1 Corinthians 8:8

But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.

'commend' -'change our place in God's sight' (Con); 'God's approval of us is not based on the food we take.' (Bas)

'are we the worse...are we the better' -'The one who abstains is not disadvantaged; and the one who eats is not advantaged.' (Fee p. 383)

Points to Note:

1. The Corinthians, both the strong and the weak might have been under the impression that being able to eat with. clear conscience constituted. superior spiritual standing with God.

2. Paul stresses, the ground at the foot of the cross is level. In matters like this in the realm of of moral neutrality, neither group has. spiritual advantage over the other in God's sight.

3. This statement should remove all "boasting" with the Corinthians in this matter.

4. Many religious groups that follow self-imposed "food laws" need to read this passage. Yes Paul was Jewish, but to Paul "kosher" food neither helped you nor hindered you. (Romans 14:17)

Paul now starts to apply the principle that he introduced in verses 1-3. Paul has discussed the "knowledge" part, now it is time to apply the "love" part.

Having said that the "decisive point" does not lie in the food, he moves on to what is the decisive point.