(4)Now concerning eating things sacrificed unto idols: we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. (5)For though there are gods so called, whether celestial or terrestrial, (as _of this sort_ there are gods many, and lords many;) (6)but to us there is one God, the Father; of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (7)Howbeit there is not in all men this knowledge; but some having conscientious respect for the idol to this moment, eat the meat as sacrificed to the idol; and their conscience being weak, is defiled. (8)But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither if we eat are we the better, or if we eat not are we the worse. (9)But take heed that this power of yours become not an occasion of stumbling to the weak. (10)For if any man see thee that hast knowledge, sitting in an idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? (11)And the weak brother will be destroyed by thy knowledge, for whom Christ died. (12)But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (13)Wherefore if meat give occasion of offence to my brother, I will in no wise eat meat for ever, that I give no cause of offence to my brother. CHAP. IX. AM I not an apostle? am I not a free man? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? (2)If I am not an apostle unto others, doubtless I am to you: for ye are the seal of my apostolic mission in the Lord. (3)My apology to those who interrogate me is this, (4)Have we not power to eat and drink? (5)Have we not power to carry about with us a sister wife, as do also the other apostles, even the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? (6)or I alone and Barnabas, have we not power to forbear labour? (7)Who goeth at any time to war at his own expences? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit of it? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (8)Speak I these things _rationally_ as a man, or doth not the law speak the same things? (9)for in the law of Moses it is written, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox which treadeth out the corn[93]." Doth God take care for oxen? (10)or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes doubtless it was written; because he who ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he who soweth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (11)If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we should reap your corporal things? (12)if others partake of this power over you, ought not we much more? But we have not used this power, and we suffer all things, that we might not put any obstruction in the way of the gospel of Christ.