What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Why does Paul contrast knowledge and love in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, and what is the thematic context?"
Answer
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul sets knowledge and love opposite each other with regard to the consumption of food sacrificed to idols, to demonstrate that intellectual knowledge alone is insufficient for the Christian life. While knowledge without love can lead to pride, love serves to build up the community and takes into account the conscience of weaker members of the congregation. The thematic context includes the question of how converted Gentiles should behave in an environment full of idolatry without causing offense.
Food Sacrificed to Idols and Consideration for the Weak
»Paul urged his brothers to ask themselves what influence their words and actions would have on others, and to do nothing, no matter how innocent it might seem, that could appear to sanction idolatry or offend the scruples of those who might be weak in the faith. ... A mere profession of faith in Christ, a boastful knowledge of the truth, does not make a person a Christian.«
The Importance of Love Compared to Knowledge
»No matter how lofty the profession, anyone who is not filled in their heart with love for God and their fellow humans is not a true disciple of Christ. Even if they possessed great faith and the power to perform miracles, their faith without love would be worthless. ... In his zeal he might even be willing to die a martyr's death, but if he does not act out of love, he would be regarded by God as a deceived enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.«
The Historical Context: Gentile Christians and Food Sacrificed to Idols
»Closely linked to the question of circumcision were several other issues that required careful study. One was the problem of what stance should be taken toward the use of meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Many of the converted Gentiles lived among ignorant and superstitious people who frequently offered sacrifices to idols. ... the Jews feared that the converted Gentiles would bring disrepute to Christianity by partaking in what had been offered to idols.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
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Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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