Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” vs. 1P
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
Since he had lived in Corinth for 18 months Paul knew the congregation pretty well, and he sensed who the trouble-makers were–and it wasn’t the new members! Rather the difficulty was coming from those who had been there for some time and who had developed a kind of arrogance about what was necessary to embrace the gospel of grace. In this particular instance they told gentile converts that there were no restrictions about eating food that had been sacrificed to idols. Not all the offerings were consumed by the flames and the leftovers were sold by the priests. And it seems Christians were their best customers. And some of the new folks were horrified–in our world it would be like a new convert seeing the pastor of the congregation coming out of a liquor store! The old-timers in Corinth thought this was perfectly fine–and based on what they knew, it was! But it was causing dissension in the congregation and Paul hated that more than anything. So he lets them know that love is more important than knowledge–in fact ultimately love would be the foundation of their community, and not knowledge. And so it continues. Congregations still have members who know a lot, sometimes more than the pastor! And that can be a problem, especially when love is lacking.
Thought for the Day: How do I use my knowledge?
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