“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.”
So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that 'An idol is nothing at all in the world' and that 'There is but one God.' — Paul acknowledges the theological correctness of the strong Corinthians: an idol is oudén estin (nothing at all), a piece of matter without reality. The monotheistic affirmation ('there is no God but one') is orthodox. The strong believers are right theologically. However, correctness does not settle all questions; Paul will complicate this certainty with the reality of the weak.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 8:4
“Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.” Look what a strait he has fallen into! For indeed his mind is to prove both; that one ought to abstain from this kind of banquet, and that it has no power to hurt those who partake of it: things which were not greatly in agreement with each other. For when they were told that they had no harm in them, they would naturally run to…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!