1 Corinthians 10:28

Any man. Paul does not identify the one here referred to. Some believe he refers to a pagan participant; others that he refers to a fellow Christian present at the meal who is “weak” (see on Rom. 14:1). In favor of the former is the fact that the word here translated “offered in sacrifice unto idols” means “sacrificed to the gods,” a term the pagan, who would not call his gods “idols,” would use. In favor of the latter view is the observation that the pagan’s conscience would hardly come under consideration (see 1 Cor. 10:29).

Eat not. The basis for refusal is the effect of the action on others (see on vs. 23, 24). Christians will refrain from conduct that gives unnecessary offense to anyone, particularly to a fellow believer.

Conscience. There is no need to eat anything that is questionable. There is no need to encourage idolaters by knowingly eating such meat, or to tempt other Christians to eat when they do not fully understand the matter, and when they doubt in their own minds the lawfulness of such an act. Christians who love God and know His law will not deliberately do anything that would offend the conscience of others.

Lord’s. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of the clause “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” It is well attested, however, in v. 26.