Food Sacrificed to Idols
(Romans 14:13–23)
1Now, concerning the things sacrificed to idols, we know because we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.2If anyone thinks that he has known anything, not yet did he knowit as he ought to know it;3but, if anyone loves God, the same has been known by Him:
4concerning, therefore, the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but One.5For, even if there arethings called gods, whether in heaven, or on earth (as there are gods many, and lords many);6yet to us there is One God, the Father, of Whomare all things, and we for Him; and One Lord Jesus Christ, through Whomare all things, and we through Him.
7Butthis knowledge is not in all; but some, by familiarity with the idol even until now, eatit as an idol-sacrifice; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.8But food will not commend us to God; neither, if we eat not, are we lacking; nor, if we eat, do we abound.9But take heed, lest this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak.10For, if anyone sees you, who have knowledge, recliningat table in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be emboldened to eat the idol-sacrifices?11For he that is weak?the brother for whom Christ died?perishes by reason of your knowledge.12And thus, sinning against the brethren, and smiting their conscience whichis weak, ye sin against Christ.13Wherefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will in no wise eat flesh forevermore; that I cause not my brother to stumble.
