- 1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
- 2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
- 3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
- 4As 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.
- 5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
- 6But 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.
- 7Howbeit 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.
- 8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
- 9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
- 10For 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;
- 11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
- 12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
- 13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
KING JAMES VERSION
1 CORINTHIANS 8
Read the chapter, follow a linked verse, and continue into related Watchman 33 teaching.
CHAPTER VISUAL
1 Corinthians 8 — Knowledge must yield to love so Christian liberty does not wound a weaker conscience for whom Christ died.
About this illustration
The meal, nearby idol temple, restrained refusal, and welcoming table make the conscience issue visible without treating food itself as defiling. The weaker brother is shown with dignity rather than ridicule.
Scripture basis: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13King James Version · Standardized 1769 text with Strong’s numbering · Public domain outside the United Kingdom
EXPLORE THE MESSAGE
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Archaeological Evidence
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