Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
What does 1 Corinthians 10:31 mean?
There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat or drink - This direction should be strictly and properly applied to the case in hand; that is, to the question about eating and drinking the things that had been offered in sacrifice to idols. Still, however, it contains a general direction that is applicable to eating and drinking at all times; and the phrase "whatsoever ye do" is evidently designed by the apostle to make the direction universal. Or whatsoever ye do - In all the actions and plans of life; whatever he your schemes, your desires, your doings, let all be done to the glory of God.
Key words
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Context in 1 Corinthians 10
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1 Corinthians 10 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as worship, gifts, and the body. First Corinthians is a pastoral and doctrinal letter correcting divisions while teaching about holiness, worship, gifts, and resurrection. Read this chapter with the wider themes of the cross, church order, and holiness in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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