고린도전서 Chapter 8

Translation: ESV

1

Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that 'all of us possess knowledge.' This 'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up.

Key Message

When knowledge is exercised without love, it destroys the community. Love is a more important standard for Christian behavior than knowledge.

▸Chapters 8–10 address the issue of food offered to idols.

Chapters 8–10 address the issue of food offered to idols. The core principle: knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The certainty of 'I am right' based on knowledge can harm the community. Love is a more important criterion than knowledge.

Related Verses

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
9

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

Key Message

Christian freedom must be used with care for weaker brothers; if freedom causes a brother to stumble, one must be willing to surrender that freedom.

▸Christian freedom is not absolute.

13

Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Key Message

Loving one's brother matters more than asserting one's rights; surrendering one's freedom for the sake of others is mature faith.

▸Paul's conclusion and example.