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This hearkens back to verse 1, where Paul quotes the Corinthian Christians as saying, we all have knowledge. The knowledge that they claimed was that there is no objective reality behind the idols to whom people are making sacrificesand so there is no religious significance to meat that has been sacrificed to idols. 1 Corinthians 8 Commentary | Precept Austin 2 Corinthians 12:1-13 12:1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not beneficial; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. Love seeks the welfare and the . 5For though there are things that are called gods, whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many gods and many lords; 6yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we live through him. This principle applies in any number of scenarios where faithful followers of Christ might otherwise disagree: on consuming alcohol, on the use of profanity, on styles of clothing, and other personal choices. You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block (Hebrew: miskol) before the blind; but you shall fear your God. The word "commendeth" parastsi . Given that not all believers possess this knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:7), Paul observes that what can be a liberating force for some has the power to destroy others (8:11). we know that we all have knowledge; said either affirmatively and seriously; and the meaning is, that the apostles and other Christians knew, and were conscious to themselves of their light and knowledge, and were assured, and might affirm with confidence, that they all, or the most part, only some few excepted, see 1 Corinthians 8:7 had the same knowledge of Christian liberty as they had; knew that an idol was nothing, and that eating meats offered to them could not defile, or do them any hurt; for they were very sensible there was nothing common or unclean of itself, and yet did not think fit to make use of their knowledge to the grieving and wounding of their fellow Christians: or else this is said ironically, we are wise folks; you particularly are men of knowledge, and wisdom will die with you; you know that you know; you are very knowing in your own conceits, and very positive as to your knowledge. 1 Corinthians 8 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the The word edify has now only a moral significance. edifiethtends to build up the spiritual temple (1Co 3:9; 6:19).1 Corinthians 8:1-3 The preference of charity to knowledge.1 Corinthians 8:4-6 An idol is nothing in the esteem of those who haveright notions of one God, and of one Lord JesusChrist.1 Corinthians 8:7-13 But it is sin in those, who by an indiscreetuse of their knowledge, in eating meatsoffered to idols, tempt weaker consciences to offend. (1-3) The principles of love and knowledge. Help My Unbelief!" sacram. The apostle proceedeth to a new argument, about which the Corinthians had wrote to him, viz. I wont get drunk. 1 Corinthians 8:1. Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content 1 Corinthians 8 King James Version 8 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Rather, in verse 11, Paul notes the potential of this knowledge to destroy others rather than to build them up in love. Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. . 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. His assumption that he knows the facts makes him unwilling to learn anything further. Gifts (such as knowledge) need to be used in service to others. That troubles me. ( 1 Corinthians 8:1-3) The principles of love and knowledge. Food Offered to Idols. These pretenders to uncommon wisdom had given rise to their factions, disputes, and parties, (see 1 Corinthians 1; 2; 3); and Paul now reminds them that it was not safe to rely on such a guide. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. Christians do not have authority to live in such a way that their example might endanger otherseven though their actions might otherwise be legitimate. For Paul, the Christ believers are first and foremost involved in a community. 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Christian Liberty: Use and Abuse. Paul takes on this topic by starting with where the Corinthians are at in their thinking as they consider eating meat that has previously been sacrificed to pagan idols. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. If these Corinthian Christians will do that, they will both give and receive a blessing. Quite the contrary in fact. In such a case, Paul would call the stronger person to consider the vulnerability of the weaker person and to defer to the weaker persons sensibilities. This interconnectedness is precisely the ultimate criterion for Paul. Later in this letter, Paul will say, What am I saying then? In chapter 9, he tells how he has done that. The argument used by those who asked St. Pauls advice was evidently that the Christians have knowledge enough to feel that an idol is nothing, and that, therefore. Paul deals with this issue in his letter to the Romans (chapters 14-15). As touching things offered unto idols This was another subject on which the Corinthians had asked the apostle's advice, and we shall understand the whole of this chapter the better when we consider one fact, viz. Some scholars believe that, in chapter 10, Pauls concern has to do only with Christians eating food sacrificed to idols within the temple precincts, where it would be especially easy for people to misinterpret their actions as idol-worship. The key to the Christian life is loving God. There were others at Corinth, however, who felt some scruples upon the subject. But some, with consciousness of the idol until now, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. While those idols might not have been gods objectively, they did possess a demonic power to enslave. Given a choice between knowledge and love, we would do far better to choose love. Rather you have to modify your own behavior in order to protect them and to make sure that they are not offended by your own behavior. Being a good parent meant being always on the alert. I am reminded of the lengths to which my wife and I went to protect our children when they were young. (a) This general word is to be abridged as 1Co 8:7 appears, for there is a type of taunt in it, as we may perceive by 1Co 8:2. 1 Corinthians 8:1-21 (New International Version) Food Sacrificed To Idols. An EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. Second, these Christians are brothers (and sisters)people whom we should love. There were two dimensions to the problem for Christians. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Love thus understood underlies the principle that Paul repeats in 1 Corinthians 10:23 and that he has already mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:12: all things are permitted, but not all things are beneficial. 1 Corinthians - Free Bible Commentary in easy English Here a parenthesis begins; and the main subject is resumed in the same words, 1Co 8:4. about the eating of meat offered to idols. Regarding food offered to idols, believers had the "knowledge" that idols were powerless, lifeless representations. Possessed by the Holy Spirit, fresh from successfully confronting Satan in the wilderness, preaching the reign of God, and now in the company of at least four followers, its time for Jesus public ministry to gather momentum. Chapter 9 is sufficiently different that some scholars consider it to have been inserted after-the-fact. He implies that these Corinthian Christians should follow his example. In any event, applying Pauls principle of love requires that we be alert and sensitive to those who might be led astray by our behavior. Matthew Henry :: Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8. Mere knowledge, or science, when the heart is not right, fills with pride; swells a man with vain self-confidence and reliance in his own powers, and very often leads him entirely astray. Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbors good (10:23-24. In Corinth, much of the meat available for human consumption had been sacrificed to idols. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. Typically, part of the meat was burned on the altar, part was reserved for the priests, part was consumed by the people making the sacrifices, and the rest was available for sale. (See 1Corinthians 12:19; 1Corinthians 14:3; 1Corinthians 14:5; 1Corinthians 14:12; 1Corinthians 14:17; Ephesians 4:12-16; 1Thessalonians 5:11.) However, Paul does not establish this knowledge as something that is the ultimate criterion to decide how to behave. For though there are things that are called gods, whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many gods and many lords (v. 5). Back to Matthew Henry's Bio & Resources. If any man think he knoweth any thing aright, Now, as respects meat offered to idols, we know that, , , the specific knowledge of how the form and the power of idolatry stand related to each other, properly speaking, all Christians as such, of the way in which flesh offered to idols should be regarded. Much of 1 Corinthians 8 might be summarized as an argument for the priority of love over the pursuit of knowledge. (1) Now as touching things offered unto idols.A new subject is here introduced, and occupies the whole of this chapter. Love in this context is of course not a romantic feeling, but it is also not some sweet, affectionate type of feeling. 1 CORINTHIANS 8 COMMENTARY (PULPIT) - King James Bible Online Paul concludes this chapter by stating the principle that he personally observes to insure that no one is injured by his actions. In Corinth and other cities meat was offered for sale which had been used for sacrificial purposes in the heathen temples, having been sold to the dealers by the priests, who received a large share of the sacrifices for themselves, or by the individuals who offered them, and had more remaining of their own share than they could use themselves. What Does "I Believe! of One possibility is that they might decide that it is permissible to eat meat sacrificed to idolsand might do so even though they think of the meat as having spiritual significance. (b) Gives occasion of vanity and pride, because it is void of charity. Eating meat within the temple precincts could be a particular problem, because neophyte Christians seeing more sophisticated Christians eating meat at a temple would almost certainly conclude that the sophisticated Christians were engaged in idol-worship (8:10). Join PLUS Login . Submitted by admin on Tue, 2009-07-21 13:12. "Edifying" is to please one's neighbor; Knowledge only says, All things are lawful for me; Love adds, But all things do not edify [Bengel], (1Co 10:23; Ro 14:15). They are talking about themselves. He doesnt need a rule book to restrict him. That there had long subsisted a controversy between the Karaites and the Traditionites, how far it was lawful to derive any benefit . If love to them would prompt to this course, and permit you to partake of this food, it should be done; if not, if it would injure them, whatever mere knowledge would dictate, it should not be done." Pulpit Commentary. The apostle, in this chapter, answers another case proposed to him by some of the Corinthians, about eating those things that had been sacrificed to idols. Biblical Studies/New Testament Commentaries/1 Corinthians/Chapter 8 1 Corinthians 8 NIV - Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols - Bible Gateway We must remember that Corinth is a Greek city, and the Greeks prize philosophya word that is derived from two Greek words, philos (love) and sophos (wisdom). While we might believe that freedom of speech permits us to say whatever we feel like saying, James says, If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesnt bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this mans religion is worthless (James 1:26). 1 Corinthians 8:4-6. This is Pauls answer to the Corinthian statement, we all have knowledge. While knowledge in the service of others can be good, people who use their knowledge to establish their superiority over other people cannot expect to experience a good result. Of this meat offered to idols we have this account given us: Feasts upon sacrifices were very usual amongst the heathens; they first offered oxen, sheep, or other cattle to the idol; then the priest offered a part, burning it upon the idols altar; other part they restored to the offerers, or took it to themselves. As someone put it, The best substitute for being wise is being sixteen.. It is difficult to generalize, because the application of Pauls principle of love for the weaker person is so dependent on the immediate situationand who might be watchingand how our behavior might affect that person. While in Ephesus, three members of the Corinthian church (Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus) wrote Paul asking him questions on behalf of the congregation. But if anyone loves God, the same is known by him (v. 3). A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. The man who relies on his knowledge is heady, high-minded, obstinate, contentious, vexatious, perverse, opinionated; and most of the difficulties in the church arise from such people. See on 1 Corinthians 4:6. 8 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that "We all possess knowledge.". To this argument the apostle replies 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, that, although this might be true in itself, yet it might be the occasion of leading others into sin, and it would then become a matter of great importance in the sight of God, and should be in the sight of all true Christians. And it is so. Paul once again quotes what the Corinthian Christians have said to him, But food will not commend us to Godand their conclusion, For neither, if we dont eat, are we the worse; not, if we eat, are we the better.. Thus, love for the community, what is surmised under the word agape in Greek, is what should guide ones actions. While that verse requires Jewish people not to make sport of blind people by putting physical obstacles in their path, the word miskol is also used in the Old Testament to speak of spiritual obstacles (Isaiah 8:14; 57:14; Ezekiel 7:19; 14:3; 44:12; Jeremiah 6:21). 1 Corinthians 8 - Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Bible Should masks be required if meeting in person? 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 | Werner Bible Commentary That is not true. This is the fifth time Paul has used this word physioi in this letter (4:6, 18, 19; 5:2).