1 Corinthians 8:11
So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.
So this weak brother
The phrase "weak brother" refers to a fellow believer who is not as mature in their faith or understanding of Christian liberty. The Greek word for "weak" is "asthenēs," which implies a lack of strength or firmness in faith. In the early church, this often referred to those who were still struggling with the remnants of their former pagan practices or who had a sensitive conscience regarding certain freedoms. Historically, the early Christian community was diverse, with converts from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds, each bringing their own set of beliefs and practices. The "weak brother" is someone who may be easily swayed or troubled by the actions of others, particularly in matters of food offered to idols, which was a significant issue in Corinth.

for whom Christ died
This phrase underscores the immense value and worth of every believer, regardless of their spiritual maturity. The Greek word "huper" (for) indicates substitution or representation, emphasizing that Christ's sacrificial death was on behalf of all, including the "weak brother." This is a powerful reminder of the universal scope of Christ's atonement and the unity it brings to the body of believers. Historically, the early church was built on the foundation of Christ's death and resurrection, which was the central message of the apostles. This phrase serves as a call to remember the sacrificial love of Christ and to treat each believer with the same love and respect.

is destroyed
The Greek word "apollymi" is used here, which can mean to ruin or to cause to perish. In this context, it does not imply eternal damnation but rather a spiritual stumbling or harm. The use of "destroyed" highlights the serious consequences of exercising one's freedom without regard for the conscience of others. In the historical context of Corinth, where idol worship was prevalent, eating food offered to idols could lead a weaker believer back into idolatry or cause them to violate their conscience, thus damaging their faith.

by your knowledge
The term "knowledge" comes from the Greek word "gnōsis," which refers to an understanding or insight. In this passage, Paul is addressing those in the Corinthian church who prided themselves on their knowledge of Christian liberty, particularly the understanding that idols are nothing and that food offered to them is not inherently sinful. However, Paul warns that this knowledge, when exercised without love and consideration for others, can lead to the spiritual harm of a fellow believer. The historical context reveals that the Corinthian church struggled with issues of pride and division, often valuing knowledge over love. This serves as a timeless reminder that knowledge must be tempered with love and sensitivity to the spiritual well-being of others.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing issues within the Corinthian church.

2. Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, a diverse group of believers in Corinth struggling with issues of conscience and liberty.

3. Weak Brother
A believer whose conscience is sensitive and may be led into sin by the actions of others.

4. Christ
Central figure of Christianity, whose sacrificial death is the basis for salvation and unity among believers.
Teaching Points
The Value of Every Believer
Every believer, regardless of their spiritual maturity, is precious to Christ. He died for each one, and thus, we must treat each other with love and respect.

Knowledge vs. Love
Knowledge can lead to pride and insensitivity if not tempered by love. True Christian maturity is demonstrated by how we use our knowledge to build others up, not tear them down.

Responsibility in Freedom
Christian freedom is not a license to act without regard for others. We have a responsibility to consider how our actions affect the faith and conscience of fellow believers.

Avoiding Spiritual Harm
Our actions can have spiritual consequences for others. We must be vigilant not to lead others into sin or cause them to stumble in their faith journey.

Unity in Diversity
The church is a diverse body, and unity is maintained by prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over personal liberties.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that Christ died for every believer influence the way we interact with those who are weaker in faith?

2. In what ways can knowledge become a stumbling block rather than a tool for edification within the church?

3. How can we balance exercising our Christian freedom with the responsibility to protect the conscience of others?

4. Reflect on a time when your actions might have impacted another believer's faith. What could you have done differently?

5. How can the principles in 1 Corinthians 8:11 be applied to modern issues of conscience and liberty within the church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 14
Discusses similar themes of liberty and the impact of one's actions on others, emphasizing love and consideration for weaker believers.

1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Further elaborates on the principle of not causing others to stumble, highlighting the importance of seeking the good of others.

Galatians 5:13
Encourages believers to use their freedom to serve one another in love, rather than indulging in selfish desires.
The Brother's ClaimJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 8:11
The Two Guides - Knowledge and LoveE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 8:1-11
A Twofold KnowledgeD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Knowledge and CharityBp. Horne.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Knowledge and LoveJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Knowledge and LoveDean Stanley.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Knowledge and LoveJ. G. Greenhough, M. A.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Liberty and LoveM. Dods, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Love EdifiethJ. Waits, B. A.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
On the Eating of Sacrifices Offered to Idols: Liberty and ExpediencyH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Strength and Weakness; Knowledge and LoveC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
The Difference Between Christian and Secular KnowledgeF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
The Two Guides -- Knowledge and LoveW. E. Hurndall, M. A.1 Corinthians 8:1-13
A Weak Conscience, I.EPrincipal Edwards.1 Corinthians 8:7-13
Abstinence for the Sake of OthersH. A. Edson, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:7-13
Abstinence for the Sake of OthersCharles M. Southgate.1 Corinthians 8:7-13
Abstinence for the Sake of OthersD. J. Burrell, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:7-13
Christian LibertyJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:7-13
IgnoranceJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:7-13
The Law of Christian ConscienceF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 8:7-13
Abstaining for the Good of OthersC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
Christian Consideration for OthersJ. B. Gough.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
Dissuasives Against an Undue Use of Christian LibertyJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
Personal Sacrifice IsJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
Sin Against ChristProf. J. R. Thomson.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
Suffering, the Measure of WorthH. W. Beecher.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
The Great Argument for AbstinenceW. E. Hurndall, M. A.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
Wounding a Weak ConscienceR. South, D. D.1 Corinthians 8:11-13
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Becomes, Believer, Brother, Cause, Christ, Death, Destroyed, Destruction, Died, Infirm, Perish, Perishes, Perisheth, Ruin, Ruined, Sake, Underwent, Weak
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

     4404   food
     5775   abuse
     6662   freedom, abuse

1 Corinthians 8:4-13

     4438   eating
     8770   idolatry, in NT

1 Corinthians 8:6-12

     5946   sensitivity

1 Corinthians 8:7-12

     8359   weakness, spiritual

1 Corinthians 8:8-13

     5216   authority, nature of
     8353   tolerance

1 Corinthians 8:9-11

     5295   destruction
     8107   assurance, and life of faith

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

     5345   influence
     6253   temptation, avoiding causing
     8164   spirituality
     8313   nurture

1 Corinthians 8:10-13

     8413   edification

1 Corinthians 8:11-13

     8298   love, for one another

Library
December the Fourteenth the Sacred Use of Liberty
"Take heed lest this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling-block." --1 CORINTHIANS viii. 8-13. That is a very solemn warning. My liberty may trip someone into bondage. If life were an affair of one my liberty might be wholesome; but it is an affair of many, and my liberty may be destructive to my fellows. I am not only responsible for my life, but for its influence. When a thing has been lived there is still the example to deal with. If orange peel be thrown upon the pavement, that is not the end
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

'Love Buildeth Up'
'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 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. 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,
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Law of Christian Conscience.
Preached January 25, 1852. THE LAW OF CHRISTIAN CONSCIENCE. "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 denied. 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. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

How those are to be Admonished who do Bad Things Secretly and Good Things Openly, and those who do Contrariwise.
(Admonition 36.) Differently to be admonished are those who do bad things in secret and good things publicly, and those who hide the good things they do, and yet in some things done publicly allow ill to be thought of them. For those who do bad things in secret and good things publicly are to be admonished to consider with what swiftness human judgments flee away, but with what immobility divine judgments endure. They are to be admonished to fix the eyes of their mind on the end of things; since,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that Thou Shouldest Come under My Roof," Etc. , and of the Words Of
1. We have heard, as the Gospel was being read, the praise of our faith as manifested in humility. For when the Lord Jesus promised that He would go to the Centurion's house to heal His servant, He answered, "I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and he shall be healed." [2163] By calling himself unworthy, he showed himself worthy for Christ to come not into his house, but into his heart. Nor would he have said this with so great faith and humility, had
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Manifestation of Holy Love.
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us." --1 John iv. 16. The question which now presents itself is: In what way is the divine, majestic act of making man a partaker of true love accomplished? We answer that this is-- 1. Prepared by the Father in Creation. 2. Made possible by the Son in Redemption. 3. Effectually accomplished by the Holy Spirit in Sanctification. There is in this respect, first a work of the Father, which the Heidelberg Catechism designates, "Of God the Father
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished.
"And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."--Gen. i. 2. What, in general, is the work of the Holy Spirit as distinguished from that of the Father and of the Son? Not that every believer needs to know these distinctions in all particulars. The existence of faith does not depend upon intellectual distinctions. The main question is not whether we can distinguish the work of the Father from that of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but whether we have experienced their gracious operations.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Monk Nilus.
Nilus was born at Rossano, in Calabria, in the year 910, of an old Greek family. His pious parents, to whom only one child, a daughter, had been given, besought the Lord that he would give them a son. This prayer was heard, and that son was Nilus. They carried the child to the church, and consecrated him to the service of God. On that account, also, they gave him the name of Nilus, after a venerated monk of the fifth century, distinguished by his spirit of vital Christianity, and to whose example
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

On the Opinion of Dionysius.
Letter of Athanasius concerning Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, shewing that he too was against the Arian heresy, like the Synod of Nicæa, and that the Arians in vain libel him in claiming him as on their side. 1. The Arian appeal to Dionysius a slander against him. You have been tardy in informing me of the present argument between yourself and the enemies of Christ; for even before your courtesy wrote to me, I had made diligent enquiry, and learnt about the matter, of which I heard with
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Instruction for the Ignorant:
BEING A SALVE TO CURE THAT GREAT WANT OF KNOWLEDGE, WHICH SO MUCH REIGNS BOTH IN YOUNG AND OLD. PREPARED AND PRESENTED TO THEM IN A PLAIN AND EASY DIALOGUE, FITTED TO THE CAPACITY OF THE WEAKEST. 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.'--Hosea 4:6 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This little catechism is upon a plan perfectly new and unique. It was first published as a pocket volume in 1675, and has been republished in every collection of the author's works; and recently in a separate tract.
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches on the Subject.
To set forth the present teaching of the Latin Church upon the subject of images and the cultus which is due them, I cite the decree of the Council of Trent and a passage from the Catechism set forth by the authority of the same synod. (Conc. Trid., Sess. xxv. December 3d and 4th, 1563. [Buckley's Trans.]) The holy synod enjoins on all bishops, and others sustaining the office and charge of teaching that, according to the usage of the Catholic and Apostolic Church received from the primitive times
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of the Holy Scripture, So Far as Every Christian must Competently Know, and Necessarily Believe, that Will be Saves.
Although no creature can define what God is, because he is incomprehensible (Psal. cxliii. 3) and dwelling in inaccessible light (1 Tim. vi. 16); yet it has pleased his majesty to reveal himself to us in his word, so far as our weak capacity can best conceive him. Thus: God is that one spiritual and infinitely perfect essence, whose being is of himself eternally (Deut. i. 4; iv. 35; xxxii. 39; vi. 4; Isa. xlv. 5-8; 1 Cor. viii. 4; Eph. iv. 5, 6; 1 Tim. ii. 5; John iv. 24; 2 Cor. iii. 17; 1 Kings
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

"Boast not Thyself of To-Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." There are some peculiar gifts that God hath given to man in his first creation, and endued his nature with, beyond other living creatures, which being rightly ordered and improved towards the right objects, do advance the soul of man to a wonderful height of happiness, that no other sublunary creature is capable of. But by reason of man's fall into sin, these are quite disordered and turned out of
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Corinth
Christianity had been profoundly changed by its passage from Galilee to Jerusalem. Whereas the teaching of Jesus had been the announcement of the kingdom of God, the illustration of its character, and the insistent call to men to repent, the central teaching of the disciples in Jerusalem became the claim that Jesus was the Messiah. But the passage from Jerusalem to Antioch had produced still greater changes. After all, the teaching of the disciples in Jerusalem contained no elements foreign to
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

First Sunday in Lent
Text: Second Corinthians 6, 1-10. 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, and in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation): 3 giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed; 4 but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

I May Briefly Reduce the Chief Persuading Motive to this So Needful and So Much...
I may briefly reduce the chief persuading motive to this so needful and so much desiderated grace into some three or four heads. All things within and without persuade to it, but especially the right consideration of the love of God in Christ, the wise and the impartial reflection on ourselves, the consideration of our brethren whom we are commanded to love, and the thorough inspection into the nature and use of the grace itself. In consideration of the First, a soul might argue itself into a complacency
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. '
We must look at the sense not the wording. The offence excited is at the sense; meaning of the Symbols; the question of their not being in Scripture. Those who hesitate only at coessential,' not to be considered Arians. Reasons why coessential' is better than like-in-essence,' yet the latter may be interpreted in a good sense. Explanation of the rejection of coessential' by the Council which condemned the Samosatene; use of the word by Dionysius of Alexandria; parallel variation in the use of Unoriginate;
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
'Great is the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh.' I Tim 3:16. Q-xxvii: WHEREIN DID CHRIST'S HUMILIATION CONSIST? A: In his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross. Christ's humiliation consisted in his incarnation, his taking flesh, and being born. It was real flesh that Christ took; not the image of a body (as the Manichees erroneously held), but a true body; therefore he
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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