I Corinthians 8:5

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) KJV

Then: The opening page of a First Corinthians study guide by Roger Hahn points out that the diversity of gods and its effect on the new church indicates these people were Gentiles, not raised in the Jewish tradition. Teaching the Corinthians required bypassing the commonly accepted slogans pointed out by Wright (everybody has knowledge of some kind, idols are inconsequential nonsense, there is no other God but one). Paul had to move them into a purer understanding ot the truth of "one God." This verse begins the attack on the problem of trivialized and twisted knowlege. Weak and misguided beliefs of some Corinthians resulted in their giving some credence to the all-encompassing, imaginary gods. They could worship the others behaviorally and be really worshiping the one true God.

Now: The problem of a universal God gains more and more credence. There is anomosity towards those who insist that one God, the Lord of heaven, the creator will have no other Gods before him, that there is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ his son. Today's believers need to know, really know, their God even as the Corinthians needed to know him.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Roger Hahn (Christian Rescource Institute, c2007, opening page presented by The Voice, CRI Voice Institute) online at http://www.crivoice.org/books/1corinth.html