Paul once again addresses the topic of "food offered to idols." He quotes the Corinthians, who claim to possess knowledge. This knowledge likely refers to the fact that idols are not real and there is only one God, as mentioned in verse 4. However, Paul cautions the Corinthians that their knowledge is leading to pride. He argues that some are misusing their knowledge about food offered to idols. Instead, they should combine their knowledge with love and use it to edify others humbly. Christians should avoid using their "knowledge" in unloving ways.

Some Christians, possibly those who were formerly pagans and have recently converted, may view the food as being offered to a god due to their association of the food with idolatry. As a result, they defile their conscience because it is misinformed and overly sensitive. They hold a theological conviction that is incorrect - what one eats or does not eat does not inherently gain favor with God. This is what it means to have a weak conscience. Paul warns those who are correct in their theology regarding the issue of eating food offered to idols not to exercise their rights in a way that harms a fellow believer with a weak conscience on this matter. One could harm the weak person by unintentionally encouraging them to return to paganism. By assaulting their weak conscience, we sin against our brother or sister for whom Christ died. Consequently, we sin against Christ himself. If eating a particular meat could harm a fellow brother or sister in Christ, Paul is willing to give up eating meat so as not to harm them.

Paul poses four rhetorical questions that anticipate affirmative responses. As an apostle, Paul can exercise his rights (cf. 8:9), but he willingly relinquishes that liberty to edify his fellow believers. Paul defends his apostleship, acknowledging that while others may question his status as an apostle, the Corinthians, without a doubt, should not. The Corinthians have criticized Paul for refusing financial support from them, yet Paul has the right to receive his financial provisions from the churches he serves.

Paul supports his position with divine authority by referencing the principle found in Deuteronomy 25:4. Drawing from the context of the Old Testament; Paul applies the principle that the laborer deserves his wages (also cited in 1 Tim. 5:18). As one who has labored and toiled spiritually, Paul has a legitimate claim for the Corinthians to support him financially. However, Paul voluntarily chooses not to exercise this right, as he does not want to hinder the gospel's advancement.

Similarly, Old Testament priests who served in the temple and at the altar had the right to partake of the offerings (Deut. 18:1–5). Likewise, Paul, as a preacher of the gospel, has the right to earn his living solely from his preaching, as Jesus himself taught. Yet, Paul willingly chooses not to exercise this right, for he does not want to forfeit his opportunity to "boast" in a different way, namely, to "present the gospel free of charge." By limiting the exercise of his rights as a gospel preacher, Paul demonstrates his wholehearted commitment to proclaiming the gospel.

Paul presents the gospel without charge, strategically positioning himself as a servant to reach more people for Christ. True servanthood is only possible for someone who is genuinely free. Paul exemplifies a model missionary who adapts to different cultural contexts to spread the gospel's message effectively. Christian liberty, according to Paul, is not about doing whatever one pleases but rather being willing to adjust for the sake of the gospel. Paul provides three examples of people he accommodates strategically: Jews, Gentiles, and the weak. A genuine Christian is defined by their perseverance, closely connected to their ministry. In other words, Paul does everything for the gospel's sake so that he may also partake in its blessings.

Paul starts with a sports metaphor, comparing the race where only one person wins. Olympic athletes were known for their self-discipline in matters of sex and diet, which Paul addresses in this section. He urges the Corinthians to practice self-control in these areas, motivated to win the race for the gospel and attain eternal life with God rather than being disqualified. While the wreath is perishable, the eternal reward is imperishable. Paul runs the spiritual race with a clear objective. The metaphor then shifts to boxing, where Paul fights skillfully. It's important to note that Paul is not competing against fellow Christians but against his own body and its immoral desires, which he must not let control him. Paul exercises self-discipline and brings his body into submission for useful service. This is not physical torture for spiritual growth but rather an athletic metaphor to train and avoid being disqualified from the race or boxing match. He exercises self-control to prevent apostasy and disqualification from inheriting the kingdom of God.