Sunday, October 11, 2026

#1681 1 Corinthians 9 Part 2 Shadow Boxing

 

                                        J.C. Ryle


15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case, for it would be better for me to die than have anyone make my boast an empty one. 16 For if I proclaim the gospel, I have nothing to boast, for I am under compulsion. For woe is me if I do not proclaim the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward? That, when I proclaim the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my authority in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. 20 And to the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews. To those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law. 21 To those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 23 So I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9: 15-27 LSB

1 Corinthians 9: 15-27

15. But I have used none of these things - Paul has just gone through a list of qualifications that make him equal to those apostles who are receiving support from the church, but he himself has chosen to set this right aside and remain a tent maker. Let this be understood as well, all the other apostles shared the gospel freely too, and were often repaid by the hearers with beatings and imprisonment. This was never a pay to pray, for we all received the gospel freely and should give the gospel in the same manner. Paul's continuation in labor, in working all night so that he may travel and preach during the day, has put even more weight upon his words for other pastors. It is a support that is first and foremost of a free will, then before handing out money or goods we must evaluate the recipient and what the money is going to. Paul receives gifts at different times when God has laid it upon the hearts of his brothers and sisters, but he is not on the payroll with any consistent salary, which has given him a lot of breadth in this matter. In Exodus those working on the tabernacle were actually men of integrity, who, once realizing they had more then they needed, asked Moses to tell the people to stop bringing in money for the work. Stewardship works both ways.

…5and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” 6After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more, 7since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work.… Exodus 36: 5-7


V. 15b - 18 And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case - It's not like false humility that fishes for a compliment regardless of how one's words play themselves down. He actually has more vested here. It allows him to speak more freely on behalf of others, working with his hands removes a stumbling block for those who have been burnt by the snake oil salesmen, and it is the boast of his ministry, not arrogantly, but that I have had the privilege to give in such a manner. It also has kept him from becoming complacent so that when he is sick, in prison, and has received gifts, he can see the hand of God and not coming to rely on a steady income has probably brought him to his knees more frequently. These gifts connected the givers to Paul's suffering, and came from the motivation of love rather than the compulsion of fear or pressure.

MacArthur adds that "He was not using subterfuge, hoping that, despite his protest, they would begin to pay him. He had never taken pay from those he served and he never intended to. Nor was he now asking for that in a disguised way." - PA

…16For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. 17Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. 18I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.… Philippians 4: 16-18

…13In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! 14See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?… 2 Corinthians 12: 13-15

Vs. 19-20 I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more - Paul put the needs of others first, so that even his liberty was to deny himself  his liberties in order to win more. I have a first world problem that I am always so concerned about my rights, but not equally as eager to pray for and forgive those who have infringed upon them. Paul's willingness to set lesser things aside makes it easier to teach concerning all things. If someone feels or believes that they can't eat pork then that is not the greatest thing they lack in their understanding. It is not the end of the world and bacon is not my gospel, so when Paul is with the Jews he lives as they live. When with the gentiles he does the same and protects them from Judaizers who would demand that they be circumcised and come under the ceremonial law. 

1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. 2Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.… Galatians 5: 1-3

V. 21 Though not being without the Law of God but under the Law of Christ - The moral law still stands, but we have all failed regarding it, and those who are saved are saved through Christ's keeping of the law and his atoning work on the cross. Paul and Peter interject lines like this to defend against those false teachers who would lead people into antinomianism.

…31I cling to Your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame. 32I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart. 33Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.… Psalm 119: 31-33


17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.…
20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.… Matthew 5: 17-22




…15Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. 16He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.… 2 Peter 3: 15-17

MacArthur on law - To keep from being misunderstood, he makes it clear that he is not talking about ignoring or violating God’s moral law. The Ten Commandments and all of God’s other moral laws have, if anything, been strengthened under the New Covenant. For example, not only is it sin to commit murder but also to be inordinately angry with your brother or to call him a fool. Not only is adultery sinful, but so is lust (Matt. 5:21–30). Love does not abrogate God’s moral law but fulfills it (Rom. 13:8, 10; cf. Matt. 5:17). None of us in Christ is without [outside] the law of God, but rather are under the law of Christ. Every believer is under complete legal obligation to Jesus Christ—even though love, rather than the externalities of the law, is to be the guiding force. (MNTC-1 Cor) - PA

Vs. 22-23 To the weak I became weak - Again laying aside his liberties. When someone is teaching me something that I don't understand yet then I always ask for the kindergarten version. There is nothing wrong with admitting you do not know or don't quite understand something, and it is far worse to pretend that you do understand only to leave and act in error. Paul takes the time to gently clarify and explain from every angle for those who don't understand, but then goes a step further for the weak and gives up his rights and privileges in order to win more people for the gospel. Everything he does is to reach a broader audience, to tell more people, not by way of compromising the gospel, but self sacrifice.

…13I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them. 15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?… Romans 11: 13-15

1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. 2And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.… 1 John 1: 1-3

Vs. 24-25 They then do it to receive a corruptible crown - Runners at the Olympic games would receive a wreath that would wither, but for this temporary ornament they would discipline themselves, bringing their bodies under submission. I have often marveled at UFC fighters cutting weight during fight camp and especially that last push right before weigh ins. Some of the drops are extreme when you think of someone who normally walks around at 220 pounds trying to make weight to fight at 185. I could stand to lose 60 myself right now, but getting there is difficult and keeping it off isn't easy either. Paul is competing for something much more glorious than a trophy, longer lasting than gold or silver, and is willing to make sacrifices to do so. 

Vs. 26-27 I box in such a way, as not beating the air - It is for a purpose, he buffets his body, he trains in order to engage, not for looks or a game, but he brings his body into subjection to be prepared. A fighter spars so that he can feel what it is like to get hit so that he does not freeze up in the ring. He is training his body to respond differently then it normally would, engaging his mind to push through pain, to not freeze up or curl away from his opponent. Our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but the outside influences that attack our bodies, like hunger, or slanderers, or bullies, should not dictate how we respond, nor do they excuse our responses. God tells us how to live as Christians and so we must be righteous regardless of what people say about us, or whether we are sick or hungry. I have often found myself to be a much lesser man than I thought once trouble has come to me. Paul is testing himself and preparing himself for this in advance. Paul prays for justice, confronts sin and false teachers, but he also lays aside personal comfort and shares the gospel even when it leads to prison or death. 

…11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.… Ephesians 6: 11-13

…27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.… Colossians 1: 27-29




































































Wednesday, October 7, 2026

#1680 1 Corinthians 9 Part 1 The Worker Is Worthy Of His Wages

 




Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we not have authority to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have authority to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have authority to refrain from working? 7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not consume the fruit of it? Or who shepherds a flock and does not consume the milk of the flock?

8 Am I speaking these things according to human judgment? Or does not the Law also say these things? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing.” Is God merely concerned about oxen? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this authority over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this authority, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9: 1-14 LSB

1 Corinthians 9: 1-14

We just left off with Paul speaking to the Corinthians, answering their questions about their liberty in Christ and the setting aside of their freedoms for the sake of weaker brothers. From commentaries and sermons I can see that this is a difficult passage for preachers to speak on, except for those charlatans who are only about filling their purses. We are all aware of such, and so when the subject of money comes up in church we should not lay aside past experiences, but should listen carefully and proceed with discernment. We are all called to be stewards of the things that God has given us, and so rightfully we should be concerned with the stewardship of those we would support in the ministry. For some pastors it is a difficult subject to approach because they are aware of the many abuses regarding money that have occurred in the name of Christ. They do not want the association, and I don't blame them, but it is part of God's word and needs to be addressed. When you look at this passage in context you will actually see it is quite beautiful, for here we see Paul's example of what he had just taught them about laying aside your rights and privileges. The apostle will prove that he didn't just teach about these things, but here is the example of doing so in his own life. 

1This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.… 1 Timothy 3: 1-3

…6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. 7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach— not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. 8Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.… Titus 1: 6-8

…18For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,… Philippians 3: 18-20

V. 1a Am I not free - He is free in Christ as well, and should be able to enjoy the same privileges as his peers.

V. 1b Am I not an apostle - This was Paul's calling, his peer group, and so the answer is the affirmative, acknowledging that he shared the same vocation as Peter and the other Apostles. 

V. 1C Have I not seen Jesus our Lord - For those that doubted his claim to Apostleship, his opposers, he asserts the basis of the claim, that he had seen the risen Lord, one of the qualifications of being an Apostle. I believe the apostolic era ended with the apostles, and that people who make that claim about themselves now should be rebuked and seen for the false teachers that they are. 

An apostle by definition had to have seen the resurrected Jesus Peter declaring "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us– beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us–one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22) Paul insists that he did not merely see a vision of Jesus, but an authentic appearance of the post-resurrection Jesus.

Acts 9:3-6 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”

1 Corinthians 15:8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. - PA

V. 2 At least I am to you - He was sent out as an apostle to the gentiles, and to this very people, the Corinthians, whom he now addressed. They had witnessed the signs of his apostleship. He had shared the gospel and many had believed. They were a place of his planting where the Holy Spirit had moved.

Utley - A seal in the ancient world was a warm blob of wax into which a signet ring was pressed to seal a letter or package. It was an assurance that the contents had not been opened; it showed who owned the contents; and it showed the genuineness of the contents, that it was sent by the right person. This type of seal became a metaphor of Christian certainty (cf. John 3:33; Ro 4:11).

Not only were the saints in Corinth Paul's seal of authenticity, they were also his letter (See Passage above). In addition Paul had performed supernatural signs that authenticated his apostleship, writing "The signs of a true apostle were performed among you (BY ME, PAUL) with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles." (2 Corinthians 12:12)

Vs. 3-4 Do we not have authority to eat and drink - Paul starts his defense, and this is in the context of paying ministers, so it is in reference to being fed.

17Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “ Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5: 17-18

V. 5 To take along a believing wife - Paul had the right to take along a wife, but he had the gift of celibacy as previously discussed. The point here is that if he did then his, her and his families care would all be considered one. They would all need to be fed.

V. 5b The rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas - Here is the precedent, and Paul is an apostle too. This passage flies in the face of the Roman Catholic teachings concerning Peter, popes (which are an unbiblical invention) and the rest of the apostles. Paul appears to be the only one without a wife. Cephas is another name for Peter.

…2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. 3They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,… 1 Timothy 4: 2-4

Jack Arnold - It was the practice of the Apostles to take their wives and children with them when they traveled and ministered to various churches. This verse tells us that most of the Apostles were married to believing wives, and they were not separated from their wives and families when ministering. It also tells us that the church supported the Apostle, his wife and his family; therefore, we might conclude that the woman was not required to work for money outside the home. This verse certainly refutes the idea that men in the ministry should not be married....and the Lord’s brothers. This is a reference to the half-brothers of Jesus. Mary had other children by Joseph after she bore Christ (Matt. 1:25; 12:46; Jn. 2:12). This obviously refutes the superstition that Mary was always a virgin. This more importantly tells us that the privilege of being financially supported in the ministry applied to those who were not Apostles, for the half-brothers of Christ were not Apostles, except James.... and Cephas? Even Peter and his wife were supported by the church in the work of the ministry. Peter was a married man (Matt 8:14; Mark 1:30). Again, this refutes the whole idea of the celibacy of the clergy. Furthermore, if Peter was the first Pope (as some erroneously claim) then that Pope was a married man. - PA




Vs. 6-7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense - Consider the natural order, even a slave that is sent into war would receive food, shelter and equipment. He continues, "who plants a vineyard, who shepherds a flock?" The answer is obvious, you plant a vineyard in order to consume it's grapes, with the expectation of drinking of it's wine. There is a logical principle here as well that you would want your own time and skill to be valued. If you had a farm, well most people don't understand this today, but it takes a lot of time and energy, a lot of planning and maintenance, so you would not be wrong for expecting to be compensated by those who would be interested in your vegetables, meat, fruit or dairy products. It is normal to value the products and services that people provide. A good measure would be, what would I honestly want if I was the one providing this service? Of course to get here honestly you would need to learn a bit of what goes into it. 

…14Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. 15You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 16Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.… Deuteronomy 24: 14-16

…12You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. 13You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. 14You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.… Leviticus 19: 12-14

Vs. 8-10 Yes for our sakes it was written - Paul demonstrates that this is not just human wisdom and reasoning; this is congruent with Holy Scripture. If you do not muzzle the ox, but allow him to eat as he plows, to restore his expenditure, then what of the plowman made in God's image, your brother?


Vs. 11-12 We endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ - These were Paul's spiritual children, yet he and Barnabas did not exercise their rights or privilege as Apostles when they were with them. He gives the reason, because he wanted no hindrance to the gospel, and as MacArthur points out, this was by his own choice. Paul removed a stumbling block out of love for God and his people, but also for the sake of the gospel, and even this message. No one in Corinth could say that they made Paul the man he was, and this brings about an interesting question. Are there times today when men would be called as tent makers? Absolutely, if God sent you to a people who are poor, or a people who were skeptical, then they may be interested in the message, but not able or yet willing to pay a vocational elder. This is why I think it is important for us to support missionaries so that they do not come as a burden to those they are trying to reach, but also doing missions isn't vacationing so we need to be careful who we send. Never withhold the gospel, but trust God to take care of you.

…7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts.… Matthew 10: 7-9


Vs. 13-14 Those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple - This is a reference back to the Levitical priesthood. They received a portion of the sacrifices and tithes given at the temple, as the Levites also served in the keeping of the temple and the ceremonies. 

First, if ministers are required to support themselves, the danger is that they will be forced to become men of the world when they should be men of prayer and the Word. Ministers ought not to go into real estate, investments, gold and silver, playing the stock market or whatever. These distract a man of God from his number one task which is to pray and minister the Word. The normative principle is that a minister is never to seek support from a secular occupation unless it is a particular, special case such as Paul and Barnabas.

Second, a minister should be paid well enough so as to keep his mind from worldly things such as where his next dollar is coming from. He should receive an amount of money which would make him free from the basic cares of the world. He should not be rich nor should he live in poverty simply because he is in the ministry.

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Prov. 30:8-9). - PA

…5The priest shall burn them on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD; it is a guilt offering. 6Every male among the priests may eat of it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy. 7The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.…
…8As for the priest who presents a burnt offering for anyone, the hide of that offering belongs to him. 9Likewise, every grain offering that is baked in an oven or cooked in a pan or on a griddle belongs to the priest who presents it, 10and every grain offering, whether dry or mixed with oil, belongs equally to all the sons of Aaron.… Leviticus 7: 5-10
































































































Monday, September 28, 2026

#1679 1 Corinthians 8 Puffy

 



Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks that he has known anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he has been known by Him.

4 Therefore, concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

7 However, not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food will not commend us to God. We neither lack if we do not eat, nor abound if we do eat. 9 But see to it that this authority of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be built up to eat things sacrificed to idols? 11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 12 And in that way, by sinning against the brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again—ever, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13 LSB

1 Corinthians 8: 1-13

V. 1 Now concerning things offered to idols - Paul is going to answer another question that they sent him. There are some things that the Bible does not speak directly to, and though it does speak directly to idolatry, we know that an idol is an invention of a man's mind, and a Christian is not bound by any idol because it's not real. So buying food that was sacrificed to an idol would not change anything about the meat; it' still just meat. The original dietary laws were to keep Israel separate from their neighbors who did worship idols. 

1While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, 2who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. 3So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them.… Numbers 25: 1-3


…14For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 15Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. 16And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same.… Exodus 34:14-16


…2“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3You shall have no other gods before Me. 4You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.… Exodus 20: 2-4


Vs. 1b-3 Knowledge puffs up but love builds up - You could study and be able to regurgitate a lot of facts and quotable quotes. You could be completely sound in your doctrine, which we are commanded to be, but if you don't have love it is nothing. We take the things, the knowledge God has afforded us, and we allow ourselves to be seduced by pride, thinking that we arrived to such knowledge because we are smarter or greater than those around us, that the gospel was something we attained rather than a gracious gift. The author is not against knowledge; he is against having only that. In fact, the problem arises that one has only partial knowledge and his boasting shows ignorance. 

Arnold - This is a subtle slam at the Corinthians who prided themselves on their knowledge. Human knowledge on this earth is at best incomplete and partial. Any time a stronger brother looks down his nose at a weaker brother for not exercising a Christian liberty, or a weaker brother judges a strong brother for practicing some liberty, he must remember his knowledge is incomplete. We often judge motives and forget that our ability to grasp the whole situation with all the facts is incomplete. We not only do not know motives when we see a brother refraining or practicing some doubtful thing, but also our knowledge of the whole action is usually limited, insufficient and incomplete. When solving the problem of questionable practices, knowledge, doctrine and logic is not enough. There must be love (1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Questionable Practices At Corinth)

Hodge - Compare 1 John 4:7, 8. “Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God; he that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love.” This is the precise sentiment of the text. Love is essential to knowledge. He that loves God, knows God. The apostle in this connection interchanges love of the brethren and the love of God, because the love of the brethren is only one of the forms in which the love of God manifests itself. When he said, “Love edifieth,” he meant love to the brethren, and without that love, he says, there can be no true knowledge; but if a man love God, (which includes love to the brethren,) the same is known of him. (1 Corinthians 8 Commentary)

MacArthur on knowledge - The statement was true but egotistical. It reflected a feeling of superiority. The believers who made the claim were not suggesting they were omniscient, but that they had more than enough knowledge and understanding of God’s Word to know that pagan gods and idols were not real and that food sacrificed to them was still just food. They knew that eating the food could not contaminate them spiritually, that it had no affect on their Christian lives. They felt totally free to eat whatever they wanted, no matter what others thought. But they are reminded that knowledge makes arrogant. Those believers were mature in knowledge, but were not mature in love. Love edifies, or builds up others; and that edification they did not have. They were solid in doctrine but weak in love. They were strong in self-love but weak in brotherly love. - PA

…5You will stumble by day, and the prophet will stumble with you by night; so I will destroy your mother— 6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. 7The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace.… Hosea 4: 5-7


1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.… 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3

V. 4 We know that an idol is nothing - Paul is in agreement with their knowledge. They have come to the right conclusion logically, but he has to address their pride. Think about it, the devil has better theology than we do. He knows more about God, has watched God's work in the world and the heavens for thousands of years, but this knowledge is not salvific. He stood in the presence of God but nurtured the thought of being God, his pride over how he looked and what he knew, though he did not make himself, yet led him to want to be something he could not. God is not a created being, but Lucifer, you, me and everyone else is, and so it is delusional to not acknowledge God or His place above His creation. 

…15And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: 16“O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. 17Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to all the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God.… Isaiah 37: 15-17


…4Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 5They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; 6they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell;…
…7they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. 8Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. 9O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.… Psalm 115: 4-9


V. 5 For even if there are so-called gods - In the Greek and Roman mind there were many, but they only existed in the imagination. They even had a memorial to the unknown God, just in case they missed one. 

22Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you. 24The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands.… Acts 17: 22-24


V. 6 For us there is one God, the Father, from Whom are all things, and we exist for Him, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things and we exist through Him - There is no room for pride, for everything was created by God. There is no room for it in our salvation either, for this solely belongs to the Lord. 

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.… John 1: 1-3


…25God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 26Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” 27So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.… Genesis 1: 25-27

And one Lord (kurios), Jesus (Iesous) Christ (Christos), by Whom are all things - Kurios, means Master. Paul says we have one Master, the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the Creator of everything. He is ascribing deity to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:16-17 For by Him (JESUS) all things were created (JESUS IS THE CREATOR), both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (JESUS IS THE SUSTAINER OF HIS CREATION!).

Hebrews 1:2-3 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, Whom He appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power (JESUS IS THE SUSTAINER OF HIS CREATION). When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, - PA

V. 7 However, not all men have this knowledge - Paul is taking them from what he agrees with them on to the reality of what their knowledge is lacking. Yes, you are right, but what about your weaker brother? He used to worship these idols, participate in the orgies at their temples, carry around good luck charms, talismans, or amulets that would protect him from evil or bring good fortune. It is interesting that this was a problem back then, because I see people do that with the saints in Roman Catholicism, or praying to Mary. It is an attempt at blending the pagan with Christianity, which is where the weaker brothers will end up taking it, and becoming part of something that is no longer Biblical Christianity, and they end up worshiping another Christ. 



V. 8 But food will not commend us to God - I was a vegetarian for a bit because I was hanging out with some college kids who all went to church together and had invited me to come along. We didn't spend much time studying God's word, had no idea that context was key, but someone had mentioned that Daniel ate vegetables, and that our first parents, Adam and Eve, lived before death entered the world, so they were vegan. Besides that I also hung out at a lot of coffee shops with my other friends who thought being a vegetarian was deep and spiritually enlightened. But, Paul says, "food will not commend us to God." I believe we shouldn't be gluttons, that is not taking care of our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, but whatever someone puts in front of me to eat, within moral reason, I will accept graciously. 

…15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 16Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. 17These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.… Colossians 2: 15-17

Vs. 9-10 Be built up to eat things sacrificed to idols - You are just eating meat, but your weaker brother can't eat it without connecting it to the idol worship. We have to be careful here because both parties can be immature in a way. The one who looks down at the weaker brother because it is a stumbling block, and the weaker brother who looks at the one for whom it is not a stumbling block, but places that brother's actions on the same level as those things to which God has called sin. Him eating the meat doesn't mean he worships other gods. It doesn't mean that he agrees with pagan practices. There are also those who relish their "freedom" so that it is all they talk about, just like those who pride themselves on what they don't eat. Many times they are the weaker and lead the even weaker toward antinomianism, where the line can be moved based upon how you feel or spin it. Adultery is still adultery in God's eyes, but some will say that porn isn't wrong because it is private, or isn't going out and committing the actual act. Some will spew and curse all sorts of hateful things about others, and commend themselves that it is "righteous anger." 

27You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.… Matthew 5: 27-29

…17After Jesus had left the crowd and gone into the house, His disciples inquired about the parable. 18“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “ Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, 19because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.)… Mark 7: 17-19

…20He continued: “What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. 21For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.… Mark 7: 20-22


MacArthur- if a Christian who has a conscience that is weak sees a mature believer eating in the temple, the weak brother is likely to be tempted to go against his own conscience and to eat in the temple himself. That could be dangerous to him, causing him to go against his own conscience.

Here is the point - The weaker brother is learning how to ignore his conscience—a dangerous thing to learn! - PA

V. 11 He who is weak is ruined - He is committing sin.

Is ruined (622) apollumi from apo = away from or wholly + olethros = state of utter ruin) as it relates to men, is not the loss of being per se, but is more the loss of well-being. It means to ruin so that the person ruined can no longer serve the use for which he was designed. To render useless. The gospel promises everlasting life for the one who believes. The failure to possess this life will result in utter ruin and eternal uselessness (but not a cessation of existence). Apollumi then has the basic meaning of describing that which is ruined and is no longer usable for its intended purpose. - PA

V. 12 You sin against Christ - This is directed to the "stronger" brother. He is strong in the sense of knowledge, but lacks the love that will lay aside his personal freedom. I knew a man once who would go to business gatherings where there was an open bar, but he would always have just a coke and or water, but never make a big deal of it. I asked him about it, and he said that while he in no way saw alcohol as evil, that the evil associated with it was always a matter of men's hearts and choices, he found abstinence better so that he wouldn't cause someone else to stumble. I used to drink until I got bleeding ulcers from it and started hacking up blood, and I quit because it wasn't a good investment.  After I was healthy, I decided to limit it to stay healthy but also because I didn't want to put my family in a bad position because of a DUI, or be a stumbling block for my kids. We still have an occasional drink at home and cook with all sorts of beer and wine, but the Bible is clear about excess.

…17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,… Ephesians 5: 17-19

V. 13 If food causes my brother to stumble - Paul won't buy the temple meat for the sake of the weaker brother. 

Arnold - Notice what Paul concluded. He did not say, "I'll eat just a little meat,” or "I won’t eat when a weaker brother is around.” No! He would not eat meat ever if that is what it took to help a weaker brother understand grace. As far as Paul was concerned, he was willing to forego any rights or privileges in order to keep a brother from stumbling and maintain the unity of the body of Christ. Paul’s position was, "When in doubt, don’t do it!" He did not walk the thin line between what is doubtful and what is sin. The important thing to him was not his own rights, nor his own comforts or his own pleasures, but the well-being of all Christians. Paul chose to operate on a higher principle than knowledge. He operated on the highest principle which is love. "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to go to far (Rom. 14:21). (1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Questionable Practices At Corinth)