I Corinthians 8
Back to The Bible's Difficult Scriptures Explained!
“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies. And if any man think that he knows any thing, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know…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…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 commends 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…But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands…”
This chapter discusses the legality of Christians eating meat that was sacrificed by heathens to an idol.
I Cor 8:7 explains that some weak Christians cannot separate the sacrilege done to such meat from the value of the meat as simple food. This could be likened to a new convert being unwilling to drive a secondhand car that a serial killer had once owned. His conscience causes him to believe the car is condemned, sinful or defiled.
I Cor 8:8 holds two keys. First, people pull this passage from context by declaring that one can eat unclean meats or avoid them—that either position amounts to the same thing. However, the true overall intent is actually an important principle for all converted people to consider when with weak brethren. Christians should be careful not to do anything that may be a “liberty” (I Cor 8:9)—recall the I Cor 6:12-13 explanation—but defiles the conscience of a weak bystander observing him practicing it. An example might be that of a newly baptized person who cannot yet drink liquor, because of prior mistaken belief that alcohol is wrong in any amount or form. Such a person may have to battle his conscience for a long time to ever be able to enjoy even one drink!
No suggested reading.