Note 1 at 1 Cor. 8:1: It would appear that Paul's teaching in this chapter about meats that have been sacrificed unto idols is an answer to another of the Corinthians questions which they had previously written him about (see ref. a at this verse).

Note 2 at 1 Cor. 8:1: The background for all of Paul's instructions in this chapter was the pagan customs of Paul's day. All the religious systems of the day except Judaism, worshiped multiple gods and most of this was done in the form of idolatry. They often offered sacrifices of food unto these idols and then sold these food sacrifices in the market place.

Apparently, there had been a debate among the Corinthian Christians over whether or not the believers could eat this food that had been sacrificed to idols. Some felt that this was just food regardless of what it had been through, while others felt that this food was defiled because it had been offered to an idol.

Paul revealed that they were arguing the wrong point. The real issue wasn't the condition of the food but the conscience of the person who was eating it. This is the same approach that Jesus took in Matthew 15:11-20. Paul went on to stress that not only the conscience of the person eating the food was involved, but the conscience of the weak person who observed this was important too.

While this issue is not relevant to most Christians today, the principle discussed here has many modern-day applications. A Christian should judge the correctness of their actions not only on the basis of what is right and wrong, but on the basis of how their actions impact others. Our witness is more important that our personal liberties.

Note 3 at 1 Cor. 8:1: The phrase "puffeth up" refers to pride (see ref. c at this verse). Superior knowledge will always lead an individual into arrogance unless a deliberate effort is made to prevent it.

It is true that knowledge gives a person an advantage in many ways, but matters of the heart are more important than matters of the head. Character is more beneficial than intellect. If a person loses their character in pursuit of knowledge, they are much poorer in the sight of God and of much less benefit to their fellow men.

Note 4 at 1 Cor. 8:1: There were some of the Corinthian believers who were technically correct in their evaluation of this issue but yet they were totally wrong too. Their knowledge had become more important to them than walking in love with the brethren. Paul is stressing that walking in love is more important than being right.

One of the pitfalls of knowledge is the temptation to exalt knowledge above practical application. There are many examples of our schools producing people who "aced" the theory of their chosen field, but they are seriously lacking in the practical wisdom that it takes to succeed. For instance, someone may go to school to become a better communicator. Yet, they become enamored with the process more than the product and come out using words that no one understands. For all practical purposes, their education was useless. A truly gifted communicator can speak so that even the simplest person can understand.

Likewise, in spiritual matters, a person can educate himself in theology to the degree that they do more harm than good. It is possible to win a theological battle and yet lose the war for a person's heart. Arguments over points of theology often distract from the more important issues. That was the situation here.

The condition of this food was insignificant compared to the issue of maintaining love and unity with the brethren. Some of the Corinthian believers were "straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel" (Mt. 23:24). They were going to defend their right to eat meat sacrificed to an idol even if it meant offending a brother and leading him into idolatry. Such misplaced priorities could only happen to a person who has exalted knowledge above love.

There is no premium on ignorance, but love is infinitely superior to knowledge. We should learn all we can, but we must make knowledge our servant to love. "The greatest of these is love" (1 Cor. 13:13).