Consider the Weak 1 Corinthians 8:10

The church members, according to Paul the apostle, were to “take heed lest by any means this liberty of” themselves became “a stumbling-block to them that are weak”. He continued in chapter eight and verse ten of First Corinthians as he shared concerning making, “the weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols” where we read:

For if any man see you which have knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

The verse begins, “For if any man see you which have knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, ...” Paul began with the words, “For” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore “if any man” or “in case a certain one” “see you” which means “perceive, notice, discern and discover the church members” “which have knowledge” which means “who hold, own and possess understanding, a deeper more perfect and enlarged knowledge of this religion such as belongs to the more advanced especially of things lawful and unlawful for Christians” “sit at meat” or “lain down, prostrated themselves and reclined at meals” “in the idol's temple” or “the temples which were dedicated to false idols and gods”. Paul considered there may be occasion where another person who was “weak in conscience” would see someone who had “knowledge” of the worthlessness of other “gods and lords”.

The verse goes on to say, “ … shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;” Paul continued the words, “shall not the conscience” or “will the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad which is prompting to do the former and shun the latter while commending one and condemning the other” “of him” which refers to “the person” “which is weak” or “feeble and infirmed” “be emboldened” which means “to be built up, promoted, confirmed and edified” “to eat” or “to consume and devour” “those things which are offered to idols” which means “the flesh offered to idols which was left over from the sacrifices which was eaten at the feasts or sold by the poor and the miserly in the market”. Paul asked if there was a possibility the “weaker” person would be “promoted or persuaded” to “eat the sacrificed meat” against the conviction of their “conscience”.

When we consider these words from Paul, we notice how he desired that the church members be concerned about those who were “weaker” in their faith. There was a possibility they might see the “ones with liberty” “eating meats” which were “offered to idols” in the “market places” . Some who were “weak” might be inspired to “eat” those “meats”, and that would cause them conviction and condemnation of heart. Paul's idea was to keep all who believe in Jesus Christ as their “Savior and Lord” in unity and fellowship with one another. For the “weak” believers, the “eating of meats” could “stumble” them and possibly make them sin. For the “ones with liberty” or those who were “stronger” in faith, the “eating of meats” without regard to their “weaker” brothers might make them “boastful and proud” of their “liberty”. May we be mindful of other brothers and sisters in the faith and be certain to represent Jesus Christ and His church in everything we do.

Next time Paul continues his question as he asks the church members, “through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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