“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.”
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that 'We all possess knowledge.' But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. — Paul shifts (peri de) to idol food, another question from the Corinthians' letter. The slogan 'we all possess knowledge' (gnōsis echomen pantes) reflects confidence in understanding. However, Paul's axiom—gnōsis physioi (knowledge inflates like puffed-up dough)—opposes arrogance to edification. The verb oikodomei (builds up) establishes love as the criterion for all spiritual knowledge. Intellectual certainty must yield to communal care.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 8:1
It is necessary first to say what the meaning of this passage is: for so shall we readily comprehend the Apostle's discourse. For he that sees a charge brought against any one, except he first perceive the nature of the offense will not understand what is said. What then is it of which he was then accusing the Corinthians? A heavy charge and the cause of many evils. Well, what is it? Many among them, having learned that Matthew 15:11 “not the things which enter in defile the…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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