In this chapter another subject is discussed, which had been proposed by the congregation at Corinth for the decision of the apostle. “Whether it was right for Christians to partake of the meat that had been offered in sacrifice to idols?” On this question there would be doubtless a difference of op... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW AS TOUCHING - In regard to; in answer to your inquiry whether it is right or not to partake of those things. THINGS OFFERED UNTO IDOLS - Sacrifices unto idols. Meat that had been offered in sacrifice, and then either exposed to sale in the market, or served up at the feasts held in honor of idol... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF ANY THINK ... - The connection and the scope of this passage require us to understand this as designed to condemn that vain conceit of knowledge, or self-confidence, which would lead us to despise others, or to disregard their interests. “If anyone is conceited of his knowledge, is so vain, a... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT IF ANY MAN LOVE GOD - If any man is truly attached to God; if he seeks to serve him, and to promote his glory. The sense seems to be this. “There is no true and real knowledge which is not connected with love to God. This will prompt a man also to love his brethren, and will lead him to promote... [ Continue Reading ]
AS CONCERNING THEREFORE ... - The parenthesis closes with 1 Corinthians 8:3. The apostle now proceeds to the real question in debate, and repeats in this verse the question, and the admission that all had knowledge. The admission that all had knowledge proceeds through 1 Corinthians 8:4; and in 1 Co... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT ARE CALLED GODS - Gods so called. The pagans everywhere worshipped multitudes, and gave to them the name of gods. WHETHER IN HEAVEN - Residing in heaven, as a part of the gods were supposed to do. Perhaps, there may be allusion here to the sun, moon, and stars; but I rather suppose that refere... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT TO US - Christians. We acknowledge but one God, Whatever the pagan worship, we know that there is but one God; and he alone has a right to rule over us. ONE GOD, THE FATHER - Whom we acknowledge as the Father of all; Author of all things; and who sustains to all his works the relation of a fath... [ Continue Reading ]
HOWBEIT - But. In the previous verses Paul had stated the argument of the Corinthians - that they all knew that an idol was nothing; that they worshipped but one God; and that there could be no danger of their falling into idolatry, even should they partake of the meat offered in sacrifice to idols.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT MEAT COMMENDETH US NOT TO GOD - This is to be regarded as the view presented by the Corinthian Christians, or by the advocates for partaking of the meat offered in sacrifice to idols. The sense is, “Religion is of a deeper and more spiritual nature than a mere regard to circumstances like these.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT TAKE HEED - This is the reply of Paul to the argument of the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 8:8. “Though all that you say should be admitted to be true, as it must be; though a man is neither morally better nor worse for partaking of meat or abstaining from it; yet the grand principle to be observ... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IF ANY MAN - Any Christian brother who is ignorant, or anyone who might otherwise become a Christian. WHICH HAST KNOWLEDGE - Who are fully informed in regard to the real nature of idol worship. You will be looked up to as an example. You will be presumed to be partaking of this feast in honor o... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THROUGH THY KNOWLEDGE - Because you knew that an idol was nothing, and that there could be really no danger of falling into idolatry from partaking of these entertainments. You will thus be the means of deceiving and destroying him. The argument of the apostle here is, that if This was to be the... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT WHEN YE SIN SO AGAINST THE BRETHREN - This is designed further to show the evil of causing others to sin; and hence, the evil which might arise from partaking of the meat offered to idols. The word sin here is to be taken in the sense of “injuring, offending, leading into sin.” You violate the l... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE - As the conclusion of the whole matter. IF MEAT ... - Paul here proposes his own views and feelings, or tells them how he would act in order to show them how they should act in these circumstances. MAKE MY BROTHER TO OFFEND - Lead him into sin; or shall be the cause of leading him into... [ Continue Reading ]