things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have
knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. (2)But if any man
conceit that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought
to know. (3)But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

(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 mou