1 Corinthians 8:1

FE 409; 9T 47

Now as touching. This verse introduces another topic on which the Corinthian church had sought Paul’s advice, namely, the propriety of eating food that had been presented by heathen worshipers to their idols. When animals were sacrificed to the gods in the heathen temples, part of the animal was given to the officiating priests, who sold the meat. Some of this meat found its way into the public markets. Two questions were thus raised: Was it proper to buy such foods in the public markets and eat it, and was it right to eat such food when visiting in the home of a heathen friend? For the stand taken by the Jerusalem Council on meats sacrificed to idols see on Acts 15:20.

All have knowledge. Perhaps the Corinthians had boasted of this in their letter of inquiry (see on ch. 7:1). The believers in Corinth were aware of the true nature of idols, that they were of no importance (ch. 8:4).

Puffeth up. That is, leads to pride and to an exaggerated idea of one’s own opinion, and to uncharitable acts toward others.

Charity. Gr. agape, “love” in its highest form, not sensual or biological attraction, but love based on principle; love as a real interest in one’s fellow man because of his value to God as a being for whom Christ died (see on Matt. 5:43). Such love “is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4). It builds up rather than tears down; therefore it seeks constantly to do those things that will help others (see ch. 13). Knowledge alone is insufficient ground for Christian action. This had been demonstrated in the factions and strife found in the church as a result of their so-called wisdom (see chs. 1:11, 12; 3:3,4).

Paul reminded them that it is not safe to rely on such a faulty guide as human wisdom. If the heart is not rightly related to God, knowledge or science alone fills a man with pride and swells him with vain confidence in his own powers. It often leads him away from genuine religion and confuses his mind (see ch. 1:20, 21). The solution of the question regarding meats offered to idols should not be based upon abstract knowledge alone, but upon the demands of real love for others. It will find its chief concern to be the consideration of what best contributes to the peace, purity, happiness, and salvation of one’s fellow men. This love is the solution of every doctrinal, moral, and social problem.