Meat Offered to Idols

1 Corinthians 8

In this chapter Paul addresses a controversy that doesn't exist anymore. Back in the first century people would gather at pagan temples to feast on meat that had been dedicated to one of the many gods that were worshipped. These feasts were very common. They happened in temples all over town. The temples served as a sort of religious restaurant. After these feasts there was always meat left over, so it was sold on the street in the marketplace for a reasonable price.

But a controversy arose around this question: should Christians be buying and eating this meat that had once been offered to idols? Some Christians said no since this would be idolatry. But other Christians said yes because it was only a piece of meat and the false gods were just statues anyways.

The debate got pretty heated so Paul wrote chapter 8 to address this controversy. Here are his basic teachings:

1. Paul wanted them to stop bickering about this. Knowedge puffs up, but love builds up.
2. Paul did not want them to attend the feasts in the temples as this would definitely be idolatry.
3. Paul was open to meat eating in general, feeling that its not a big deal, but he did not want the Christians to flaunt their freedom in such as way that hurt the fledgling faith of other believers.

We don't argue over this issue today. But there are many issues in modern times where Christians disagree. When we disagree, we need to do it agreeably, and keep the good of others in mind. And sometimes we need to adjust our behavior for the good of the community.

Related scriptures: Acts 15.20, Acts 15.29, Acts 21.25, Rev 2.14, 1 Corinthians 10.14-23.