Epiphany · Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year B
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Food Sacrificed to Idols
January 31, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)
Paul now takes up the next question posed by the Corinthians in their letter (cf. 7:1).1Moving from the larger question of human relationships, with a special focus on marriage, divorce, and singleness, he now takes up another pertinent question that relates directly to the domestic situation of the Corinthian believers, which includes relatives, friends, and co-workers. What about the meat Christ followers were served at dinner parties? Were Christians allowed to eat whatever they could buy in the marketplace? (See the “Additional Insights” following this unit.) Interpretive Insights 8:1 We know that “We all possess knowledge.” Still speaking as a pastor, Paul immediately steps away from the specific case-in-point issue to deal with the underlying social issues of pride, prominence, and personal rights.
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Commentary
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Working Preacher) Working Preacher
Reads the chapter as Paul's argument for the priority of love over knowledge.
1 Corinthians 8 Commentary: Living by Knowledge or by Love Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical treatment of food offered to idols and the weaker conscience.
1 Corinthians 8 Commentary Precept Austin
Cross-referenced compilation of expositors and word studies on the chapter.
1 Corinthians 8:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on knowledge puffs up but love builds up.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Center for Excellence in Preaching) Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on love, freedom, and care for the weaker believer.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the issue with food offered to idols?
The strong know an idol is nothing, but Paul insists that love, not knowledge, must rule: a freedom that wounds a weaker believer's conscience is a sin against Christ.
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