NOTES for Co1 8:1-13

Today we read astonishing words of the Apostle Paul: “If food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to stumble.” Paul understands better than anyone that outward matters such as food, customs, and traditions are not of primary importance. How pleasant it is to say, “I know that all this is nonsense; I can do whatever I want, and let those people look at me and envy me”... For the Apostle Paul, food is of course not the main thing. People, his brothers and sisters, are what matter most to him. For the sake of not troubling or leading a brother into condemnation, Paul is prepared to observe any rites and traditions, whether meaningful or meaningless.