1 Corinthians 10:23-24
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This passage highlights a crucial distinction: just because something isn't explicitly forbidden doesn't mean it's automatically wise or beneficial for our spiritual lives. Paul emphasizes that our freedom in Christ comes with a responsibility to consider the impact our choices have, not just on ourselves but on others, focusing on what builds us up in faith rather than what merely satisfies immediate desires.
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's struggles with issues of Christian freedom, particularly concerning food sacrificed to idols. He's just warned them against idolatry and reminded them of God's faithfulness, now he's clarifying that while many practices are permissible for believers, their primary concern should be the spiritual well-being of others and glorifying God. This leads into his discussion about eating meat from the marketplace versus eating at an idol's temple, and the importance of not causing a weaker brother to stumble.
Paul starts with a bold statement: 'All things are lawful.' But he immediately adds a powerful 'but.' What's the difference between what we can do and what we should do?
Paul is addressing the Corinthian believers who were struggling with the balance between their newfound freedom in Christ and their responsibility to one another. He acknowledges their understanding that under the new covenant, many Old Testament ritual laws no longer bind believers. However, he warns against a superficial interpretation of this freedom.
The Trap of Unchecked Freedom
Paul is saying that just because an action isn't a sin doesn't mean it's always a good idea. Our freedom in Christ is meant to be guided by wisdom and love, not just by a checklist of what's permitted.
The second part of Paul's statement focuses on 'building up.' What does it mean for our actions to contribute to spiritual construction, and why is it so important?
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Paul introduces another key principle: edification, or building up. This concept is vital in understanding Christian community and personal growth.
What It Means to Build Up
Paul’s point is that our freedom should never come at the expense of spiritual growth – either our own or that of others. Every choice we make should ideally contribute positively to the spiritual lives around us.
Understand the original words
exestin · Greek Adjective/Verb phrase
Having the authority or permission to do something; in this context, it refers to the freedom believers have under grace, often cited by the Corinthians to justify their behaviors.
sumpherō · Greek Adjective
That which contributes to the welfare, spiritual growth, or benefit of others; in a Christian context, it relates to actions that align with God's purpose for believers.
oikodomeō · Greek Verb
Literally 'to build a house'; metaphorically, it describes the process of edifying, strengthening, or maturing the church and fellow believers in their faith.
The Corinthian church was grappling with how to live out their new freedom in Christ within a pagan society, particularly concerning practices like eating food sacrificed to idols. Paul reminds them that true freedom isn't just about what's permitted, but about what builds up the community and honors God.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Founds Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul established the church in Corinth during his ministry in Greece, facing significant opposition but seeing many believe.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul Writes First Letter to Corinth
While in Ephesus, Paul heard about divisions and problems in the Corinthian church and wrote this letter to address them.
c. AD 55
Discussions on Food Offered to Idols
A major issue in Corinth was whether Christians could eat meat sold in the marketplace that had been sacrificed to pagan gods, touching on issues of idols and conscience.
c. AD 55
Debates on Christian Freedom
The Corinthian believers were fiercely debating the extent of their freedom in Christ, sometimes leading to actions that harmed weaker believers.
c. AD 55
Emphasis on Spiritual Gifts
The church in Corinth was preoccupied with spiritual gifts and leadership, leading to pride and disorder that Paul sought to correct.
This passage echoes the same concern for not causing a brother to stumble, expanding on the idea that what is permissible can still be harmful if it leads others astray.
Galatians 5:13It highlights the principle that freedom in Christ is not an excuse for sinful living, but rather a call to serve one another in love, directly relating to the 'build up' aspect of the 1 Corinthians verse.
Philippians 4:8This verse offers a positive counterpoint, guiding believers toward thinking about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, suggesting a framework for discerning what is truly 'helpful' and 'builds up'.
1 Corinthians 8:1This earlier passage in the same letter introduces the concept that 'knowledge puffs up,' but 'love builds up,' providing the foundational understanding behind Paul's reasoning about lawful but unhelpful actions.
This passage highlights a crucial distinction: just because something isn't explicitly forbidden doesn't mean it's automatically wise or beneficial for our spiritual lives. Paul emphasizes that our freedom in Christ comes with a responsibility to consider the impact our choices have, not just on ourselves but on others, focusing on what builds us up in faith rather than what merely satisfies immediate desires.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's struggles with issues of Christian freedom, particularly concerning food sacrificed to idols. He's just warned them against idolatry and reminded them of God's faithfulness, now he's clarifying that while many practices are permissible for believers, their primary concern should be the spiritual well-being of others and glorifying God. This leads into his discussion about eating meat from the marketplace versus eating at an idol's temple, and the importance of not causing a weaker brother to stumble.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's struggles with issues of Christian freedom, particularly concerning food sacrificed to idols. He's just warned them against idolatry and reminded them of God's faithfulness, now he's clarifying that while many practices are permissible for believers, their primary concern should be the spiritual well-being of others and glorifying God. This leads into his discussion about eating meat from the marketplace versus eating at an idol's temple, and the importance of not causing a weaker brother to stumble.
"“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." — This passage highlights a crucial distinction: just because something isn't explicitly forbidden doesn't mean it's automatically wise or beneficial for our spiritual lives. Paul emphasizes that our f…
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Last reviewed October 2026
