1Cor 8 | MHM | STEP | On Things Offered to Idols. In this section, Paul answers questions about eating food that has been offered to idols. This was a common issue for Christians living among people who worshipped other gods. Sometimes, such food was served at feasts or sold in markets. Paul explains that while Christians know idols are not real gods, they must also think about how their actions affect other believers, especially those whose faith is weaker. v. 1 : Paul says, We know that we all have knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1 ). Some Christians thought that because they knew idols were nothing, they could eat food offered to idols without a problem. Paul warns that just having knowledge can make people proud, but charity edifieth —love builds up others. It is better to use our knowledge to help and care for others. Christians must remember to show love, not just prove how much they know.

‏ 1 Corinthians 8

On Things Offered to Idols.

In this section, Paul answers questions about eating food that has been offered to idols. This was a common issue for Christians living among people who worshipped other gods. Sometimes, such food was served at feasts or sold in markets. Paul explains that while Christians know idols are not real gods, they must also think about how their actions affect other believers, especially those whose faith is weaker.

v. 1: Paul says, We know that we all have knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1 ^a). Some Christians thought that because they knew idols were nothing, they could eat food offered to idols without a problem. Paul warns that just having knowledge can make people proud, but charity edifieth—love builds up others. It is better to use our knowledge to help and care for others. Christians must remember to show love, not just prove how much they know.

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On Eating Things Offered to Idols.

In this passage, Paul talks about eating food that was sacrificed to idols. He explains that idols have no real power or divinity, so they cannot change or corrupt the food God has made. Paul reminds Christians that there is only one true God. Even though people in Corinth saw many idols and so-called gods, believers must remember the truth about God and Jesus Christ.

v. 4: Paul says, We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one (1 Corinthians 8:4 ^b). Idols are not real gods. They are lies and have no real existence or power. Food offered to idols is still just food, because idols cannot change what God has made. Every creature of God is good, if it be received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4 ^c).

v. 5: Paul explains that many people are called "gods" and "lords," both in heaven and on earth. The heathens had many gods and lords, but these are only names. In reality, they are just made-up beings and have no true power or divinity.

v. 6: For Christians, there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (1 Corinthians 8:6 ^d). God the Father is the source of everything, and Jesus Christ is the one true Lord and Mediator. There are not many gods or many mediators. It is a great blessing for Christians to know the true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent (John 17:3 ^e).

On Eating Things Offered to Idols.

Here, Paul explains that not all Christians have the same understanding about idols and food offered to them. While some believers know that idols are nothing, others are still influenced by their old ways and might struggle with eating such food. Paul warns that mature Christians must be careful not to harm the faith of those who are weaker or less informed.

v. 7: Paul says, There is not in every man that knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:7 ^f). Some believers, because of their past, still feel respect for idols. When they eat food offered to idols, they do so with a troubled conscience, thinking they are doing wrong. Their conscience is weak and becomes defiled, because they are not fully convinced that idols are nothing.

v. 8: Paul explains that food does not make us closer or farther from God. Meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse (1 Corinthians 8:8 ^g). What we eat does not change our spiritual standing. God looks at our hearts, not at our food choices.

v. 9-10: Paul warns mature Christians to be careful with their freedom. He says, Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to them that are weak (1 Corinthians 8:9 ^h). If a weak Christian sees someone with “knowledge” eating in an idol’s temple, he might be encouraged to do the same, even though he is not sure it is right. This could lead him to sin against his own conscience and possibly fall back into old habits.

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v. 11-12: Paul reminds them that Christ died for these weak brothers and sisters. He asks, Through thy knowledge shall thy weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (1 Corinthians 8:11 ⁱ). Hurting a fellow believer’s faith is a serious matter. When you wound their conscience, you are sinning against Christ Himself. Christians should care deeply for each other, especially for those who are weak in faith (Isaiah 60:11 ^j).

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v. 13: Paul gives his own example. He says, If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend (1 Corinthians 8:13 ^k). Paul would rather give up his rights than cause another believer to stumble or fall into sin. He teaches that Christian love means being willing to limit our freedom for the good of others.