_Now as touching things offered unto idols we know that we all have knowledge._ We all know, though some of you may think differently, that things offered to idols are the same as other food, and have no greater sanctity or power. All of us who are fairly well instructed in the faith of Christ know... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 8 SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER In this Chapter he treats of the second general question put before him by the Corinthians. It dealt with things offered to idols, and whether it was lawful to eat of them, i. He answers that, taken by itself, such eating was not unlawful, since an idol is nothin... [ Continue Reading ]
_And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know._ He who is puffed up at the thought that he knows something, knows not yet the end, use and measure of knowledge. Knowledge is given to cause humility, to enable us to benefit all that we can, to stand in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_But if any man love God, the same is known of Him,_ If any, for God's sake, love his neighbour, so as not to make him stumble at seeing him eat of idol sacrifices, &c., but seeks instead to edify him, then that man is approved of and beloved by God, and in His knowledge God is well pleased. Note t... [ Continue Reading ]
_We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other than God but One._ An idol is not what it is commonly supposed to be, not what it stands for, is not God. It has no Divine power; materially it is of wood, formally it is nothing. It is an image of a falsehood, or of a non-e... [ Continue Reading ]
_Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge. I.e_., that an idol and what is offered to it are nothing. _For some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol._ They eat what is offered to an idol with reverence, thinking that the idol has something that i... [ Continue Reading ]
_But meat commendeth us not to God._ The eating of idol sacrifices or of any other food is in itself no help towards piety, which makes us acceptable to God. Therefore, we that are string ought not, under the pretext of piety, to wish to use all things as alike indifferent. The Apostle here turns to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sit at meat in the idol's temple._ Erasmus takes the word which we have _idol's temple_ to mean idol's feast. The text, however, gives the better translation. S. Paul speaks of their siting at meat in an idol's temple, or at a table consecrated to idols. Those who were about to partake of the idol-... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth._ S. Chrysostom says: " _It is the mark of a good teacher to teach by example as well as precept. The Apostle does not qualify what he says by adding 'justly' of 'unjustly,' but he says absolutely, 'If meat m... [ Continue Reading ]