Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 10:26

"for the earth is the Lord`s, and the fulness thereof." — 1 Corinthians 10:26 (ASV)

Meat eaten at an idol feast is associated with pagan worship and is contaminated, Paul claims. But meat sold in the public meat market has lost its religious significance and is all right to eat, as long as one remembers that meat and all things come from the Lord (v.26; the OT quotation from Ps 24:1 was used as a Jewish blessing at mealtimes). The Greek word for “meat market” (GK 3425) is mentioned on an inscription found in Corinth; this establishment could be the very one Paul is referring to, where meat previously offered in sacrifice to idols was sold.

In approving of a believer joining an unbeliever at the latter’s house for dinner (v.27), the apostle is thinking of the believer’s giving the unbeliever a quiet, appreciative testimony. If, however, at the dinner someone (probably a fellow Christian; cf. v.29a) points out that the meat was offered to an idol, then the believer should refrain from eating the meat. The reason for this is that he does not want his Christian freedom condemned through another man’s conscience (v.29). Paul asks why he should be condemned for partaking of something in the meal he could thank God for. So the strong brother has the power to protect his “right” to eat by choosing not to eat meat in such cases.