8 [8:1]And concerning things offered to idols we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. [8:2]And if any one thinks he knows any thing, he yet knows nothing as he ought to know; [8:3]but if any one loves God, this [man] is known by him. [8:4]Concerning eating things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. [8:5]For even if there are those called Gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many gods and many lords, [8:6]yet to us there is one God the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and we through him. [8:7]But all have not this knowledge; and some with the conscience [unenlightened] even till now eat an idol's [sacrifice] as an idol's sacrifice, and their conscience being weak is defiled. [8:8]But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat not are we worse, nor if we eat are we better. [8:9]But beware lest your liberty should become an offense to the weak. [8:10]For if any one sees you who have knowledge reclining in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him that is weak be emboldened to eat things offered to idols? [8:11]And will not the weak brother for whom Christ died perish by your knowledge? [8:12]But when you thus sin against the brothers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. [8:13] Wherefore, if food offends my brother, I will eat no meat forever, that I may not offend my brother. CHAPTER IV. THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY ENTITLED TO A SUPPORT, PAUL'S LABORS WITHOUT CHARGE.