1 Corinthians 6:12

All things. This expression must not be understood in its absolute sense. Moral evils such as those listed in vs. 9, 10 are certainly not included. Paul is referring to things that are not wrong in themselves. The Christian is at liberty to participate in everything that comes within the plan of life formed by God as that which is most beneficial for mankind. He may do anything that is in harmony with the will of God as it is set forth in His Word. God does not contradict Himself. What He commands in one place He does not set aside in another; what He forbids, no man is at liberty to do. Within the framework of all that is in harmony with the will of God, the individual Christian is free to do what he wishes, but there is one condition that must be observed: a believer is not to do anything that would cause someone to stumble. Jesus summarized all that is lawful for His followers to do, in His reply to the question asked by the lawyer (Matt. 22:36-40). Love to God and love to man are the principles that govern the life of the true Christian. He is at full liberty to do anything he wishes that will not in any way conflict with these two guiding principles. Compare 1 Cor. 10:23.

Lawful. Verse 12 has a play upon this word, and exousiasthesomai, which is derived from it. The play can hardly be accurately conveyed to the English reader. The nearest approach to it is: “all things are in my power, but I shall not be brought under the power of any” (Vincent). This was apparently a proverbial saying.

Expedient. Gr. sumpherd, “to bring together,” hence, “to be profitable.” See on ch. 10:23. For examples of limitations to Christian liberty see on Rom. 14.

Power. Rather, “authority.”

Of any. That is, of anything. In the second half of the verse there is a repetition of the claim that the Christian is free to do all things, but another qualification is added that serves to limit this freedom. A wise man will not allow himself to be enslaved by that which he is at liberty to do. He will exercise self-control and be temperate in all things.

He will not develop a habit that may gain control over his will or interfere in any way with his devotion to the service of God (see ch. 9:27). There are a number of things that the consecrated believer is at liberty to do, but it is not wise for him to engage in anything that would hinder the advancement of the work of God. Nothing must be done that will give offense to one who is seeking for the truth, even though the act may be perfectly innocent of itself (see Rom. 14:13; 1 Cor. 8:9; cf. 9T 215).