1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 . ON PARTAKING OF MEATS OFFERED TO IDOLS.

1. Though to those knowing that an idol has no existence, the question of eating meats offered to idols (referred to in the letter of the Corinthians, compare 1 Corinthians 7:1 ) might seem unimportant, it is not so with some, and the infirmities of such should be respected. The portions of the victims not offered on the altars belonged partly to the priests, partly to the offerers; and were eaten at feasts in the temples and in private houses and were often sold in the markets; so that Christians were constantly exposed to the temptation of receiving them, which was forbidden ( Numbers 25:2 , Psalms 106:28 ). The apostles forbade it in their decree issued from Jerusalem ( Acts 15:1-29 , 21:25 ); but Paul does not allude here to that decree, as he rests his precepts rather on his own independent apostolic authority.
we know that we all have knowledge--The Corinthians doubtless had referred to their "knowledge" (namely, of the indifference of meats, as in themselves having no sanctity or pollution). Paul replies, "We are aware that we all have [speaking generally, and so far as Christian theory goes; for in 1 Corinthians 8:7 he speaks of some who practically have not] this knowledge."
Knowledge puffeth up--when without "love." Here a parenthesis begins; and the main subject is resumed in the same words, 1 Corinthians 8:4 . "As concerning [touching] therefore the eating," &c. "Puffing up" is to please self. "Edifying" is to please one's neighbor; Knowledge only says, All things are lawful for me; Love adds, But all things do not edify [BENGEL], ( 1 Corinthians 10:23 , Romans 14:15 ).
edifieth--tends to build up the spiritual temple ( 1 Corinthians 3:9 , 6:19 ).

2. And--omitted in the oldest manuscripts The absence of the connecting particle gives an emphatical sententiousness to the style, suitable to the subject. The first step to knowledge is to know our own ignorance. Without love there is only the appearance of knowledge.
knoweth--The oldest manuscripts read a Greek word implying personal experimental acquaintance, not merely knowledge of a fact, which the Greek of "we know" or are aware ( 1 Corinthians 8:1 ) means.
as he ought to know--experimentally and in the way of "love."

3. love God--the source of love to our neighbor ( 1 John 4:11 1 John 4:12 1 John 4:20 , 5:2 ).
the same--literally, "this man"; he who loves, not he who "thinks that he knows," not having "charity" or love ( 1 Corinthians 8:1 1 Corinthians 8:2 ).
is known of him--is known with the knowledge of approval and is acknowledged by God as His ( Psalms 1:6 , Galatians 4:9 , 2 Timothy 2:19 ). Contrast, "I never knew you" ( Matthew 7:23 ). To love God is to know God; and he who thus knows God has been first known by God (compare 1 Corinthians 13:12 , 1 Peter 1:2 ).

4. As concerning, &c.--resuming the subject begun in 1 Corinthians 8:1 , "As touching," &c.
idol is nothing--has no true being at all, the god it represents is not a living reality. This does not contradict 1 Corinthians 10:20 , which states that they who worship idols, worship devils; for here it is the GODS believed by the worshippers to be represented by the idols which are denied to have any existence, not the devils which really under the idols delude the worshippers.
none other God--The oldest manuscripts omit the word "other"; which gives a clearer sense.