Though an idol be nothing, yet things offered up to idols are not to be
eaten, for fear of scandal.
8:1. Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know
we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but charity edifieth.
Knowledge puffeth up, etc. . .Knowledge, without charity and humility,
serveth only to puff persons up.
8:2. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he hath not yet
known as he ought to know.
8:3. But if any man love God, the same is known by him.
8:4. But as for the meats that are sacrificed to idols, we know that an
idol is nothing in the world and that there is no God but one.
8:5. For although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on
earth (for there be gods many and lords many):
Gods many, etc. . .Reputed for such among the heathens.
8:6. Yet to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all
things, and we unto him: and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all
things, and we by him.
8:7. But there is not knowledge in every one. For some until this
present, with conscience of the idol, eat as a thing sacrificed to an
idol: and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
8:8. But meat doth not commend us to God. For neither, if we eat, shall
we have the more: nor, if we eat not, shall we have the less.
8:9. But take heed lest perhaps this your liberty become a
stumblingblock to the weak.
8:10. For if a man see him that hath knowledge sit at meat in the
idol's temple, shall not his conscience, being weak, be emboldened to
eat those things which are sacrificed to idols?
8:11. And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom
Christ hath died?
8:12. Now when you sin thus against the brethren and wound their weak
conscience, you sin against Christ.
8:13. Wherefore, if meat scandalize my brother, I will never eat flesh,
lest I should scandalize my brother.
If meat scandalize. . .That is, if my eating cause my brother to sin.