Chapter 8

Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.

If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know.

But if anyone loves God, the same is known by him.

Now as for food sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.

For even if there are what are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (for indeed there are many gods, and many lords),

yet for us there is only one God, the Father from whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him. Practical Rules

But such knowledge is not in everyone. Some, still idol-conscious, eat idol offerings as such, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

Now food does not commend us to God. For neither shall we suffer any loss if we do not eat, nor if we do eat shall we have any advantage.

Still, take care lest perhaps this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak.

For if a man sees one who "has knowledge" reclining at table in an idol place, will not his conscience, weak as it is, be emboldened to eat idol-offerings?

And through thy "knowledge" the weak one will perish, the brother for whom Christ died.

Now when you sin thus against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

Therefore, if food scandalizes my brother, I will eat flesh no more forever, lest I scandalize my brother.