THINGS OFFERED UNTO IDOLS

1 Corinthians 8:4-6 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. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 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.

This entire chapter, of Paul's letter to the church at Corinth, was written, by inspiration, to explain God's will regarding the eating of meats that were offered to idols. This topic was probably one, among many, questions posed by members of the Corinthian church. Paul introduces this subject by saying that knowledge gained through man's wisdom often inflates one's ego - it puffeth up. But, through the love for, and the study of, God's word, the knowledge gained edifieth, or builds one up in a spiritual manner. We are assured, in the first verse of this chapter, that sufficient knowledge is contained in the bible for Christians to know how they should regard things offered unto idols. First, we should know that, like almost all cities within the Roman Empire, Corinth was filled with temples in which pagan idols were religiously worshipped. In these worship services, the meat of animals was constantly being offered in order to appease, and seek the favor of, various idol "gods." Secondly, we should understand that, after the offering was made, the pagan "priests," the ones for whom the sacrifice was offered, either ate the meat, or it was taken to the market, offered for sale, and purchased by others to be eaten at mealtimes.

The controversy within the church, regarding this matter, seemed to be that some members saw no harm in purchasing, and eating, various meats that had been sacrificially offered in pagan temples. Others regarded such practice as sinful. This disagreement seemed to carry over from previous Jewish and Pagan traditions held before conversion to Christianity. Eating anything offered to idols was specifically prohibited under Jewish law. Therefore, many, if not all, Jewish Christians were opposed to this practice. However, it appears that, under Gentile traditions, this practice had always been acceptable, and, as a Christian, they were not offended by it. No doubt this issue had become a heated debate between Jew and Gentile Christians at Corinth, and Paul was asked to reconcile the conflicting beliefs.

Verses two and three, preceding the lesson text, indicate how heated this difference of opinion had become. Debate seems to always bring out the vanity found in individuals - the overconfidence placed in human knowledge that they possess the "only answer, or solution" to the difference of opinion. One's knowledge is not to be used as a sword to divide, but as a bridge to promote understanding; to resolve disagreements. If any man love God, this will be their attitude toward the use of their knowledge.

Disagreements over matters of opinion within the church of Christ should be resolved with all expediency, that no harm may result from contention - that the church be not divided. Certainly Paul demonstrates the love of God as he gives inspired answers to the questions that had arisen in the church at Corinth. This is evident as he began the letter with this admonition: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Cor. 1:10).

Paul's answer to this controversy is summed up in the first verse of the lesson test. Here he wrote, 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. He states further, that there are many "gods," ...but to us there is but one God, the Father, ...and one Lord Jesus Christ. Paul acknowledges that the consciences of some are offended by eating a thing offered to an idol (Vs. 7). Even with knowledge that the eating of such meats was not sinful, it was very difficult for Jewish Christians to disregard the teaching found in the Law of Moses. As "babes in Christ," their consciences were still too weak to make this dramatic change from what they had been taught throughout their lifetime. Paul's teaching to these Jewish Christians was that an idol is nothing, therefore, eating meats offered in idol worship is nothing - it is meaningless - ...for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse (Vs. 8).

So the Gentile Christians win the debate? Not so, says Paul. Although you, Gentile Christians, have this liberty to eat things offered to idols, by doing so you have become a stumbling block to them (Jewish Christians) that are weak (Vs. 9). To be so emboldened (as) to eat those things, which are offered to idols (Vs. 10), in total disregard for the consciences of your Jewish Christian brethren, is sinful in the sight of God. The sin is not the eating of sacrificial meats, but to do so in the presence of others that hold a different opinion is sinful. To intentionally do so is sinful, not only because it will wound their weak conscience, but more importantly, ye sin against Christ (Vs. 12). Here is Paul's inspired instruction to the Gentile Christians. He says, "this is what I would do," and, likewise, what you should also do. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend (Vs. 13).

In this particular instance, who was right, and who was wrong? Paul's answer says that both were right in what they thought, but both were wrong in what they did. This is a wonderful example of how matters of opinion cause divisions within the body of Christ, His church.

Throughout the lifetime of the author of this study, I have seen this happen all too often. Over insignificant matters of opinion, I have seen the unity within many churches of Christ destroyed - dissention results, divisions occurs, credibility within the surrounding community made void, and great harm done to the effectiveness of teaching, converting, and bringing sinners to accept God as their heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ as their Savior. Such is sinful and should never take place. Compromising God's word should never take place. However, to demand that things of indifference be considered as "scriptural," is, indeed, sinful in itself.

Where godly wisdom rules in matters of opinion, peace and unity within the body of Christ will prevail, edification and spiritual growth will result, and the cause of Christ will be justly served!