Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. Though to those knowing that an idol has no existence, the question of eating idol-meats (referred to in the letter of the Corinthians, cf. ) might seem unimportant, it is no... [ Continue Reading ]
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. AND. Greek, 'But;' so 'Aleph (') Delta G f g; but A B, Vulgate, omit it. The absence of the connecting particle gives an emphatic sententiousness suitable to the subject. The first step to knowledge is to... [ Continue Reading ]
But if any man love God, the same is known of him. LOVE GOD - the source of love to our neighbour (1 John 4:11; ; ). THE SAME - literally, this man; he who loves, not he who 'thinks that he knows,' without "charity" or love (1 Corinthians 8:1). IS KNOWN OF HIM is known with approval; is ackno... [ Continue Reading ]
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 but one. AS CONCERNING ... - resuming 1 Corinthians 8:1, "As touching," ... IDOL IS NOTHING - has no true being in nature.... [ Continue Reading ]
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 'For even supposing (which is not really the case) there exist gods so called (), whether in heaven (as the sun, moon, etc., ) or in earth (as deified kings, etc.), as there be (a rec... [ Continue Reading ]
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. TO US - believers. OF WHOM - from whom, as the First Cause and Source. Creation is His exclusive prerogative. WE IN HIM - rather, 'we for Him,' or... [ Continue Reading ]
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. HOWBEIT. Though to us who "have knowledge" (1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 8:4) all meats are indifferent, y... [ Continue Reading ]
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. COMMENDETH. So G f g, Vulgate. But 'Aleph (') A B [parasteese], 'shall, present,' as before a prince. C Delta have 'presents.' A B read 'Neither if we do not eat, are we the bet... [ Continue Reading ]
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. THIS LIBERTY OF YOURS - your watchword. The indifference of meats, which I concede, is just why ye should "take heed" not to tempt weak brethren to act against conscience (which constitutes sin,... [ Continue Reading ]
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; IF ANY MAN - being weak. WHICH HAST KNOWLEDGE. The very knowledge thou pridest thyself on () will lead him... [ Continue Reading ]
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? SHALL ... PERISH. So G g, Vulgate. But 'Aleph (') A B C Delta f read 'is being destroyed.' A single act, seemingly unimportant, may produce everlasting consequences (Romans 14:23). FOR WHOM, [ di' (G1223 ) hon (G3739... [ Continue Reading ]
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. WOUND THEIR WEAK CONSCIENCE - literally, 'smile their conscience, being (as yet) weak.' It aggravates the cruelty that it is committed on the weak, as if one struck an invalid. AGAINST CHRIST. Such... [ Continue Reading ]
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. MEAT - old English for 'food' in general. MAKE ... TO OFFEND - Greek, 'is a stumblingblock to.' NO FLESH. To ensure my avoiding flesh offered to idols, I would abstai... [ Continue Reading ]