NOW CONCERNING THINGS SACRIFICED TO IDOLS (περ δε των ειδωλοθυτων). Plainly the Corinthians had asked also about this problem in their letter to Paul (1 Corinthians 7:1). This compound adjective (ειδωλον, idol, θυτος, verbal adjective from θυω, to sacrifice) is still found only in the N.T. and ecc... [ Continue Reading ]
PUFFETH UP (φυσιο). From φυσιοω (present indicative active). See on 1 Corinthians 4:6. Pride may be the result, not edification (οικοδομε) which comes from love. Note article (η) with both γνωσις and αγαπη, making the contrast sharper. See on 1 Thessalonians 5:11 for the verb οικοδομεω, to build... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SAME IS KNOWN OF HIM (ουτος εγνωστα υπ' αυτου). Loving God (condition of first class again) is the way to come to know God. It is not certain whether ουτος refers to the man who loves God or to God who is loved. Both are true. God knows those that are his (2 Timothy 2:19; Exodus 33:12). Those... [ Continue Reading ]
NO IDOL IS ANYTHING IN THE WORLD (ουδεν ειδωλον εν κοσμω). Probably correct translation, though no copula is expressed. On ειδωλον (from ειδος), old word, see on Acts 7:41; Acts 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. The idol was a mere picture or symbol of a god. If the god has no existence, the idol is a... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOUGH THERE BE (κα γαρ ειπερ εισ). Literally, "For even if indeed there are" (a concessive clause, condition of first class, assumed to be true for argument's sake).CALLED GODS (λεγομενο θεο). So-called gods, reputed gods. Paul denied really the existence of these so-called gods and held t... [ Continue Reading ]
YET TO US THERE IS ONE GOD, THE FATHER (αλλ' ημιν εις θεος ο πατηρ). B omits αλλ' here, but the sense calls for it anyhow in this apodosis, a strong antithesis to the protasis ( EVEN IF AT LEAST , κα ειπερ).OF WHOM (εξ ου). As the source (εξ) of the universe (τα παντα as in Romans 11:36; Colossi... [ Continue Reading ]
HOWBEIT IN ALL MEN THERE IS NOT THAT KNOWLEDGE (αλλ' ουκ εν πασιν η γνωσις). The knowledge (η γνωσις) of which Paul is speaking. Knowledge has to overcome inheritance and environment, prejudice, fear, and many other hindrances.BEING USED UNTIL NOW TO THE IDOL (τη συνηθεια εως αρτ του ειδωλου).... [ Continue Reading ]
WILL NOT COMMEND (ου παραστησε). Future active indicative of παριστημ, old word to present as in Acts 1:3; Luke 2:22; Colossians 1:28. Food (βρωμα) will not give us an entree to God for commendation or condemnation, whether meat-eaters or vegetarians.ARE WE THE WORSE (υστερουμεθα). Are we left... [ Continue Reading ]
TAKE HEED (βλεπετε). A warning to the enlightened.LEST BY ANY MEANS (μη πως). Common construction after verbs of caution or fearing, μη πως with aorist subjunctive γενητα.THIS LIBERTY OF YOURS (η εξουσια υμων αυτη). Εξουσια, from εξεστιν, means a grant, allowance, authority, power, privilege,... [ Continue Reading ]
IF A MAN SEE THEE WHICH HAST KNOWLEDGE SITTING AT MEAT IN AN IDOL'S TEMPLE (εαν γαρ τις ιδη [σε] τον εχοντα γνωσιν εν ειδωλειω κατακειμενον). Condition of third class, a possible case. Paul draws the picture of the enlightened brother exercising his "liberty" by eating in the idol's temple. Later... [ Continue Reading ]
THROUGH THY KNOWLEDGE (εν τη ση γνωσε). Literally, in thy knowledge. Surely a poor use to put one's superior knowledge.PERISHETH (απολλυτα). Present middle indicative of the common verb απολλυμ, to destroy. Ruin follows in the wake of such daredevil knowledge.FOR WHOSE SAKE CHRIST DIED (δι' ο... [ Continue Reading ]
WOUNDING THEIR CONSCIENCE (τυπτοντες αυτων την συνειδησιν). Old verb τυπτω, to smite with fist, staff, whip. The conscience is sensitive to a blow like that, a slap in the face.YE SIN AGAINST CHRIST (εις Χριστον αμαρτανετε). That fact they were overlooking. Jesus had said to Saul that he was pe... [ Continue Reading ]
MEAT (βρωμα). Food it should be, not flesh (κρεα).MAKETH MY BROTHER TO STUMBLE (σκανδαλιζε τον αδελφον μου). Late verb (LXX and N.T.) to set a trap-stick (Matthew 5:29) or stumbling-block like προσκομμα in verse 1 Corinthians 8:9 (cf. Romans 14:13; Romans 14:21). Small boys sometimes set snares... [ Continue Reading ]