married to whom she will; only in the
Lord. (40)But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment; and I
too think that I have the Spirit of God.

VIII.

NOW concerning the things offered to idols, we know that we all have
knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. (2)If any one thinks
that he knows anything, he has known nothing yet as he ought to know.
(3)But if any one loves God, the same is known by him.

(4)As concerning then the eating of the things offered to 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 in heaven
or on earth (as there are gods many, and lords many), (6)yet to us
there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto
him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

(7)But there is not in all men this knowledge; for some, with a
consciousness till now of the idol, eat it as a thing offered to an
idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (8)But food commends
us not to God; for neither, if we eat, are we the better; nor, if we
eat not, are we the worse. (9)But take heed, lest haply this liberty
of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak. (10)For if any one sees
thee, who hast knowledge, reclining at table in an idol's temple, will
not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat the things
offered to idols? (11)And through thy knowledge he that is weak
perishes, the brother for whom Christ died! (12)But when ye so sin
against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against
Christ. (13)Wherefore, if food cause my brother to offend, I will eat
no flesh for ever more, that I may not cause my brother to offend.

IX.

AM I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our
Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? (2)If I am not an apostle to
others, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of my apostleship are
ye in the Lord. (3)This is my answer to those who examine me. (4)Have
we not power to eat and to drink? (5)Have we not power to lead about a
sister as a wife, as well as the other apostles, and the brothers of
the Lord, and Cephas? (6)Or have only I and Barnabas not power to
forbear working? (7)Who ever goes to war at his own charges? Who
plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? Or who tends a
flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock?

(8)Say I these things as a man? Or does not the