The discussion to this point has highlighted two principles, which Paul now summarizes. Paul has labored thus far to show that Christian freedom is not absolute. It must be qualified through the exclusion of any attitude or action that is not “beneficial” to the development of the individual (10:1–23), or not “constructive” with respect to the growth of the community (8:1–13). Moreover, the two are tied together, because the goal for the Christian is to seek not simply one’s own good but also the “good of others” (10:24; Phil. 2:4).

Abruptly Paul turns to those who have gone to the opposite extreme and placed more restrictions than necessary on their freedom of conscience and behavior. They should “eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience” that are unn…