What does 1 Corinthians 8:12 mean?
Paul has been building a case for those in Corinth challenging his teaching that they should restrict themselves from eating food they know has been offered to idols. His main objection to them exercising their freedom to eat idol food is that some among them cannot eat food offered to idols with a clear conscience. They simply are not convinced that the idols they once worshiped do not in any way exist (1 Corinthians 8:1–8).Paul's concern is that if those with stronger consciences eat the food, in view of those with weaker consciences, those who are weaker may decide to eat anyway, and sin against their consciences (Romans 14:23). This is referred to as a "stumbling block," implying that the careless use of one's Christian freedom can tempt less-knowledgeable believers to act without full assurance of faith.
As such, Paul declares that those who carelessly eat—even though the meat is not itself sinful—will be guilty of sin, as well. Specifically, he says they will be guilty of sinning against their brothers and sinning against Christ, who died to save those weaker brothers.
