What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? (KJV)
Then: Questions four and five still follow after Paul's thought about the "bread," the body, during communion. Can an idol be completely ignored as nothing if it so closely and intricately relates to the gentile practice of worship? When Paul says "no," neither can the Corinthians say "no." The practice of eating definitely has meaning. The question is "Will they be so convicted that they will abandon their practice (Baker, p. 147) and only participate in the Lord's supper?"
Now: Their are instances of Satanic worship in American culture, so there are today some who must directly deal with this question and teaching as Paul originally presented it. For the most part however, sacrificing principles and performing actions which do not honor Christ is hidden from view. Like the Corinthians, though, choices need to be brought into the light, scrutinized, and evaluated. If conviction regarding dishonor to the Lord is revealed, the practices need to be abandoned.
Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
NO TEAR UNNOTICED
4 years ago
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