Up to this point, the discussion has seemed to focus on sacrificial meat that is eaten at a temple (see 1 Corinthians 8:10; 1 Corinthians 10:21). Now Paul turns his attention to sacrificial meat that is encountered outside of the temple, whether in the marketplace (1 Corinthians 10:25–26) or at a private dinner (verses 1 Corinthians 10:27–30).

Paul begins this new part of the discussion by repeating the slogan that he had quoted in 1 Corinthians 6:1 – 12:31: All things are lawful. The Corinthians probably learned this slogan from Paul himself, in which case it would have referred to the believer’s freedom from the Mosaic ceremonial law.

The Corinthians were evidently applying this slogan to the question of sacrificial meat. If they were free from the Mosaic ceremonial law, why then did they still have to adhere to a dietary command? Paul’s response is in keeping with his main argument in 1 Corinthians 8:1 – 9:27. A believer should be concerned not with his own rights (what is lawful), but with what is helpful and upbuilding.