Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

One of the subjects that the Corinthians had questioned Paul about was food sacrificed to idols. This was a concern that lay upon their hearts and they sought Paul for an answer. At first, it may seem an issue remote from us today but for some Christians in parts of the Far East it still remains a matter of concern.

The principles Paul applies, however, are relevant to other issues we do face, even in this day and age, no matter where one lives. Once again he lifts the debate to the highest level by showing the relevance of our Lord Jesus Christ’s death in resolving moral and spiritual issues (see verse 11).

Everyday shopping presented problems to first-century Christians

Meat sold in a Gentile market in Corinth could have been first used as sacrificial meat in a heathen temple (Acts 15:29). Part would have been burned on an altar, part eaten at a solemn meal in the temple, and the remainder sold in the market for home consumption. Some who had once believed in the gods to whom these sacrificial offerings were made now found themselves uncomfortable eating meat offered in this way because they felt it to be a denial of their Christian faith and the knowledge that there is only one true God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Others, however, recognized “that an idol is nothing in the world,” and that what might have happened in a heathen temple before the meat was put on sale was a matter of indifference. While their conclusion was right, some had become proud of what they felt was their superior knowledge and attitude in this matter.

Paul’s argument has three principal parts

The first is having the right approach to this problem, just as this attitude should apply to other circumstances, it is not simply knowledge but knowledge and love. Pride in their own knowledge seems to have been a problem within the Corinthian church (compare 1 Corinthians 4:6, 18; 5:2 and 13:4 where the same verb is used). Later, in chapter 13 Paul underlines the truth that love is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4). Here he points to the danger of being too dogmatic and self-assured about the things that we think we “know.”

“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies [builds up].” True knowledge humbles us because it helps us to realize how little we know. Christian love is always constructive. It aims to encourage others in their faith and is something God particularly takes notice of in the lives of His children.

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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