1 Corinthians 10:27

If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding social conduct and dietary practice. He delivers this directive while navigating a broader discussion on Christian freedom and idolatry.

The words — The Greek word ἀπίστων (apistōn) means "unbelieving" or "faithless," identifying the host. The verb καλεῖ (kalei) translates to "invites," denoting a direct summons to a meal.

The thread — This command aligns with the earlier instruction to purchase meat from the market without inquiry (1 Corinthians 10:25). It also reflects the principle of accepting hospitality without scrutiny, as taught in Luke 10:7.

Why it lands — The text commands believers to accept meals from unbelievers and eat the food presented without investigating its origins. It requires exercising liberty while avoiding unnecessary conscience conflicts, except when a host explicitly warns that the food was offered to idols.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 10:25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,
Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
Luke 5:29 Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them.
Luke 15:23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
Luke 19:7 And all who saw this began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!”
2 Corinthians 1:13 For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely,
2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.