Now (1) as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we (a) all have knowledge. Knowledge (b) puffeth up, but charity (c) edifieth.
(1) He begins to entreat of another type of indifferent things, that is, things offered to idols, or the use of flesh so offered and sacrificed. And first of all he removes all those things which the Corinthians pretended in using things offered to idols without any respect. First of all they affirmed that this difference of foods was for the unskilful men, but as for them, they knew well enough the benefit of Christ, which causes all these things to be clean to those that are clean. Be it so, Paul says: even if we are all sufficiently instructed in the knowledge of Christ, I say nonetheless that we must not simply rest in this knowledge. The reason is, that unless our knowledge is tempered with charity, it does not only not avail, but also does much hurt, because it is the mistress of pride. Nay, it does not so much as deserve the name of godly knowledge, if it is separate from the love of God, and therefore from the love of our neighbour.
(a) This general word is to be abridged as (1 Corinthians 8:7) appears, for there is a type of taunt in it, as we may perceive by (1 Corinthians 8:2).
(b) Gives occasion of vanity and pride, because it is void of charity.
(c) Instructs our neighbour.