1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

The apostle comes here to the case of things that had been offered to idols, concerning which some of them sought satisfaction: a case that frequently occurred in that age of Christianity, when the church of Christ was among the heathen, and the Israel of God must live among the Canaanites. For the better understanding of it, it must be observed that it was a custom among the heathens to make feasts on their sacrifices, and not only to eat themselves, but invite their friends to partake with... 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 8:1

Now as touching things offered unto idols ,.... This was another of the things the Corinthians wrote to the apostle about, desiring to have his judgment in; it was a controversy that had been before moved, whether it was lawful to eat things that had been sacrificed to idols. This was considered in the council at Jerusalem, Acts 15:28 and it was agreed to, for the peace of the churches, that the Gentiles, among other things, be advised to abstain from them; which, it seems, the church at... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knows anything ,.... Whoever has an opinion of himself, or is conceited with his own knowledge, and fancies that he knows more than he does; which is always the case of those that are elated with their knowledge, and treat others with contempt, and have no regard to their peace and edification: he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know ; if he did, he would know this, that he ought to consult the peace, comfort, and edification of his brother; and therefore... read more

Adam Clarke

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

As touching things offered unto idols - This was another subject on which the Corinthians had asked the apostle's advice, and we shall understand the whole of this chapter the better when we consider one fact, viz. That there had long subsisted a controversy between the Karaites and the Traditionists, how far it was lawful to derive any benefit or advantage from things used by the Gentiles. The Karaites were a sect of the Jews who scrupulously held to the letter of the sacred writings,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:2

He knoweth nothing yet, etc. - The person who acts in this rash, unfeeling way, from the general knowledge which he has of the vanity of idolatry and the liberty which the Gospel affords from Jewish rites, with all his knowledge does not know this, that though the first and greatest commandment says, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, etc., yet the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. He, then, that can torment his neighbour's weak or tender... read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 1 He now passes on to another question, which he had merely touched upon in the sixth chapter, without fully discussing. For when he had spoken of the avarice of the Corinthians, and had drawn that discussion to a close with this statement — Neither covetous, nor extortioners, nor fornicators, etc., shall inherit the kingdom of God, he passed on to speak of the liberty of Christians — All things are lawful for me. He had taken occasion from this to speak of fornication, and from that, of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:2

Verse 2 2.And if any man thinketh That man thinketh that he knoweth something, who is delighted with the opinion that he entertains of his own knowledge, and despises others, as if he were far above them. For Paul does not here condemn knowledge, but that ambition and haughtiness which ungodly men contract in consequence of it. Otherwise he does not exhort us to be sceptical, so as to be always hesitating and hanging in doubt, and he does not approve of a false and counterfeit modesty, as if it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1

As touching things offered unto idols . This was doubtless one of the questions on which the Corinthians had asked for advice. We judge from the tone of the questions to which St. Paul here replies that the majority of the Corinthians, being liberal in their views, held that it was a matter of perfect indifference to eat idol offerings; and that, in acting upon this conviction, they contemptuously overrode the convictions of those who could not help thinking that when they did so they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1

Knowledge and love. In the Divine Being himself both knowledge and love are perfect; he is light; he is love. Man, made in God's image, is capable of both; but his knowledge is and must be very limited and partial, whilst he has vast capacities for love. Not only so; as the apostle here teaches, love is better than knowledge, for whilst this puffs up, that edifies. We recognize this superiority in several particulars. I. IN ITS INFLUENCE UPON THE INDIVIDUAL 'S OWN ... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:2

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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:2

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

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:2

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1

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