1 Corinthians 9 - Introduction

Proper Use Of Christian Liberty First Corinthians Nine

The matters under discussion in First Corinthians chapter nine are a continuation of the principles governing the eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Some brethren at Corinth thought it was wrong to eat meat sacrificed to idols while others believed that it was perfectly acceptable with God to do so. Some were certain that the meat offered to idols was somehow contaminated by the pagan gods. Others believed that the meat was not contaminated at all because an idol is nothing. They knew that there was only one true and living God. These brethren had become so proud of their knowledge that they were very unloving in action toward the weaker brethren.

Paul was certain that the strong brother had the freedom or right to eat the meat. He was just as certain that the knowledgeable brother must practice love and abstain from anything that would cause a weak brother to stumble. Christian liberty cannot provide a reason to act unloving. Paul used himself as an example of this principle. As an apostle he had certain rights. However, out of humility he often gave up those rights in order to help the weak. This principle would help win both Jews and Gentiles or those on all spiritual levels.