Expediency

How Nave’s arranged it

• General scriptures concerningRomans 14:14–221 Corinthians 6:121 Corinthians 8:8–131 Corinthians 9:19–231 Corinthians 10:23–33
• See Evil, Appearance of, to Be Avoided
• See Prudence

The passages, in Bible order (5)

The same references, sorted Genesis to Revelation. The first 5 are quoted in full; the rest are one click beneath them, book by book.

1. Romans 14:14–22

   I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

   ›Commentary on Romans 14:14–222 voices

   “I am assured by the Lord Jesus - Perhaps by a particular Revelation. That there is nothing - Neither flesh nor herbs. Unclean of itself - Unlawful under the gospel.

   “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus - After reasoning so long and so much with these contending parties on the subject of their mutual misunderstandings, without attempting to give any opinion, but merely to show them the folly and uncharitableness of their conduct, he now expresses himself fully, and tells them that nothing is unclean of itself, and that he has the inspiration and authority of Jesus Christ to say so; for to such an inspiration he must refer in such words as, I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus.

   Everything gathered on Romans 14:14–22→

   Verse page →Original language →

2. 1 Corinthians 6:12

   “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.

   ›Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:122 voices

   “All things are lawful unto me--These, which were Paul's own words on a former occasion (to the Corinthians, compare 1Co 10:23, and Ga 5:23), were made a pretext for excusing the eating of meats offered to idols, and so of what was generally connected with idolatry (Ac 15:29), "fornication" (perhaps in the letter of the Corinthians to Paul, 1Co 7:1).

   “All things - Which are lawful for you. Are lawful for me, but all things are not always expedient - Particularly when anything would offend my weak brother; or when it would enslave my own soul.

   Everything gathered on 1 Corinthians 6:12→

   Verse page →Original language →

3. 1 Corinthians 8:8–13

   But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

   ›Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:8–131 voice

   “Other old manuscripts read, "Neither if we do not eat, are we the better: neither if we eat are we the worse": the language of the eaters who justified their eating thus [LACHMANN]. In English Version Paul admits that "meat neither presents [so the Greek for 'commendeth'] us as commended nor as disapproved before God": it does not affect our standing before God (Ro 14:6).

   Everything gathered on 1 Corinthians 8:8–13→

   Verse page →Original language →

4. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23

   Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

   ›Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:19–232 voices

   “I made myself the servant of all - I acted with as self-denying a regard to their interest, and as much caution not to offend them, as if I had been literally their servant or slave. Where is the preacher of the gospel who treads in the same steps?

   “For though I be free - I am a freeman. I am under obligation to none. I am not bound to. give them my labors, and at the same time to toil for my own support. I have claims like others, and could urge them; and no man could demand that I should give myself to a life of servitude, and comply with their prejudices and wishes, as if I were a “slave,” in order to their conversion; compare 1Co 9:1; see the notes at 1Co 6:12. From all men - (ἐκ πάντων ek pantōn).

   Everything gathered on 1 Corinthians 9:19–23→

   Verse page →Original language →

5. 1 Corinthians 10:23–33

   “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.

   ›Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23–332 voices

   “All things are lawful for me, &c.--Recurring to the Corinthian plea (1Co 6:12), he repeats his qualification of it. The oldest manuscripts omit both times "for me." edify not--tend not to build up the spiritual temple, the Church, in faith and love.

   “All things are lawful for me,.... All sorts of food are lawful to be eaten, every creature of God is good, there is nothing common or unclean in itself, polluted or polluting; and so things offered to idols may be lawfully eaten, but not as such, or in an idol's temple, or before a weak brother; to do which is contrary to the honour of God, and the edification of the saints: and therefore all things are not expedient; to be done always, and in all places, and before all persons.

   Everything gathered on 1 Corinthians 10:23–33→

   Verse page →Original language →