1 Corinthians Chapter 8, Verse 13
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13: διοπερ ει βρωμα σκανδαλιζει τον αδελφον μου ου μη φαγω κρεα εις τον αιωνα ινα μη τον αδελφον μου σκανδαλισω
13: Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no
flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to
offend.
13: Wherefore, if meat scandalize my brother, I will never eat flesh,
lest I should scandalize my brother.
Wherefore. As the conclusion of the whole matter.
If meat, etc. Paul here proposes his own views and feelings, or tells them how he would act, in order to show them how they should act in these circumstances.
Make my brother to offend. Lead him into sin; or shall be the cause of leading him into error and guilt. It does not mean, if the eating of meat should enrage or irritate another; but if it is the occasion of his being led into transgression. How this might be done is stated in 1Cor 8:10.
I will eat no flesh, etc. My eating meat is a matter of comparative unimportance. I can dispense with it. It is of much less importance to me than happiness, a good conscience, and salvation are to my brother. And the law of love therefore to him, requires me to deny myself rather than to be the occasion of leading him into sin. This is a noble resolution; and marks a great, disinterested, and magnanimous spirit. It is a spirit that seeks the good of all; that can deny itself; that is supremely anxious for the glory of God and the salvation of man, and that can make personal comfort and gratification subservient to the good of others. It was the principle on which Paul always acted; and is the very spirit of the self-denying Son of God.
While the world standeth. Greek, For ever. The phrase, "I will never eat meat," would express the idea.
Lest I make, etc. Rather than lead him into sin, by my indulging in eating the meat offered in sacrifice to idols.
