offered to idols, there were good reasons why, under certain circumstances, it should not be eaten. Not all things have the effect of building up the church and promoting the interests of the gospel. Paul constantly sought to advance the welfare of the church, with the object of saving souls. Whatever would legitimately aid in that course was right and proper; anything, no matter how lawful, that would hinder it was to be avoided. Those who love the Lord are anxious to do all in their power to influence men and women to turn from sin to serve God, and they will so conduct themselves that their influence will at all times be helpful. They will eat, dress, converse, furnish their homes, and order their manner of life in such a way that they will be able to do good to the limit of their ability. They may not be able to quote any particular passage of Scripture that condemns a certain course of action, but they will perceive that it is not conducive to the spiritual interests of others, and therefore not expedient (see Rom. 14:21-23; 1 Cor. 6:12).

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

23. Lawful for me. See on ch. 6:12.

Expedient. Gr. sumpherÃ…Â, literally, “to bring together” used impersonally, as here, the meaning is “advantageous,” “profitable.” Although a Christian is lawfully entitled to do everything that is not out of harmony with the will of God, there are times when it would not be profitable for him to do certain things, nor would it serve to “bring together,” or unite in the belief of the truth, others who might observe the behavior of the Christian. The believer must consider how to behave so that he will help others in their efforts to live aright. If his “lawful” behavior would place a stumbling block in another’s way, then he should refrain from the course that perplexes his brother (see Matt. 18:7-10; Rom. 14:13, 15; 1 Cor. 8:9; 1 John 2:10). The welfare of others, rather than one’s own convenience, must dictate what the Christian does, if he is to do all things well.

Edify. Gr. oikodomeÃ…Â, “to build up.” This word explains what Paul means by “expedient.” Christian behavior should be governed by the principle here laid down; namely, that all things be done with the glory of God and the blessing of one’s fellow men in mind. Those who do not follow this principle, but permit themselves to do anything they desire, provided that it is not of itself sinful, will frequently do that which injures others. Circumstances might make something wrong which is not of itself a sin.

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Ellen G. White
The Acts of the Apostles, 191

At Jerusalem the delegates from Antioch met the brethren of the various churches, who had gathered for a general meeting, and to them they related the success that had attended their ministry among the Gentiles. They then gave a clear outline of the confusion that had resulted because certain converted Pharisees had gone to Antioch declaring that, in order to be saved, the Gentile converts must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. AA 191.1

This question was warmly discussed in the assembly. Intimately connected with the question of circumcision were several others demanding careful study. One was the problem as to what attitude should be taken toward the use of meats offered to idols. Many of the Gentile converts were living among ignorant and superstitious people who made frequent sacrifices and offerings to idols. The priests of this heathen worship carried on an extensive merchandise with the offerings brought to them, and the Jews feared that the Gentile converts would bring Christianity into disrepute by purchasing that which had been offered to idols, thereby sanctioning, in some measure, idolatrous customs. AA 191.2

Again, the Gentiles were accustomed to eat the flesh of animals that had been strangled, while the Jews had been divinely instructed that when beasts were killed for food, particular care was to be taken that the blood should flow from the body; otherwise the meat would not be regarded as wholesome. God had given these injunctions to the Jews for the purpose of preserving their health. The Jews regarded it as sinful to use blood as an article of diet. They held that the blood was the life, and that the shedding of blood was in consequence of sin. AA 191.3

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Ellen G. White
Lift Him Up, 325.3

Of the zealous, self-sacrificing disciples of Christ, it is written that Jesus was not ashamed to call them brethren, so fully did they manifest His Spirit, and bear His likeness. By their works they constantly testified that this world was not their home; their citizenship was above; they were seeking a better country, even a heavenly. Their conversation and affections were on heavenly things. They were in the world, but not of the world; in spirit and practice they were separate from its maxims and customs. Their daily example testified that they were living for the glory of God. Their great interest, like that of their Master, was for the salvation of souls. For this they toiled and sacrificed, counting not their lives dear unto themselves. By their life and character they made a bright track heavenward. Upon such disciples, Jesus can look with satisfaction as His representatives. His character will not be misrepresented through them.... LHU 325.3

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 215

The time has not come for us to work as if there were no prejudice. Christ said: “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16. If you see that by doing certain things which you have a perfect right to do, you hinder the advancement of God's work, refrain from doing those things. Do nothing that will close the minds of others against the truth. There is a world to save, and we shall gain nothing by cutting loose from those we are trying to help. All things may be lawful, but all things are not expedient. 9T 215.1

The wise course is the best. As laborers together with God, we are to work in the way that will enable us to accomplish the most for Him. Let none go to extremes. We need wisdom from above; for we have a difficult problem to solve. If rash moves are made now, great mischief will be done. The matter is to be presented in such a way that the truly converted colored people will cling to the truth for Christ's sake, refusing to renounce one principle of sound Bible doctrine because they may think that the very best course is not being pursued toward the Negro race. 9T 215.2

We must sit as learners at the feet of Christ, that He may teach us the will of God and that we may know how to work for the white people and the colored people in the Southern field. We are to do as the Spirit of the Lord shall dictate, and agitate the subject of the color line as little as possible. We must use every energy to present the closing gospel message to all classes in the South. As we are led and controlled by the Spirit of God we shall find that this question will adjust itself in the minds of our people. 9T 215.3

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Cross References

things are lawful

edify