1 Corinthians 8

1 things offered unto idols. Of an animal slain for sacrifice, part was consumed, part was reserved by the priests as their fee, part taken away by the worshippers, who might either (1) consume it at a feast within the temple precincts, or (2) take it home for the purpose, or (3) send it to the market for sale. The priests would also often sell their portion to the dealers. To all these uses the apostle’s remarks apply.

we all have knowledge. Probably referring to words of the Corinthians in their letter: “We all (as you say) have knowledge.” Yes, and if knowledge alone were an adequate guide, we have enough to decide the matter easily. But “knowledge [without love] puffeth up; love [it is, that] buildeth up” in substantial practical godliness. Vers. 2, 3 are a parenthetical admonition to such as made a boast of their knowledge whilst they neglected to cultivate love: ep. xiii.

2 he knoweth nothing yet. He has not really learned what he pretends to know until he has learned to love.

3. But if any man love God, etc. He who so knows God as to love Him, is so known by God as to be loved by Him: see John xiv. 21-23; and especially Gal. iv. 9.

4 an idol is nothing in the world. More precisely as R.V., “no idol is [anything] in the world,” i.e., the beings whom the idols are designed to represent have no existence. But it is afterwards shown (x. 20) that there are other beings connected with false worship.

6 but to us there is but one God, etc. This verse shows that the doctrine of one God no more sets

7 for some with conscience of the idol, etc. R.V., “being used until now to the idol.” Some of the Gentile converts believed, from old habit, that an idol had real existence, although they worshipped the true God alone; so that they could not help feeling that when they ate of the idol-sacrifice they were having communion with the idol; and hence “their conscience was defiled” with the guilt of an idolatrous action: ep. note on Rom. xiv. 22.

8 must commendeth us not to God. R.V., “Food will not commend us (i.e., as acceptable) to God”; it makes us neither “better” nor “worse” in His sight. But (9) we must take care not to use our right in such a way as to injure and endanger our brethren by tempting them to act against their conscience (10, 11).

10 sit. Reclining at the meal.

be emboldened. Lit., “be built up”; as if he had said, will be edified to his ruin. “With a touch of irony” (Speaker’s Commentary).

11 shall the weak brother perish, etc. The sentence is probably to be read affirmatively. “For he that is weak perisheth—the brother for whose sake Christ died” (R.V.: ep. Rom. xiv. 15, 16, 22, and notes).

12 wound. Properly, “strike”: as one who cruelly beats a weak or sickly person.

13 meat. Rather, “food” of any kind: the particular kind here intended is denoted by “flesh,” which the apostle would willingly give up altogether rather than lead a weak brother into idolatry. There is no proof that Paul habitually practised this self-denial; but his readiness to do so exhibits a characteristic regard for the good of others.