1 Corinthians 10:25

Shambles. Gr. makellon, from the Latin macellum, “meat market.” The remains of a large market have been unearthed at Corinth, with colonnades and small shops surrounding a paved court. A marble slab built into the pavement of one of the shops bears a Latin inscription that refers to a fish market, using the word macellum for “market.” Perhaps this was the “market” here referred to.

When sacrifices were made at idolatrous temples, portions of the animal were often sold in the market. Since this meat was not kept separate from other meat offered for sale in the market, a Christian might unknowingly purchase meat that had been offered to idols. The counsel of the apostle is: such meat may be freely purchased by Christians.

For conscience sake. Literally, “on account of the conscience,” or “because of the conscience.” It was not necessary for the Christians to ask the seller whether the meat had been offered to idols. See on ch. 8:7.