Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in
All Questions
Question 10
Early Christians offered two readings of “all things are lawful”: (a) “lawful” meaning “possible/in our power” under free will, yet unprofitable and possibly costing eternal life (Irenaeus/Origen), and (b) “lawful” meaning “permitted but not edifying,” with examples like appetite, wealth, and even immodest conduct (Chrysostom/Cyprian); which of these two emphases most exposes where your own “freedom” talk might be disguising slavery, and what specific practice would need to change if you truly believed “I will not be brought under the power of any”?
Another way to ask: Early Christians took “all things are lawful” in two ways: either “I’m free to choose, but it can still destroy me,” or “some things are allowed but still harmful,” like appetite, wealth, or immodesty. Which view most exposes where your talk of “freedom” might actually hide addiction, and what one habit would you need to change to not be controlled by it?

Direct Answer The transcript leans toward emphasis (b) as the most direct “slavery-exposing” reading, because Chrysostom applies it to everyday “indifferent” things—especially appetite—where a Christian may be technically free yet become mastered. If we took “I will not be brought under the power of any” seriously, we would identify where habits (food, wealth, attention-seeking) rule us and practice self-control so lawful things don’t become sinful bondage.

Support from Transcript:

  • View (a): Irenaeus says rejecting the gospel is “in his power…But it is not profitable,” and disobedience can “forfeit what is good,” bringing “injury and mischief.”
  • Origen: “it is lawful” can mean “it is possible…Those things which are in our power…are lawful for us.”
  • View (b): Chrysostom insists Paul is not talking about forbidden acts, but “things that seem to be indifferent,” like eating.
  • He warns: exceed the proper measure and “he is no longer its master, but its slave,” because “gluttony reigns.”
  • Cyprian applies it to behavior that draws desire: even if not explicitly forbidden, it is “not profitable” and one must “account to her Lord.”
Discussion Follow-ups David doesn’t list modern examples, but his principle fits many habits. What would be your clearest “appetite/wealth/attention” area where freedom has become power-over-you?

Jumpstarter 10 of 10
Back Questions Done