Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Leaving the subject of the marriage relationship behind, the apostle addresses another concern evidently written to him (1 Cor 7:1). These believers were asking something concerning what happened to the things that were offered to idols and Paul first reminds these saints that we all have knowledge through experience. Any time I see the word "know" or "knowledge" I look to the Greek to fully understand what kind, as there are two main words translated as "know" in the Greek that we may miss the meaning in the English. Here are the Greek words for "know" in this verse:
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know (eido) that we all have knowledge (ginosko). Knowledge (ginosko) puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Why make a big deal of this? Because the meaning of eido is the intuitive knowledge or something understood. Ginosko represents understanding gained through experience. Paul is laying out the foundation of his point to address concerning things offered to idols by saying everyone understands we all have experiences. These experiences can lead to egotistical behavior, but sacrificial love will build up another.
Perhaps we're familiar with the childish behavior of comparison that goes something like this:
Child A: "Look what I did!"
Child B: "Oh yeah? Well look what I did!"
Child A: "Yeah? Well, I did..."
And it continues. I hope the point is clear, because although we grow up, adults still do this to some extent. The focus is on the self and the achievement. Paul makes the contrast with charity (Greek agape). Charity focuses on someone else. Charity is a willful sacrifice of the self for the betterment of another. Having this basic concept, he will move on with his point.
1 Corinthians 8:2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
This is a serious challenge. I think this points to worldly knowledge or experiential knowledge comparing to spiritual knowledge. Why? Because the question is spiritual in nature, asking about things offered to idols. We may not know the exact question, but the saints at Corinth probably experienced pagan idolatry on a daily basis. Being a 2-port city and not too far from Athens, there would be a large diversity of people coming and going. Corinth would contain all sorts of religions, idolatry, and immorality, but remember the saints of Corinth had been changed from all this (1 Cor 6:9-11). Now that they know the truth in Jesus Christ, they are curious of those idolatrous things.
Here we see Paul challenge them that if they think to have known (ginosko - perfect tense) anything, they really haven't known (ginosko - Aorist tense) anything as they should have known (ginosko - Aorist infinitive). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Prov 1:7). This challenge applies to both the saints in Corinth and those they are questioning who are sacrificing things to idols. For saints, we should strive to understand the truth from the word of God (Prov 4:7). Those are the things we ought to know. If saints are caught up in that childish bantering as previously written in verse 1, then we can be accused thinking we know, but knowing nothing as we ought to know. That sort of behavior causes division and strife, something that was reported of in the Corinthian church (1 Cor 1:10-17, 3:3-4, 11:18-19). The word of God is spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:14), so if believers are carnal, they are missing out on knowledge.
For those that don't believe, they cannot know the truth as they ought to. They are still "in the flesh" and dead in trespasses and sins (Rom 7, Eph 2:1-3, Gal 5:16-26). They can only do things that are dishonorable to God (Rom 1:18-32, 6:12-13, 16-22). God's will, though, is that all mankind comes to be saved and know the truth accurately (1 Tim 2:4). As such, those that believe should be diligent to know the truth (2 Tim 2:15) and share it (2 Cor 5:17-6:2).
1 Corinthians 8:3
But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
Again, the contrast is being drawn between experiential knowledge and the selfless act of love, going back to verse 1. Knowledge can lead to selfishness, but love will lead to selflessness. Now, if (Greek ei, assumed as fact) anyone loves God the way He loved us, that "agape" love of God, then that person is known (ginosko) of (Greek hupo, under) Him. In other words, one that sacrifices the self to God, meaning admits they are a sinner and trust that only God can save them through the shed blood of Christ, they now belong "in Christ". God knows those that are His (2 Tim 2:19 - "know" in this verse is ginosko)).
The challenge then to us that have put our faith and trust in the blood of Christ as our atonement for sin is are we showing our agape love of God? Are we not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Rom 1:16)? Do we feel like we owe the world to give them this message of reconciliation (Rom 1:14)? Do we trust God at His word and not use our own interpretation, or impose our own doctrine in it (2 Tim 3:16-4:5)? Let those that believe be of one mind, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and that there is one body (in this age, the Body of Christ, cf Gal 3:28), and one Spirit (God's Holy Spirit), even as ye are called in one hope of your calling (those in the Body of Christ expect the blessed hope of 1 Thess 4:13-18, Titus 2:13, etc.), One Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith (God is real and true, and we trust in His word that the shed blood of Christ is the atonement of our sin, cf Rom 1:16, 2:16, 3:21-26. 4:5, 5:1, 6-11, etc.), one baptism (For this age it is spiritual, cf 1 Cor 12:13), One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Eph 4:3-6).
1 Corinthians 8:4
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.
Having explained the importance of God and the position of the believer, now we see directly from the apostle that we know (Greek eido) an idol is nothing. It is no god, it has no power, it cannot help in any way (Jer 2:26-28). Those that believe in God and understand that the preaching of the cross is today's gospel understand that an idol isn't anything. There is only one God, and He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sin on the cross of Calvary. He is the only true God.
1 Corinthians 8:5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
Some would look to this verse and claim there is contradiction in the bible. Verse 4 just said that "there is none other God but one," so how can there be "gods many?" So many questions like this can be answered if one simply take a moment and examine what the text is saying. The first part of this verse says that there are things called gods in heaven and earth. The Greek word for "called" is from the root lego, which means to say or speak. People say there are many gods and lords.
In times past, rulers were called gods. Many rulers thought they were gods, like the ancient Egyptians or Romans. There are many things called gods and lords as the one true God says here in this verse. However, the one true God tells us that these gods are nothing in the world and that there is only one divine God. Remember the immediate context in verse 1. Paul is explaining what idols and sacrifices to idols mean to the believer. Even though this world makes claims to many gods and lords, there is one true God and one true Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 8:6
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.
Our God is the God of the bible. He is the Creator of Heaven and Earth and owns everything in them (1 Chron 29:11, Psalm 89:11, Acts 14:11-15, Col 1:15-19). God created all things, and we were made out of Him into Him. That might look strange at first, but that's what the Greek has. Of (Greek ek, out of) whom are all things, and we in (Greek eis) him. God created us, giving us the breath of life. Man is the image and glory of God (1 Cor 11:7, cf Gen 1:26-27, 2:7). Therefore, we came out of Him and are into Him, bring the glory to Him He deserves.
Note well that here is a verse that shows Jesus Christ as the Creator. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, all things came to be, including mankind. Colossians 1:15-18 says just about the same thing. Don't let the word "firstborn" in Col 1:15 throw you into thinking that Jesus Christ is a created being. That word in the Greek, prototokos, has the idea of preeminence, which is the context of those verses (cf Rev 1:5 - first begotten). God has the preeminence in all things. He is above all and worthy of worship and praise. Isn't it a marvel that this same God takes care of the minutest details in each of our lives? Or that He cares so much about a rebellious people to go to the cross in the likeness of sinful flesh to make a way back to Him simple and achievable by anyone (Acts 16:31, Rom 5:8, 2 Cor 5:21, Eph 2:8-9, Phil 2:5-8)? Praise the Lord for His amazing grace!
1 Corinthians 8:7
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.
Every man (Greek pas, meaning "all") does not have that knowledge (gnosis). Which knowledge? That there is one true God as described in the previous verse. How do they not have this knowledge through experience? Because they are holding the truth in unrighteousness even though it is evident that there is one true God (Rom 1:18-20). They haven't experienced God because they are keeping Him at arm's length. At the core, they believe they are their own god, succumbed to the lie of Genesis 3:4-5. Because of that, they then go through a series of steps:
- Romans 1:18-20 - Choice to not believe God despite evidence
- Romans 1:21 - No longer thankful for what God provides
- Romans 1:21 - Come up with reasoning to justify not believing God
- Romans 1:21 - Become calloused to that reasoning
- Romans 1:22 - Open rebellion against God
- Romans 1:23 - Replace God
- In these things they have established a doctrine of faith
- Romans 1:23-25 - Commitment to their doctrine
- Romans 1:24-25 - Perversion of God's creation to conform to their doctrine
- Romans 1:26-27 - Defamation of God's creation and self-destruction
- Romans 1:28 - Lost in their mind and in the trap of Satan (Eph 2:2, 2 Tim 2:26)
- Romans 1:29-32 - Living their doctrine to their own destruction
This is a sad state, but it covers the unbeliever no matter what religion they fall under. In the case being considered, Paul is saying that pagans sacrifice to an idol expecting that chunk of wood or stone to do something for them. These are described as having a weak conscience and through this action are defiled. God alone is to be worshiped. These people are in need of the truth to set them free, that Christ died on the cross for them to forgive all trespasses (Col 2:13).
Some may think that there aren't these kinds of pagans today. Oh, yes there are. In a recent news article, the people of Hawaii were leaving flowers for Pele, the goddess of fire. Here are two disturbing quotes:
"Many native Hawaiians believe that lava is the kinolau, or physical embodiment, of volcano goddess Pele. Poking lava with sticks and other objects is disrespectful."
"For some residents, that unpredictability is a reminder that Pele is in charge, not scientists."
This is just one example, but paganism is very much alive today. There is nothing new under the sun. So just as during Paul's day, we need to consider what is being said here and develop a heart for the lost. Believer, don't forget that someone who believes such things will not enter into the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-11). Let us then live in a way that points them to the one true God and the Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one in charge and desires these to be described as these Corinthians. Such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 8:8
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.
Food doesn't save from sin and death. Whether the believer eats or not, their status of salvation will not change. That is determined alone by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ as the one atonement for sin and death. As believers, we should know this and really take note of what God will tell us as a result of this knowledge in verse 9.
1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
What we do has an impact on those around us. Our testimony is a big deal to God and always has been. David, a man after God's heart has this testimony in 1 Kings 5:5
Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
He led a very good life, but had a major blemish in it. Despite that, God still used it to bring the Christ through that lineage in the person of Solomon and down to Jesus. Did that event cause some issues? Oh, yes it did. David's own sons rebelled against him in an awful way, just as God said in 2 Samuel 12:9-12
9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
This was fulfilled in Absalom (2 Sam 15, 16:22). David was noted as a man of war, so that he would not build the temple of God. God told him that Solomon would do so (2 Sam 7, 1 Chron 28:3-6).
Now, David was a man living under the Law, so what about us who are not under Law, but under grace (Rom 6:13)? Paul is writing to saints in the Body of Christ here in 1 Corinthians 8:9 that saints should not use their liberty to cause the weak to stumble. That word "liberty" is of the Greek root exousia, meaning authority. We are free, or have the authority, to do whatever we want as saints in Christ, however, some actions are better than others (1 Cor 6:12).
1 Corinthians 8:10
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;
Does it matter if believers eat food sacrificed to idols in terms of salvation from sin? No, because that depends only on faith in the shed blood of Christ. But what would that action to do someone who believed the idol was a god? Would it not bolster them in their thinking and they would continue in paganism? Of course it would. In taking part in that, the saint would become a stumbling block to the one with the weak conscience instead of shining the light on the truth of the good news in Jesus Christ.
Some may think that they don't get invited to "sit at meat in the idol's temple." Does this apply to us today? Absolutely! Friends and family members will invite believers to participate in things that would dishonor God. It may or may not involve food. We ought to stand true upon the word of God and live a good testimony for the sake of the ones with a weak conscience. It may seem confrontational at times, and definitely uncomfortable. But will we let things like discomfort move us from sharing the one message that brings everlasting life to someone we care about?
Also, consider the importance of testimony in this verse. It starts off with "if any man see thee which hast knowledge..." The subjunctive is used there to indicate possibility. We could render this, "if any man should see thee..." That implies that unbelievers are watching what believers are doing, which is very much the case yet today. The love of God through Christ should compel saints to live a godly life (2 Cor 5:14-20). The goodness of God should lead us to repentance of worldliness (Rom 2:4, Col 3:8-10). If believers live in worldliness, how will the unbeliever see the difference of Christ in us, that hope (expectation) of glory (Col 1:26-27)? How will they see the goodness of God to lead them to repentance? In living in worldly, temporal things, saints embolden the unbeliever to continue in unbelief and remain destined for a Christ-less eternity in the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:11-15). That thought should compel us all to share the gospel more boldly and at every opportunity God presents for us.
1 Corinthians 8:11
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
Once more, the unbeliever will be emboldened by the worldliness of the believer and continue in unbelief. Perish the thought! Because that would cause the weak brother to perish (Greek apollumi - fully destroy). Note well that God mentions that Christ died for this unbeliever. God desires to save this unbeliever sacrificing to idols (2 Cor 5:21, 1 Tim 2:4). What does this imply? That it's not God's choice for them to perish, but theirs. Man has a free will, and God does not pre-select people to be in Heaven or Hell (Lake of Fire) as some would say. That is not what God says. What God does is determine the destination and the way in which to get there, but it's up to every individual to choose to obey the gospel or not (Rom 2:5-11, 2 Thess 1:7-12).
1 Corinthians 8:12
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Now this should give the believer pause to think about their actions. Not only is it wrong to act worldly and encourage the unbeliever in what they are doing, but ultimately this is sin against Christ Himself. Why? Because it is His will that that person is saved from sin and death, and the saint is encouraging the unbeliever to continue in unbelief! This is no different that Elymas Barjesus in Acts 13 withstanding Paul from bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to Sergius Paulus. Elymas' testimony is that he "withstood them, seeking to turn away [Sergius Paulus] from the faith."
Anything against the will of God is sin. Brothers and sisters of faith, you are free from sin. I beseech you as God does in Romans 6:7-14, 18-23 to no longer participate in sinful behavior because Christ has set you free!
Romans 6:7-14, 18-23
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 8:13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Because of the gravity of the situation, saints should not take part in any activity that will cause someone to sin. If eating food will do it, don't eat. If drinking something will do it, don't drink. Paul goes to the extreme here saying that if food will cause someone to be ensnared, he won't eat until the end of the age (Greek eis ton aiona). The KJV translated it "while the world standeth." God will make this world brand new one day (Rev 21:1-5) so let's make sure that our friends, family, and acquaintances hear the message of reconciliation and can see the difference it makes in us! The choice resides with them, but it will be that much easier if we stand true on the word of God in all things.
Let us also act with the sense of urgency, because Christ did not give Paul the date in which He said that the end of this age of grace will come in the abundance of revelations (2 Cor 12:1). The Rapture event, or blessed hope (1 Thess 4:16-17, Titus 2:13), could occur at any moment, after which comes the Tribulation period, Millennial Kingdom, and then the end. Share this message with heart and urgency, because we have the promise that we are delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thess 1:10), that we are not appointed to wrath, but salvation through Jesus Christ (1 Thess 5:9-11). Note in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 the similarity to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, and all of that contrasted with the "Day of the Lord" that comes as a "thief in the night" (1 Thess 5:2). The Rapture event is only for believers in this age of grace given through the apostle Paul (Rom 16:25, Eph 3:1-11, etc.). The Day of the Lord is the time of God's wrath, prophesied of old and for the children of disobedience in Israel and Jerusalem (Jer 30:7, Dan 9:24-27). I encourage all to test these words against scripture and see if they are so (Acts 17:10-11). It is in so doing that you would be further grounded in the one true faith (Acts 17:12).
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