1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3 KJV)
Commentary
The apostle here addresses the issue of eating food that had been offered to idols—a common situation in the early church, especially where Christians lived among pagans. In those cultures, it was typical to hold feasts in honor of sacrifices, often in the idol’s temple (1 Corinthians 8:10). Leftovers from these feasts were shared with friends or sold in the market (1 Corinthians 10:25). Sacrificing before meals was considered sacred, and eating meat not offered to an idol was viewed by pagans as irreverent.
In such an environment, Christians who had unbelieving friends or family might be invited to meals where sacrificed meat was served. Some Corinthian believers, knowing that “an idol is nothing in the world” (1 Corinthians 8:4), believed they could eat such food without issue. Paul addresses this idea, not by denying the fact that idols are nothing, but by warning against the careless use of liberty that harms others. He criticizes those who boast in their knowledge but fail to consider the effects of their actions on weaker believers.
He begins by saying, “We all have knowledge” (1 Corinthians 8:1), implying that those who avoided such meat also understood the emptiness of idols. But knowledge alone is not enough. “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). True love leads to actions that help others grow. Mere knowledge can lead to pride, which benefits no one.
Paul then adds that a person who thinks he knows something may not yet understand it as he should (1 Corinthians 8:2). True understanding comes with humility. Those who believe they are wise are often the most misguided. It’s one thing to know facts; it’s another to use knowledge in a way that honors God and helps others. If a person loves God, he is known by God (1 Corinthians 8:3). This likely means either that God approves of him or that God teaches him. In either case, it shows that love for God—and by extension, love for others—is more valuable than self-conceited knowledge.
In summary, Paul urges the Corinthians to use their knowledge responsibly, always with love and concern for their fellow believers. True maturity is not marked by what we know but by how we treat others in light of what we know.