Now (1) as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we (a) all have knowledge. Knowledge (b) puffeth up, but charity (c) edifieth. (1) He begins to entreat of another type of indifferent things, that is, things offered to idols, or the use of flesh so offered and sacrificed. And first of all... [ Continue Reading ]
(2) As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto (d) idols, we know that an idol [is] (e) nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one. (2) The application of that answer to things offered to idols: I grant, he says, that an idol is indee... [ Continue Reading ]
But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, (f) of whom [are] all things, and we (g) in him; and (h) one Lord Jesus Christ, (i) by whom [are] all things, and we by him. (f) When the Father is distinguished from the Son, he is named the beginning of all things. (g) We have our being in him. (h)... [ Continue Reading ]
(3) Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for (4) some with (k) conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (3) The reason why that does not follow, is this: because there are many men who do not know that... [ Continue Reading ]
(5) 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. (5) An anticipation of an objection: why then will we therefore be deprived of our liberty? Nay, says the apostle, you will lose no part of Christianity although you abstain f... [ Continue Reading ]
(6) 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; (6) Another plain explication of the same reason, propounding the example of the sitting down at the table i... [ Continue Reading ]
(7) And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (7) An amplification of the argument taken both of comparison and opposites: "You wretched man", he says, "pleasing yourself with your knowledge which indeed is not knowledge, for if you had true knowledge, you would... [ Continue Reading ]
(8) But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (8) Another amplification: such offending of our weak brethren, results in the offending of Christ, and therefore do not let these men think that they have to deal only with their brethren.... [ Continue Reading ]
(9) Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. (9) The conclusion, which Paul conceives in his own person, that he might not seem to exact that of others which he will not be first subject to himself. I had rather (h... [ Continue Reading ]