1Cor.8
[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth
up, but charity edifieth.
[2] And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as
he ought to know.
[3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
[4] As concerning therefore
the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the
world, and that there is none other God but one.
[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether
in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
[6] But to us there is but one God, the
Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and
we by him.
[7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol
unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an 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; neither, if we eat not, are we
the worse.
[9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them
that are weak.
[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall
not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
[11]
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, 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
make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
1Cor.9
[1] 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 be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship
are ye in the Lord.
[3] Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
[4] Have we not power to eat
and to drink?
[5] Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the
brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
[6] Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
[7]
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit
thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
[8] Say I these things as a man?
or saith not the law the same also?
[9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the
mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
[10] Or saith he it altogether
for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that
he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
[11] If we have sown unto you spiritual things,
is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
[12] If others be partakers of this power over you,
are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder
the gospel of Christ.
[13] Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of
the temple? and they which wait at the alter are partakers with the alter?
[14] Even so hath the Lord
ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
[15] But I have used none of these
things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to
die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
[16] For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing
to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
[17] For if I do
this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto
me.
[18] What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ
without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
[19] For though I be free from all men, yet have
I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew,
that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that
are under the law;
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but
under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
[22] To the weak became I as weak,
that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
[23] And
this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
[24] Know ye not that they which
run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
[25] And every man that
striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we
an incorruptible.
[26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
[27]
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to
others, I myself should be a castaway.