Meat Sacrificed to Idols

  • Series: Year Of The Message
  • by: David Crosby 10/26/08

None of us are literally dealing with this moral dilemma. We do not encounter the temptation to purchase discounted cuts of meat at the grocery store offered to idols of wood or stone.

This was a big deal for the early Christians living in Greek culture. It is mentioned in the Book of Acts, discussed in Romans 14, and is the subject of  considerable explanation for the Apostle Paul in the letter of First Corinthians. All in all, it may be the most perplexing ethical discussion in the early church--and this one which prompts the greatest discussion. While we do not encounter this particular problem, today's followers of Jesus experience many other moral quandries. The principles that are mentioned in Paul's discussion of questionable meat are all principles that we can apply in making our own choices today.

Every believer in Jesus should develop personal convictions about behavior based upon the teachings of God's Word. If you are struggling with questions of right and wrong, make sure that you are present to consider this ancient moral struggle and how the Holy Spirit led believers in their treatment of it. You are sure to find food for thought and food for your own soul.