1 Corinthians, Chapter 8, verses 1-7, 10-13
1 To abstain from meats offered to idols, 8 we must not abuse our Christian liberty to the offence of our brethren, 11 but must bridle our knowledge with charity6
6:27 But I say to you that hear - Hitherto our Lord had spoken only to particular sorts of persons: now he begins speaking to all in general. Mat 5:44.
6:29 To him that smiteth thee on the cheek - Taketh away thy cloak - These seem to be proverbial expressions, to signify an invasionof the tenderest points of honour and property. Offer the other - Forbid not thy coat - That is, rather yield to his repeating theaffront or injury, than gratify resentment in righting your self; in any method not becoming Christian love. Mat 5:39.
6:30 Give to every one - Friend or enemy, what thou canst spare, and he really wants: and of him that taketh away thy goods - By borrowing, if he be insolvent, ask them not again. Mat 5:42.
6:31 Mat 7:12.
6:32 It is greatly observable, our Lord has so little regard for one of the highest instances of natural virtue, namely, the returning love for love, that he does not account it even to deserve thanks. For even sinners, saith he, do the same: men who do not regard God at all. Therefore he may do this, who has not taken one step in Christianity.
6:37 Mat 7:1.
6:38 Into your bosom - Alluding to the mantles the Jews wore, into which a large quantity of corn might be received. With the same measure that ye mete with, it shall be measured to you again - Amazing goodness! So we are permitted even to carve forourselves! We ourselves are, as it were, to tell God how much mercy he shall show us! And can we be content with less than the very largest measure? Give then to man, what thou designest to receive of God.
8
8:1 Now concerning the next question you proposed. Allof us have knowledge - A gentle reproof of their self - conceit.Knowledge without love always puffeth up. Love alone edifies - Builds us up in holiness.
8:2 If any man think he knoweth any thing - Aright, unless so far he is taught by God. He knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know - Seeing there is no true knowledge without divine love.
8:3 He is known - That is, approved, by him. Psa 1:6.
8:4 We know that an idol is nothing - A mere nominal god, having no divinity, virtue, or power.
8:5 For though there be that are called gods - By the heathens both celestial, (as they style them,) terrestrial, and infernal deities.
8:6 Yet to us - Christians. There is but one God - This is exclusive, not of the One Lord, as if he were an inferior deity; but only of the idols to which the One God is opposed.From whom are all things - By creation, providence, and grace.And we for him - The end of all we are, have, and do. And one Lord - Equally the object of divine worship. By whom are all things - Created, sustained, and governed. And we by him - Have access to the Father, and all spiritual blessings.
8:7 Some eat, with consciousness of the idol - That is, fancying it is something, and that it makes the meat unlawful to be eaten. And their conscience, being weak - Not rightly informed. Is defiled - contracts guilt by doing it.