1 Corinthians 8
Food Offered to Idols
Now concerning afood offered to idols: we know that b“all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” cpuffs up, dbut love builds up. 2 aIf anyone imagines that he knows something, bhe does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, ahe is known by God.
4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that a“an idol has no real existence,” and that b“there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be aso-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet afor us there is one God, the Father, bfrom whom are all things and for whom we exist, and cone Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and dthrough whom we exist.
7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, athrough former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and btheir conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 aFood will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care athat this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block bto the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is adestroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and awounding their conscience when it is weak, byou sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, aif food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
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