Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians

Chapter 8

To abstain from foods offered to idols, 1-7. We must not abuse our Christian liberty to the offense of our brothers, 8-10; but must bridle our knowledge with charity, 11-13.

1 Now as concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies. 2 And if any man thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man loves God, the same is known by him.

4 Therefore, as concerning the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no other God but one. 5 For though there are things that are called gods, whether in heaven or upon earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 Yet to us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we in him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 But that knowledge is not in every man. For some, with consciousness of the idol to this hour, eat it as a thing offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God. For neither are we the better if we eat, neither are we the worse if we do not eat. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours should become a stumbling-block to those who are weak. 10 For if any man sees you, who have knowledge, eating in the idol's temple, will the conscience of him who is weak not be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols? 11 And through your knowledge, shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother to fall into sin, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to fall into sin.

Commentary

Matthew Henry Commentary - 1st Corinthians, Chapter 8[➚]

Notes

Top