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Priscilla: I Corinthians 8:1-13
Food Offered to Idols

Dear God, my Beloved Father, today I offer You my reflection on the Word of God in I Corinthians 8:1-13 regarding the issue of idol worship.

Verse 1:

1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

I understand verse 1 to mean that everyone has knowledge, but if they use it for their own purposes without love, it can cause weaker people who lack understanding to stumble. This is prideful behavior, and it does not contribute to building up the Church in the way that love does.

Verse 2:

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

I understand verse 2 to mean that some may think they have a full understanding of idols, but Paul believes that they do not have a thorough understanding of the significance of sacrificing to idols. Although they know that idols are not real, they do not know what actions are appropriate or inappropriate regarding the food offered to idols.

Verse 3:

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

I understand verse 3 to mean that those who love God are trustworthy, obedient, and strive to please Him in all things. They do not boast, nor do they seek personal gain. Those who love God have the wisdom and understanding to evaluate all things, whether eating, drinking, or any other activity, and they do not cause offense to their brothers and sisters in Christ. Those who love God and strive to please Him will be rewarded by Him in this life and the next, in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Verses 4-6:

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.

I understand verses 4-6 to mean that the Apostle Paul is referring to idols that are crafted by human hands to be worshiped and venerated. As a result, all idols are false, hollow, and demonic. God is the Self-Existent and Eternal One, and there is only one true God. Apart from God, there is no other divine being worthy of human worship and reverence. This is because God created the entire universe, and all things belong to Him. Humans were created in the image and likeness of God, so they cannot worship or revere any other gods or created beings besides God.

Verse 7:

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.

I understand verse 7 to mean that the Apostle Paul knew that some of the Lord’s people believed that idols were real because of their lack of understanding. Therefore, when they ate the food offered to idols, they were actually participating in the worship of the idols, which corrupted their conscience.

Verses 8 and 9:

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.

I understand the following in verses 8 and 9 to mean that God provides food to nourish the human body. His people show gratitude and thanksgiving when eating. However, it is not eating or not eating a particular food that can bring His people closer to God. If eating a certain food can cause offense to others, then it should not be eaten.

Verses 10-12:

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.

I understand verses 10-12 to mean that the Apostle Paul warns those who have knowledge about eating food sacrificed to idols to be careful. If their eating of the idol’s food causes a weak brother or sister to stumble in their faith, thinking that the idol is real and then following their example to eat the idol’s food, then that person’s conscience will be defiled. This is a sin against Christ, and it sets a bad example, causing harm to the salvation of those who are weak in knowledge, those for whom Christ died.

Verse 13:

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.

I understand verse 13 to mean that if the Apostle Paul knew that eating meat caused God’s people to stumble because they thought he was eating food offered to idols, he would refrain from eating meat.

As Your child, I know that I must stay away from idol worship, not eat food that has been offered to idols, and be careful to follow God’s Word. I should live a holy life and keep my body as a temple for God, not allowing it to be defiled. Above all, I should not cause others to stumble.

Dear Lord, today’s lesson reminds me of the following passage from the Bible.

I Corinthians 10:14-24

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Father, please sanctify the spirit, soul, and physical body of each of us in Your Church, completely and without blemish, ready for the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
05/09/2023