I Corinthians 8: Knowledge, Love, and Consideration for Others
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
But to us 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.
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
I Corinthians 8 delves into a complex issue facing the early church in Corinth: the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. This chapter isn't just about food; it's about knowledge, love, Christian freedom, and the responsibility we have towards one another within the body of Christ. Understanding the cultural context is key to grasping the nuances of Paul's message.
The Corinthian Context: Idols and Daily Life
Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city steeped in Greco-Roman culture. Idol worship was pervasive, woven into the fabric of daily life. Temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses were common, and offering sacrifices was a routine practice. Banquets and celebrations, whether for birthdays, business gatherings, weddings, or funerals, were often held in these temples. Refusing to participate in these events could lead to social isolation for Christians and Jews.
Food offered to idols was not only consumed within the temples but also sold in the marketplace. This raised a significant question for believers, many of whom had previously participated in idol worship: Was it permissible to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols? What if it was served at a dinner party? What if they were unaware of its origin?
Knowledge vs. Love (8:1-3)
Paul begins by addressing the Corinthians' claim to knowledge regarding idols (8:1). He acknowledges their understanding that idols are, in reality, nothing more than wood and stone. They rightly perceived that there is only one true God. However, Paul cautions against prioritizing knowledge over love. He states, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (I Corinthians 8:1).
Knowledge without love can lead to pride and arrogance. It can create a sense of superiority that hinders genuine connection and understanding. True spiritual maturity isn't just about possessing information; it's about using that information to compassionately, righteously, and responsibly seek the well-being of others. As Tony Evans puts it, biblical love is a conscious decision to act in the best interests of another person.
Paul further emphasizes this point by stating that anyone who thinks they know something does not yet know as they ought to know (8:2). True understanding comes through a relationship with God, being known by Him (8:3). When knowledge is coupled with love, it becomes a powerful instrument for ministry and a reflection of God's character.
The Reality of God and the Nothingness of Idols (8:4-6)
Paul affirms the fundamental truth that idols are nothing because there is only one God (8:4). While the Greeks and Romans revered numerous "gods" and "lords," Christians recognize one God, the Father, the source of all things, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created (8:5-6). This understanding is crucial.
However, Paul doesn't stop at theological correctness. He transitions to the practical implications of this knowledge for their interactions with fellow believers.
The Weak Conscience (8:7-11)
Paul acknowledges that not all believers possess the same level of understanding regarding idols (8:7). Some new converts, deeply ingrained in idol worship before their conversion, struggle to fully grasp that these idols are powerless. For them, eating food sacrificed to idols could defile their conscience, causing them to stumble spiritually.
Even though food itself doesn't bring us closer to God (8:8), the issue isn't about the food. It's about the potential harm caused to fellow Christians by engaging in practices that are a stumbling block to them (8:9). The Corinthians, confident in their knowledge, might have been inadvertently encouraging believers with weaker consciences to participate in something they felt was wrong.
If a believer with a weak conscience is emboldened to eat food sacrificed to idols because they see someone with a stronger conscience doing so, that person might experience spiritual harm. They violate their conscience, and violating one's conscience is sin (Romans 14:23). In doing so, the "stronger" believer contributes to the spiritual ruin of a brother or sister for whom Christ died (8:10-11).
Sinning Against Christ (8:12-13)
Paul takes the matter a step further, asserting that causing a weaker brother or sister to stumble is not only a sin against them but also a sin against Christ (8:12). Just as Jesus identifies with his followers, harming them is equivalent to harming Him (see Acts 9:3-5).
Therefore, Paul declares that if eating meat sacrificed to idols causes another believer to stumble, he would never eat meat again (8:13). This is a powerful statement of prioritizing love and the well-being of others above personal freedom.
Practical Application: Prioritizing Love
I Corinthians 8 teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of prioritizing love and consideration for others. Our freedom in Christ should never be exercised in a way that harms or hinders the spiritual growth of fellow believers. We must be sensitive to those who are still growing in their faith, avoiding actions that could cause them to stumble.
This principle extends beyond the specific issue of food sacrificed to idols. It applies to all areas of our lives where our actions might impact others. Are we willing to subordinate our freedom to love? Are we using our knowledge to build up or tear down? Are we helping others on their journey to know, love, and obey God?
Let us strive to use our knowledge with love, always seeking to strengthen and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us be mindful of the impact our actions have on others, choosing to prioritize their spiritual well-being above our own desires. In doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ and build up the body of Christ.
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
But to us 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.
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
I Corinthians 8 delves into a complex issue facing the early church in Corinth: the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. This chapter isn't just about food; it's about knowledge, love, Christian freedom, and the responsibility we have towards one another within the body of Christ. Understanding the cultural context is key to grasping the nuances of Paul's message.
The Corinthian Context: Idols and Daily Life
Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city steeped in Greco-Roman culture. Idol worship was pervasive, woven into the fabric of daily life. Temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses were common, and offering sacrifices was a routine practice. Banquets and celebrations, whether for birthdays, business gatherings, weddings, or funerals, were often held in these temples. Refusing to participate in these events could lead to social isolation for Christians and Jews.
Food offered to idols was not only consumed within the temples but also sold in the marketplace. This raised a significant question for believers, many of whom had previously participated in idol worship: Was it permissible to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols? What if it was served at a dinner party? What if they were unaware of its origin?
Knowledge vs. Love (8:1-3)
Paul begins by addressing the Corinthians' claim to knowledge regarding idols (8:1). He acknowledges their understanding that idols are, in reality, nothing more than wood and stone. They rightly perceived that there is only one true God. However, Paul cautions against prioritizing knowledge over love. He states, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (I Corinthians 8:1).
Knowledge without love can lead to pride and arrogance. It can create a sense of superiority that hinders genuine connection and understanding. True spiritual maturity isn't just about possessing information; it's about using that information to compassionately, righteously, and responsibly seek the well-being of others. As Tony Evans puts it, biblical love is a conscious decision to act in the best interests of another person.
Paul further emphasizes this point by stating that anyone who thinks they know something does not yet know as they ought to know (8:2). True understanding comes through a relationship with God, being known by Him (8:3). When knowledge is coupled with love, it becomes a powerful instrument for ministry and a reflection of God's character.
The Reality of God and the Nothingness of Idols (8:4-6)
Paul affirms the fundamental truth that idols are nothing because there is only one God (8:4). While the Greeks and Romans revered numerous "gods" and "lords," Christians recognize one God, the Father, the source of all things, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created (8:5-6). This understanding is crucial.
However, Paul doesn't stop at theological correctness. He transitions to the practical implications of this knowledge for their interactions with fellow believers.
The Weak Conscience (8:7-11)
Paul acknowledges that not all believers possess the same level of understanding regarding idols (8:7). Some new converts, deeply ingrained in idol worship before their conversion, struggle to fully grasp that these idols are powerless. For them, eating food sacrificed to idols could defile their conscience, causing them to stumble spiritually.
Even though food itself doesn't bring us closer to God (8:8), the issue isn't about the food. It's about the potential harm caused to fellow Christians by engaging in practices that are a stumbling block to them (8:9). The Corinthians, confident in their knowledge, might have been inadvertently encouraging believers with weaker consciences to participate in something they felt was wrong.
If a believer with a weak conscience is emboldened to eat food sacrificed to idols because they see someone with a stronger conscience doing so, that person might experience spiritual harm. They violate their conscience, and violating one's conscience is sin (Romans 14:23). In doing so, the "stronger" believer contributes to the spiritual ruin of a brother or sister for whom Christ died (8:10-11).
Sinning Against Christ (8:12-13)
Paul takes the matter a step further, asserting that causing a weaker brother or sister to stumble is not only a sin against them but also a sin against Christ (8:12). Just as Jesus identifies with his followers, harming them is equivalent to harming Him (see Acts 9:3-5).
Therefore, Paul declares that if eating meat sacrificed to idols causes another believer to stumble, he would never eat meat again (8:13). This is a powerful statement of prioritizing love and the well-being of others above personal freedom.
Practical Application: Prioritizing Love
I Corinthians 8 teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of prioritizing love and consideration for others. Our freedom in Christ should never be exercised in a way that harms or hinders the spiritual growth of fellow believers. We must be sensitive to those who are still growing in their faith, avoiding actions that could cause them to stumble.
This principle extends beyond the specific issue of food sacrificed to idols. It applies to all areas of our lives where our actions might impact others. Are we willing to subordinate our freedom to love? Are we using our knowledge to build up or tear down? Are we helping others on their journey to know, love, and obey God?
Let us strive to use our knowledge with love, always seeking to strengthen and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us be mindful of the impact our actions have on others, choosing to prioritize their spiritual well-being above our own desires. In doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ and build up the body of Christ.