Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
ON PARTAKING OF MEATS OFFERED TO IDOLS. (I Corinthians 8:1-13)
Though to those knowing that an idol has no existence, the question of eating meats offered to idols (referred to in the letter of the Corinthians, compare I Corinthians 7:1) might seem unimportant, it is not so with some, and the infirmities of such should be respected. The portions of the victims not offered on the altars belonged partly to the priests, partly to the offerers; and were eaten at feasts in the temples and in private houses and were often sold in the markets; so that Christians were constantly exposed to the temptation of receiving them, which was forbidden (Numbers 25:2; Psalms 106:28). The apostles forbade it in their decree issued from Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-29; Acts 21:25); but Paul does not allude here to that decree, as he rests his precepts rather on his own independent apostolic authority.
we know that we all have knowledge—The Corinthians doubtless had referred to their "knowledge" (namely, of the indifference of meats, as in themselves having no sanctity or pollution). Paul replies, "We are aware that we all have [speaking generally, and so far as Christian theory goes; for in I Corinthians 8:7 he speaks of some who practically have not] this knowledge."
Knowledge puffeth up—when without "love." Here a parenthesis begins; and the main subject is resumed in the same words, I Corinthians 8:4. "As concerning [touching] therefore the eating," etc. "Puffing up" is to please self. "Edifying" is to please one's neighbor; Knowledge only says, All things are lawful for me; Love adds, But all things do not edify [BENGEL], (I Corinthians 10:23; Romans 14:15).
edifieth—tends to build up the spiritual temple (I Corinthians 3:9; I Corinthians 6:19).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 1 Corinthians 8:1:
Romans 14:2
1 Corinthians 6:2
1 Corinthians 8:1
1 Corinthians 8:2
1 Corinthians 8:3
1 Corinthians 8:4
1 Corinthians 8:7
1 Corinthians 8:10
1 Corinthians 13:2
1 Corinthians 16:13
2 Corinthians 7:1
2 Corinthians 8:7
1 Timothy 6:20-21
Revelation 2:14
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