The Corinthians and Idolatry: 1 Corinthians 8-10

The Corinthian church had many varied problems which Paul was addressing in the letter 1 Corinthians.

He goes through them one by one:

  1. Denominationalism: “I of Paul, Apollos, Cephas” etc in Chapters 1-4;
  2. Sexual immorality in Chapter 5;
  3. Lawsuits between brethren in Chapter 6;
  4. Teaching on social status in Chapter 7: such as those betrothed, those married, slaves, virgins etc.

In Chapters 8 though 10, Paul addresses yet another issue: that of idolatry among the Corinthians. But it is the usual problem one might normally expect regarding idolatry. The Corinthians were not engaging in idolatry because they believe in idols. Rather, they thought they were too smart for idolatry.

It touches on attendance at pagan events, treatment of weaker brethren, and what counts as Idolatry.