Note 16 at Rom. 14:21: A casual reading of Paul's instructions here might leave a person with the impression that Paul is only suggesting that we not offend the weak brother in this area. However, this is not the case.

The Jerusalem church had already issued a command to the Gentile Christians that they abstain from meat that had been offered to idols (Acts 15:20, 28-29). Paul agreed with this mandate and became one of the messengers who delivered this decree to the churches (Acts 15:25,30).

Paul also commented on this same subject in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10. In chapter eight Paul said, "But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ" (v. 12). That doesn't sound optional. He also gave a direct command in 1 Corinthians 10:28, not to eat meat sacrificed to idols for the sake of the weak brother.

However, the greatest proof that this abstinence from meat offered to idols was not optional are the comments of Jesus Himself. In Revelation 2:14 and 20, the Lord rebuked two churches for allowing people to teach in those churches that the people could eat meats sacrificed to idols.

Therefore, even though these scriptures do explain that the actual eating of meats sacrificed to idols is not wrong in itself, it does not give the believers the right to indulge. They are strictly to abstain because of the effect their actions would have upon the weaker Christian's conscience.