Clearly this chapter addresses a question the Corinthian Church had for Paul. It also seems clear that there were a group of people who had a better understanding of idols and subsequently, what it really meant to eat meat that was sacrificed to idols. In particular, these people understood that idols really had (have) no existence. They were not real, so that if one ate meat sacrificed to idols, one could do so with a clear conscience, because essentially the meat was sacrificed to no-thing.

Yet there were also people who did not understand this. Because they had former associations with such idol worship, they could not partake of this meat with a clear conscience. And rather than calling on them to simply change their minds and eat accordingly, it is the ones with knowledge that Paul primarily addresses. Of course, in the course of doing so, Paul addresses the weak, but his focus is clearly on those who understand that meat sacrificed to idols is no big deal to eat.

In short, he calls them to love their brothers by restricting their own freedom. He doesn’t tell them to convince their brothers about the meat, that is, to share the knowledge. For Paul understands that this issue is a sensitive one because it deals with former associations and struggles. And such associations and struggles do not die simply by the way of argument. Various factors are involved, so grace must be given.

There is a balance here, I recognize. For in modern-day situations such as these, one must strike a balance between exercising one’s freedom in Christ and helping others to do the same, and being sensitive to the weaknesses of others. Such matters as drinking alcohol or watching certain movies or listening to certain music or hanging out in certain places all can fit into this category. For whether or not we engage (or should engage) in such things depends in large part upon our former associations and our present understanding and maturity. Two well-meaning believers could stand side by side with one another and have different convictions on what place to enter, or what to drink, or what to watch. For they are not filled with the same weaknesses, or experiences, or understandings, or strengths. Wisdom is needed. But even more so, love.

In the end, it is not so much what we know, but what we are willing to do with what we know that counts. If we can fathom all mysteries and yet, fail to think about our brothers and sisters and their spiritual growth, what is our knowledge really worth? We are nothing but puffed up. Love is the path towards blessing. Denying ourselves the opportunity to exercise our own rights for the good of others is certainly the true pathway to joy. Sure, we want others to enjoy the freedom that is theirs in Christ. But more than enjoying the freedom to eat meat sacrificed to idols (or whatever the issue), we want to teach them to enjoy the freedom to deny themselves for the sake of others and the glory of God. This is without doubt the direction in which the Lord wants us to go.