1 Corinthians 8:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."

NIV: So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that "An idol is nothing at all in the world" and that "There is no God but one."

NASB: Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one.

CSB: About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that "an idol is nothing in the world," and that "there is no God but one."

NLT: So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God.

KJV: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

NKJV: Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

Paul has cited and replied to the Corinthian's own statements (1 Corinthians 7:1; 8:1). Here, once again, it seems he is quoting from the Corinthians' letter to him about the issue of eating food offered to idols. Their knowledge tells them that an idol has no real existence and the one true God is the only God. The believers in Corinth seem to say, "Idols are nothing. They don't exist. As Christians, we know God is the only God. So eating food offering to nothing should be a non-issue."

Paul will agree with their premise that the endless number of idols and gods worshiped by pagan Corinth are not actually gods. He had written to the Galatians that before they came to faith in Christ, they had been slaves to those that are not gods by nature (Galatians 4:8). In that sense, Paul agrees that there is no actual power or substance behind an idol or idolatrous ceremonies.

All Greek life in Corinth included or was touched by idol worship of one kind or another. Every kind of family and civic functions from weddings and funerals to birthday parties and business meetings were held in idol temples where food that had been offered to idols was often served. A restriction on eating food offered or dedicated to an idol created significant problems for the Corinthians.

Beyond that, meat found in the market or the homes of non-Christian friends and family may well be meat once offered to an idol. To refuse to enter idol temples or eat meat that may have been offered to idols meant that a believer would have to withdraw from much of public life.

Possibly motivated by that difficulty, the Corinthians appear to be asking Paul if he really expects them to take such drastic action.

First Corinthians 8:1–13 begins Paul's longer response to the question of attending functions in idol temples or eating food offered to idols. This appears to blend Paul's own statements with references to the Corinthians' own remarks. It seems the Corinthians had previously written to Paul saying they are not ''worshiping'' the idols. They know idols don't really exist and that only God is real. Paul replies that the problem here is not lack of knowledge but lack of love. Some brothers and sisters in Christ cannot eat idol food with clear consciences. Those who are stronger risk leading those who are weaker into sin and, in that way, sinning themselves.

Paul responds to Corinthian objections about restrictions on eating in idol temples, or eating food offered to idols. Those were activities deeply integrated into everyday Corinthian society. Paul agrees that idols are nothing and food is only food. The problem is that some Christians from idol-worshiping backgrounds cannot eat idol food with a clear conscience. To do so is sin, for them. If those with stronger consciences—those who understand the truth better—lead their weaker brothers into sin, they themselves will also be guilty of sinning against their brothers and against Christ.

First Corinthians 8 begins Paul's response to another issue raised by the Corinthians. Earlier passages dealt with sexuality; this section discusses idolatry and food. Paul agrees that idols don't truly exist and only God is real. The problem is that some of the less-developed Christians aren't convinced of that. For those believers, they violate their consciences by eating idol food. Even if it's misguided, violating one's conscience is a sin (Romans 14:23). If those with stronger consciences lead these weaker brothers and sisters into sin, they will be guilty of sin themselves. Paul continues to balance liberty with care for others over the next chapters.

First Corinthians is one of the more practical books of the New Testament. Paul writes to a church immersed in a city associated with trade, but also with corruption and immorality. These believers are struggling to properly apply spiritual gifts and to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. Paul's letter gives instructions for real-life concerns such as marriage and spirituality. He also deals with the importance of unity and gives one of the Bible's more well-known descriptions of love in chapter 13.