¹⁹ Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?^{(A) 20} No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons,^(B) not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.^{(C) 22} Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy?^(D) Are we stronger than he?^(E)

The Believer’s Freedom

²³ “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial.^(F) “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴ No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.^(G)

²⁵ Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,^{(H) 26} for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”^[a](I)

²⁷ If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you^(J) without raising questions of conscience. ²⁸ But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience.^{(K) 29} I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom^(L) being judged by another’s conscience? ³⁰ If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?^(M)

³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.^{(N) 32} Do not cause anyone to stumble,^(O) whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God^(P)— ³³ even as I try to please everyone in every way.^(Q) For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many,^(R) so that they may be saved.^(S)