1 Corinthians 10:30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

For {G1161} if {G1487} I {G1473} by grace {G5485} be a partaker {G3348}, why {G5101} am I evil spoken of {G987} for that {G5228} for which {G3739} I {G1473} give thanks {G2168}?

If I participate with thankfulness, why am I criticized over something for which I myself bless God?”

If I partake in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Commentary

1 Corinthians 10:30 (KJV) addresses a nuanced aspect of Christian liberty and its implications for community life, specifically within the context of eating food that might have been offered to idols.

Context of 1 Corinthians 10:30

This verse is part of a larger discourse (chapters 8-10) where the Apostle Paul navigates the complex issue of Christian liberty concerning food sacrificed to idols. Paul emphasizes that while believers have freedom in Christ to eat all things, this freedom should not lead to causing others to stumble or bringing reproach upon the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul warns against idolatry and encourages believers to act in a way that honors God and edifies others. Verse 30 presents a rhetorical question from a believer's perspective: if one partakes of food with a clear conscience and gives thanks to God, why should they be criticized?

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christian Liberty vs. Love: The verse highlights the tension between a believer's individual freedom (exercised "by grace") and the need to consider the impact of their actions on others. Paul consistently teaches that "all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient" (1 Corinthians 10:23).
  • The Power of Thanksgiving: Giving thanks to God for food, regardless of its origin, sanctifies it for the believer (1 Timothy 4:4-5). This act of gratitude transforms the meal into something received directly from God's hand, removing any spiritual contamination for the individual.
  • Avoiding Offence: The core issue Paul addresses is not the food itself, but the potential for one's actions to be "evil spoken of" or to cause a stumbling block to others. This underscores the importance of a sensitive and discerning conscience when interacting with those who may not share the same understanding or level of faith.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by grace" (Greek: chariti, χάριτι) emphasizes that the believer's freedom to partake comes from God's unmerited favor, not from their own merit or superior knowledge. The term "evil spoken of" (Greek: blasphemoumai, βλασφημοῦμαι) implies being slandered or reviled, highlighting the negative perception or judgment from others due to one's actions. "Give thanks" (Greek: eucharisto, εὐχαριστῶ) is a key concept, signifying the act of genuine gratitude to God, which consecrates the food for the believer.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 10:30 offers timeless wisdom for navigating "gray areas" in Christian living today. It challenges believers to move beyond mere personal rights and consider how their choices impact the broader community and their witness to the world. While we enjoy spiritual freedom in Christ, our actions should always be guided by love and a desire to glorify God. This means sometimes foregoing a personal freedom for the sake of another's conscience or to prevent the Gospel from being misrepresented. Ultimately, as Paul concludes in the very next verse, our aim should be to "do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31), ensuring that our lives reflect His goodness and truth.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 14:6

    He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

  • 1 Timothy 4:3

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

  • 1 Timothy 4:4

    For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
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