1Now regarding food offered to idols: we know that we all have knowledge about this. But knowledge puffs us up, while love builds us up.
2And anyone who claims to know all the answers really does not know very much, nor what he ought to know.
3But if anyone loves God, that same person is known by Him.
4So then, concerning eating of food that has been offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing at all in the world; and that there is no other God but One.
5For though there are many things that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth,
6Yet to us, there is but one God, the Father, from Whom all things came, and for Whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, by Whom all things were created, and through Whom we Christians live. Verse 6 could be interpreted as saying that both God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are the Creators of all things – which, indeed, is true. But there is a subtle distinction between the roles these two Members of the Holy Trinity played in creation. All things created came from God, the Father; and were created by the Son, Who was the “Agent” Who actually did the creating. Thus, all things are of the Father by the Son.
7However, not everyone knows this; for some people are so accustomed to thinking of idols as significant entities even now, that they are conscience-stricken if they were to eat anything that was offered to an idol; and so their weak conscience is violated.
8But food gets us neither approval or disapproval from God; whether we eat or abstain.
9But be careful that you do not create a stumbling block for those that are weak in faith or understanding, as you exercise your knowledge and liberty,
10For if someone sees you sitting at the table in an idol's temple, shall they not be emboldened to also eat those things which are offered to idols,
11And so your weaker brother, for whom Christ died, may be harmed by your ‘superior knowledge’.
12When you (unwittingly) sin against them in this way, brothers, and sisters, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
13Therefore, if what I eat offends, or might cause a brother or sister to fall, I will never again eat whatever could cause them to stumble. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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