Food Offered to Idols: Is It Really Nothing?

Ernest Lau
Jul 1
6 min read

"As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one" (1 Corinthians 8:4)

During the first century, the Christians at Corinth struggled with the issue of food offered to idols. Was it permissive to eat such food under any circumstances? Paul declares that since idols are nothing, eating such foods are not inherently sinful (1 Corinthians 8:4-6). Nevertheless, is it really nothing? Paul goes on to argue that the Christians ought to refrain from such foods under certain circumstances.

Sometimes, we fail to realize that our actions have the potential for far-reaching consequences. We thought that it is not a big deal. We thought it is nothing. However, what we perceived to be a little thing actually has disastrous consequences, either on ourselves or on others. Let us examine the issue concerning food offered to idols to learn four important principles that ought to guide our decision-making.

1. Does it hurt my conscience?

“Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled” (1 Corinthians 8:7)

In first-century Corinth, food that had been offered to idols was often mixed together with other meat at the market and sold to customers together. Hence, the Corinthian Christians must have been troubled as to whether or not they could buy any meat from the market. Since food offered to idols is not inherently sinful, Paul argues that Christians could go to the meat market and buy such foods. However, Paul does advise: “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles [meat market], that eat, asking no question for conscience sake” (1 Corinthians 10:25). Paul’s advice implies that, if we find out the meat had been previously offered to idols, we might not be able to eat due to our conscience.

What happens when we eat food offered to idols against our conscience? Paul warns that there were Christians who “eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled” (1 Corinthians 8:7). Hence, the eating of such foods results in these Christians falling on a “stumbingblock,” and henceforth they “perish” (1 Corinthians 8:9-11). Therefore, eating food offered to idols against our conscience has perilous consequences on our soul. If it hurts our conscience, we ought to refrain.

The principle we learn here is that we should not make decisions that would hurt our conscience. Feeling guilty about something? Don’t do it! Living life in good conscience will give us greater confidence towards God (1 John 3:20-21). However, if we constantly violate our good conscience, we will slowly sear our conscience to the point where we do not feel anymore guilt in wrong-doing (1 Timothy 4:1-2). Hence, we ought to be as Paul, who always strived to live in all good conscience toward God (Acts 24:16). We need to consider: will our decisions violate our good conscience?

2. Does it hurt my brother?

“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13 ESV)

The apostle Paul gives another reason for Christians to avoid eating food that had been offered to idols: for the sake of the weak brother. As discussed earlier, some are unable to eat such food due to their weak conscience. If the weak brother were to see a “strong” Christian eating, he may copy his example, but in doing so, he violates his conscience and sins (1 Corinthians 8:10). The strong brother then also sins, because he has laid a stumbling block and caused his brother to fall (1 Corinthians 8:11-12).

We learn therefore that, as Christians, we ought not be selfish in our decision-making. Instead, we need to ensure that our decisions are made with love and consideration for our brethren. Just as our Lord Jesus selflessly came to this earth for our salvation, we are called to be of the same mind, to be considerate towards one another’s needs (Philippians 2:4-8). If we can succeed in loving one another, we can show the world that we are truly disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35). If we fail to do so, we put our own souls in jeopardy (1 Corinthians 8:11-12). We need to consider: will our decisions hurt our brethren?

3. Does it hurt God?

“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” (1 Corinthians 10:21-22)

Although eating food offered to idols is not inherently sinful, the occasion makes a difference. Buying from the meat market (no questions asked) is permissible. However, Paul warns against eating such food during an idolatrous celebration. As Christians, we have fellowship with God when we partake of the Lord’s Supper together (1 Corinthians 10:16). The idolators have fellowship with the devil through their idolatrous celebrations. Paul declares: “ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils” (1 Corinthians 10:21). If Christians were to eat food in conjunction with idolatrous celebrations, we inevitably put ourselves in fellowship with idolatry, and thereby, we risk provoking the Lord to jealousy (1 Corinthians 10:22).

As Christians, we must surely make decisions that are aligned with God’s will, and not to make decisions that may provoke Him to jealousy and wrath. Of course, contact with people of the world is unavoidable (1 Corinthains 5:9-10). However, we must beware having unequal fellowship with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). We must flee from all forms of idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). As the bride of Christ, let us keep pure and holy as we await the arrival of the Bridegroom (2 Corinthians 11:2-3). We need to consider: will our decisions provoke God to jealousy?

4. Does it hurt the gospel?

“Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:33)

The apostle Paul goes on to present another scenario that may involve food offered to idols. Specifically, the Christian is invited by an unbelieving friend for a meal (non-religious setting). In such an occasion, the Christian is advised to “eat, asking no question for conscience sake” (1 Corinthians 10:27). However, the situation becomes different if the host were to explicitly inform that the food had been offered the idols. In such a case, Paul advises that the Christian should refrain from eating for the sake of the other person’s conscience (1 Corinthians 10:28-30).

How would the Christian eating such food affect the unbeliever’s conscience? When the unbeliever sees the Christian having no qualms in partaking food that had been offered to idols, it may hurt his perception of Christianity. Though the food is thankworthy, but the partaking of such may lead to evil speaking against the Christian (1 Corinthians 10:29-30). Hence, instead of giving God the glory, our actions may cause the name of Christ to be blasphemed instead (1 Corinthians 10:31). Also, it may become harder to save the unbeliever’s soul if he is unable to see a clear distinction between Christianity and idolatry. As Paul declares, our actions ought to take into consideration our mission to save souls through the gospel (1 Corinthians 10:33).

As Christians, our decisions ought to be aligned with the saving mission of Christ. The mission of Christ was, and continues to be, to save souls (Luke 19:10). Can our unbelieving friends see Christ in our everyday life? Will our actions lead our friends towards salvation? Are we making time to spread the good news of Christ? We need to consider: will our decisions aid in the cause of Christ?

Concluding remarks

As Christians, we realize that we are not alone in this world, and hence, our decisions have an impact, not only on ourselves, but also on others. Let us not be focused only on our selfish desires. May our decisions be guided by our good conscience, by our love for the brethren, by our desire to please God, and by our duty to save souls. May our everyday decisions bring glory to the Lord.