8:1-3
Paul now turns to other matters. As has been noted, Corinth was most definitely a pagan society. Christianity was completely alien to it. So far we have seen the implications of this in terms of thinking (in the earlier chapters) and especially in terms of sexual morality. Another area was that of idol worship, and it was a factor that was difficult to ignore. Food that was offered to idols would later be found on offer for sale at the local market, so going shopping was a potentially difficult exercise! How should the Christians deal with this matter? We too live in an increasingly secularised society, so we too may encounter conflicts in everyday life.
The Corinthians had evidently raised the matter with Paul, can they eat food that has been offered to idols. Before giving an answer to the question Paul addresses another matter, knowledge and love. People would have all sorts of opinions, as happens on any matter at all. Some of these opinions would be based on “knowledge”, understanding the matter better. Others would be based on a deeper “religious” conviction. You will find the same today in matters at all. We can so easily become so proud of our opinions, thinking that they show how clever or committed we are. Ie we get “puffed up”. When we find these sorts of thoughts within our head a warning light should go on. We should seek to build up others, not puff up ourselves. Now this most definitely does not mean never saying something is wrong, if you think this then you have forgotten all the other things Paul has been saying! Knowledge that puffs up is no knowledge at all. Godly wisdom builds up. This even applies in matters where something in society is most definitely wrong, such as on LGBT issues. If we have the approach of just wanting to point out how wrong others are, or society is, then we are not walking in step with the Spirit. If we are seeking to bring life to others then we are walking in step with Spirit. We need to watch our hearts.
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