1 Corinthians, 8
4. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
4. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
Chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians deals with the issue of eating foods offered to idols, something that was common in the culture of the time. Paul advises the Corinthians to be careful not to do something that can scandalize the weaker brothers in the faith, even though they themselves know that there is no problem eating such foods. It is important to remember that Paul's focus is not the issue of diet itself, but the importance of considering brothers' welfare in faith. Below, five verses related to the topics covered in this chapter:
Romans 14:13: "So let us fail to judge one another. Instead, let us make the purpose of not stumbling or obstacle on our brother's path." In this verse, Paul talks about the importance of not judging the other brothers and making the purpose of not putting obstacles in their path, which relates directly to the council given in 1 Corinthians 8.
1 Corinthians 10:23: "All things are lawful, but not all are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all build." Here Paul reinforces that not everything that is lawful is beneficial for building the Christian community, which is a message similar to what he says in 1 Corinthians 8.
Acts 15:29: "Aplify of foods sacrificed to idols, blood, the flesh of suffocated animals, and illicit sex. In this verse, we see the advice given by the apostles about abstaining from foods offered to idols, a matter similar to that discussed in 1 Corinthians 8.
Galatians 5:13: "For you, brothers, have been called to freedom. But you do not use freedom as an excuse to live according to the flesh; before, serve each other with love." Here Paul talks about the freedom we have in Christ, but also warns us not to use it as an excuse for acting selfishly or to scandalize other brothers, a message similar to that given in 1 Corinthians 8.
1 Thessalonians 5:22: "Go away from every form of evil." Although this verse does not speak specifically about the theme of eating foods offered to idols, it brings an important message that we move away from all that can be harmful to our faith and building the Christian community.
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