Now concerning eating food offered to idols: We know that no idol is real in this world and that there is only one God.

For if any one were to see you, who know the real truth of this matter, reclining at table in an idol's temple, would not his conscience (supposing him to be a weak believer)

Do I mean that a thing sacrificed to an idol is what it claims to be, or that an idol is a real thing?

I would like for all of you to speak in ecstasy, but I would rather that you prophesy. The man who speaks with real prophetic insight renders greater service than the man who speaks in ecstasy, unless the latter explains it, so the congregation may receive an uplift.

However, not every person knows this [truth]. For some people have been so used to an idol all this time that they still think of the idol [as a reality] when eating food that has been sacrificed to it. And their weak conscience becomes polluted. [Note: These people cannot seem to shake off the idea that somehow the idol is real, so feel guilty of wrongdoing when eating food sacrificed to it].

This is my defense to those who would put me on trial and interrogate me [concerning my authority as an apostle]:

Indeed, there must be actual parties among you, for so only will the men of real worth become known.