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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:7-13

The apostle, having granted, and indeed confirmed, the opinion of some among the Corinthians, that idols were nothing, proceeds now to show them that their inference from this assumption was not just, namely, that therefore they might go into the idol-temple, and eat of the sacrifices, and feast there with their heathen neighbours. He does not indeed here so much insist upon the unlawfulness of the thing in itself as the mischief such freedom might do to weaker Christians, persons that had not... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

8 With reference to things offered to idols--we are well aware that we all possess knowledge; but knowledge inflates a man, whereas love builds him up. If anyone thinks he has reached a certain stage of knowledge, it is not the kind of knowledge it ought to be. If a man loves God, he is known by God. With regard to food which consists of things offered to idols, we well know that there is nothing in the universe for which an idol stands, and that there is no God but one; and even if the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means ,.... This is either a reply to the instance of such as argued in favour of eating things offered to idols; or a limitation and explanation of the apostle's own concession, that it made a man, with respect to the favour of God, neither better nor worse: yet care should be taken, lest this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak ; he owns they had a liberty, or a right, or power, as the word may be rendered, of eating, or not eating,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed - Lest by frequenting such feasts and eating things offered to idols, under the conviction that an idol is nothing, and that you may eat those things innocently, this liberty of yours should become a means of grievously offending a weak brother who has not your knowledge, or inducing one who respects you for your superior knowledge to partake of these things with the conscience, the persuasion and belief, that an idol is something, and to conclude, that as you partake of such... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:9

Verse 9 9.Take heed that your liberty He leaves their liberty untouched, but moderates the use of it thus far — that it may not give occasion of stumbling to the weak. And he expressly desires that regard be had to the weak, that is, to those who are not, yet thoroughly confirmed in the doctrine of piety, for as they are wont to be regarded with contempt, it is the will and command of the Lord, that regard should be had to them. In the meantime, he hints that strong giants, who may be desirous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-11

The two guides—knowledge and love. I. THEY ARE BOTH EXCELLENT . This requires no proof. The apostle who sat at the feet of Gamaliel, would have been the last to speak slightingly of real knowledge. We are made capable of an ever increasing knowledge. How much knowledge has been the means of accomplishing in this world I Ignorance is but a "fool's paradise;" "Knowledge is power." And how excellent is love. How dull and sad this world would be without it! How much more prolific in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

The relation of lore to knowledge with respect to the question of eating idol offerings. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Strength and weakness; knowledge and love. The discussions contained in this chapter relate to "things offered unto idols." Bear in mind that idolatry was not then simply a religious system, but a system immensely extended and covering a corresponding surface of political, social, and business interests. At all points it touched individuals and families, and was connected with feasts, entertainments, and etiquette. "Most public entertainments and many private meals were more or less... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

On the eating of sacrifices offered to idols: liberty and expediency. Another of those questions which troubled the Christian community at Corinth comes up here for consideration. To understand the difficulties connected with it we must bear in mind that the religious worship of the pagans entered largely into their social life. The victims offered in sacrifice to the gods were not entirely consumed on the altar. A portion went to the priests, and the remainder was either given to the poor... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:4-13

Aspects of responsibility. "As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols," etc. This paragraph suggests three general remarks. I. THAT THE MORAL OBLIGATIONS OF ALL MEN ARE DETERMINED BY THEIR RELATION TO THE ONE GOD AND HIS SON . "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... read more

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