What does 1 Corinthians 10:23 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 10:23 is a verse from the Christian New Testament, where the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding Christian liberty and its limitations.

The verse reflects on the notion that while Christians are free from the Old Testament law through Christ (Galatians 5:1), not everything that is permissible is beneficial to oneself or others.

The verse reads as follows: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not."

Here, Paul uses a phrase that may have been a common saying in Corinth ("All things are lawful for me") to illustrate the principle of Christian freedom.

However, he qualifies this statement with two key restrictions: not all things are expedient (or beneficial), and not all things edify (build up or strengthen).

In other words, while a Christian might have the right to do something, it does not mean it is the right thing to do, especially if it does not contribute positively to the welfare of others or the community of faith.

Historical Context

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, a city known for its wealth, intellectualism, and moral corruption.

The society was predominantly pagan and had a diversity of religious practices and beliefs.

The Corinthian Christians, who were also influenced by the tumultuous and permissive culture surrounding them, faced numerous ethical and theological dilemmas.

The church struggled with issues of Christian conduct, including, but not limited to, dietary practices, participation in pagan feasts, and sexual morality.

In such an environment, the liberties taken by Christian converts were a matter of concern for Paul, who sought to guide them in balancing their newfound freedom in Christ with the responsibility to act for the common good.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse taps into several important doctrines:

• Christian Liberty: The concept that Christians are free from the law as a means of justification, but this freedom should not be abused or cause others to stumble.
• Love for Others: The principle that Christian behavior should be guided by love and consideration for the wellbeing of others, aligning with Jesus' command to love one's neighbor (Mark 12:31).
• Edification of the Church: The importance of contributing positively to the growth and strengthening of the Christian community, not just focusing on individual rights or freedoms.

Different Christian denominations and theologians may interpret this verse in unique ways, balancing freedom with love and responsibility toward others.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to consider the impact of their actions on their community.

Some applications might include:

• Making lifestyle choices that reflect not just personal preferences but also the benefit to others.
• Avoiding behaviors that, while not explicitly sinful, might cause others to stumble in their faith or be misunderstood.
• Actively seeking to do things that build up and support the faith community, rather than just oneself.

Cross-References

• Romans 14:19: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
• Galatians 5:13: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
• Romans 14:21: "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek that are crucial to understanding this verse are:

• "Lawful" (ἔξεστιν - exesti): Typically translated as "lawful," it implies that something is permitted or allowed.
• "Expedient" (συμφέρει - sympherei): This word means advantageous, profitable, or beneficial.
• "Edify" (οἰκοδομεῖ - oikodomei): Literally means to build a house; metaphorically, it is used to describe the act of building up or strengthening, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense.

Analyzing the original language highlights Paul's message that freedom must be tempered by what is beneficial for the community and what leads to spiritual growth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman society, personal freedom was highly valued, but it was often expected to align with the good of the state or society. Similarly, in Jewish tradition, personal actions were meant to uphold communal integrity and Torah observance.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological and sociological studies often discuss the concept of individual freedoms versus the wellbeing of the community.

Research on social behavior suggests that actions favoring the collective good tend to support healthier and more cohesive societies, aligning with the principles Paul sets forth in this verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have provided various commentaries on this verse:

• Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes that Christian freedom is not a cover for vice, urging believers to consider the constructive or destructive effects of their actions.
• John Gill mentions that actions must be done in the faith, and what's not of faith, being sinful, cannot be lawfully done.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes the rhetorical nature of the "all things are lawful" phrase and how Paul reframes the Corinthian understanding of freedom in terms of constructive communal behavior.

These insights from various experts underscore the importance of interpreting individual freedoms through the lens of love and edification within the Christian community.