1 Corinthians Chapter 8 talks about food sacrificed to idols and worshiping idols.
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Paul Discusses Knowledge and Idols
Paul begins 1 Corinthians Chapter 8 by saying that man uses knowledge to make themselves feel puffed up. However, only love can help the church get stronger. Paul tied this into the issue of eating the food that was sacrificed to idols. He explained what an idol really was. He said idols were really nothing because God is the one true God.
One Way to Heaven
Paul said that there was only one true way to salvation and that was through Jesus Christ. He said that even though people claimed there were many gods and ways to salvation, this was simply not true according to Paul. He went on to say that not everyone had the knowledge that Christ had risen and defeated sin.
Eating Food Sacrificed to Idols
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 8, Paul said that those who eat the food sacrificed to idols are eating defiled food. There are those who were so accustomed to pagan worship that they did not think there was anything wrong with this. However, Paul said that doing this does not bring you closer to God nor does it make you any better.
Paul Addresses Freedom in Christ
Paul said that there were those who liked to exercise their rights and do things like this. Paul warned them that they should be careful about their liberty because if someone who is weak sees them, they will know no better.
He explained to the Corinthians that it was better for them to get rid of their old ways and turn completely to Christ. They should serve as a witness and not as a bad example by doing the things that they once did. If someone who is weak saw them eating at an idol’s temple, that person could commit sin because of it. He went on to say that if what he eats caused someone to sin, then he would no longer eat it.
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1 Corinthians 2 (King James Version)
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
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.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
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.
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.
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.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
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;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
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.