1 Corinthians 8

KJV · Capítulo 8/16

1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10For if any man see thee which hast 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;

11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

📖 Estudo do capítulo

Resumo

Paulo trata da questão de comer carne sacrificada a ídolos, comum nos mercados de Corinto. Ele ensina que o conhecimento de que ídolos não existem não deve se sobrepor ao amor pelo irmão de consciência mais fraca.

Explicação

Em Corinto, boa parte da carne vendida no mercado vinha de sacrifícios pagãos em templos. Cristãos mais 'conhecedores' sabiam que ídolos não tinham poder real e comiam essa carne sem culpa, mas outros, vindos de um passado idólatra, ainda associavam esse ato à adoração de deuses falsos e ficavam perturbados ou tentados a pecar contra a própria consciência. Paulo ensina um princípio duradouro: ter razão teologicamente não dá licença para agir sem considerar o efeito sobre a fé alheia. O amor pelo irmão mais fraco deve pesar mais do que o exercício pleno da própria liberdade. Hoje isso se aplica a qualquer área cinzenta de conduta cristã, onde a consideração pelo próximo deve moderar a liberdade pessoal.

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