Tuesday 13 May 2025
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that 'all of us possess knowledge.' Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. (v. 1)
Background
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul moves on to a vexing situation – what to do about food? If the practice at the time was to offer food to one god or another (as a blessing of productivity or as a means of protection) can it still be eaten by people following Jesus Christ? If not, then the Christian goes hungry and, furthermore, withdraws themselves from much of their community.
Paul’s answer is this: if idols and pagan gods do not exist then is this a problem (v. 4)? Not for Paul, who sees food as an essential to sustain us for this life, but not as an aspect of our spiritual lives (v. 8). Paul asserts that food is not the problem, but if it causes a problem to another then we are encouraged to refrain (see Romans 14:3). Paul is saying that we have a freedom to eat and a freedom to restrain from eating certain foods but that rather than seeing food as an issue that can cause us to sin, we should seek that which builds us up spiritually – love (v. 1).
Ponder:
- What does it mean for you to hear Paul say that love is a spiritual food?
- What would a banquet of love look like for your faith community?
Prayer
Loving God, we give thanks for all your provision, food for our soul and love for our heart. Help us to cultivate our love for you and to share your love within our hungry world. To the glory of your name. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd David Newlove
David is Co-Superintendent in the North Cumbria Circuit. He is also an agricultural chaplain and the Mission Area Lead for Cumbria for the North West England District.