fruits and animals with which it is replenished ; which were created by God, and therefore good. Nothing, therefore, can in itself be polluting, if used in obedience to the design of its creation. And as the animals offered in sacrifice were in- tended to be food for man, they cannot defile those who use them for that purpose. This is the reason which the apostle gives to show that, so far as God is concerned, the Corinthians need entertain no scruples in eating meat that had been offered to idols. It was a creature of God, and therefore not to be regarded as unclean. Comp. 1 Tim. 4, 4, where the same doc- trine is taught, and for the same purpose.
27. If any of them that beUeve not bid you (to a feast), and ye be disposed to go ; whatsoever is set be- fore you, eat, asking no question for conscience' sake.
As the sacrifices lost their religious character when sold in the market, so also at any private table they were to be re- garded not as sacrifices, but as ordinary food, and might be eaten without scruple. The apostle did not prohibit the Christians from social intercourse with the heathen. If invited to their tables, they were at liberty to go.
28. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience' sake : for the earth (is) the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
This is an exception. They might without scruple eat any thing set before them. But if any of the guests apprised them that a particular dish contained meat which had been offered to an idol, out of regard to the conscientious scruples of him who made the intimation, they should abstain. But^ on the contrary^ if miy one. That is, any of your fellow-guests. The only person likely to make the suggestion was a scrupulous Christian. For his sake that showed it and for conscience' sake ; the latter clause is explanatory. ' On account of him making the intimation, i. e. on account of his conscience.' Though it is right to eat, and though you know it to be right, yet, to avoid wounding or disturbing the conscience of your weaker brother, it is your duty to abstain. The union of the most enUghtened liberality with the humblest concession to