Bible Commentary

1 Corinthians 8:13

1 Corinthians 8:13

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

Wherefore if meat make my brother to offend,.... This is the conclusion of the whole, which the apostle makes with respect to himself, and proposes for the imitation of others; that since an imprudent use of Christian liberty, in this article of eating things offered to idols, might be attended with such bad consequences, as to lay a stumblingblock in the way of weak Christians, and be a means of emboldening them to do things contrary to their consciences, and so break the peace of their minds, wound their spirits, grieve and afflict their souls, and not only so, but so to do would be to sin against Christ himself; rather than do any of these things, or be accessary to them, he determines, in the strength of divine grace, thathe will eat no flesh while the world standeth; or "for ever": not only he resolves he will not eat flesh offered to idols, but no other flesh, if this was an offence to a weak brother; and he not only concludes to abstain a few days, or months, or years, but as long as he should live in the world: he chose rather to live on herbs, or any other food but this,lest, says he,I make my brother to offend: this is truly Christian charity, a proof of brotherly love, and it shows a concern for the peace and welfare of others, when a person foregoes his own right, and drops the use of his liberty, rather than grieve, wound, and offend a brother in Christ.

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1 Corinthians 8 — Overview1 Corinthians 8 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe apostle, in this chapter, answers another case proposed to him by some of the Corinthians, about eating those things that had been sacrificed to idols. I. He hints at the occasion of this case, and gives a…1 Corinthians 8 — Overview1 Corinthians 8 · Treasury of Scripture Knowledge1 Corinthians 8:1, To abstain from meats offered to idols; 1 Corinthians 8:8, We must not abuse our Christian liberty, to the offence of our brethren; 1 Corinthians 8:11, but must bridle our knowledge with charity.1 Corinthians 8 — Overview1 Corinthians 8 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter the apostle proceeds to consider the case of eating things offered to idols, which, though an indifferent thing, was abused by many in the Corinthian church, to the scandal and hurt of weak Christians;…1 Corinthians 8:1-131 Corinthians 8:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 The relation of lore to knowledge with respect to the question of eating idol offerings. 1 Corinthians 8:1 As touching things offered unto idols. This was doubtless one of the…1 Corinthians 8:1-131 Corinthians 8:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe discussions contained in this chapter relate to "things offered unto idols." Bear in mind that idolatry was not then simply a religious system, but a system immensely extended and covering a corresponding surface of…1 Corinthians 8:1-131 Corinthians 8:1-13 · The Pulpit Commentary2. The End of all things. "We unto [not 'in'] him." What is here asserted of some of God's works ("we") applies to all (see Colossians 1:16). All things were created "unto" God; the object of their existence terminates…