⁸ But food does not bring us near to God;^(A) we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

⁹ Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block^(B) to the weak.^{(C) 10} For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?^{(D) 11} So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed^(E) by your knowledge. ¹² When you sin against them^(F) in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.^{(G) 13} Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.^(H)

Paul’s Rights as an Apostle

9 Am I not free?^(I) Am I not an apostle?^(J) Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?^(K) Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?^{(L) 2} Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal^(M) of my apostleship in the Lord.