ISB ~ 1 Corinthians 8 v7 - 13

The idol food controversy involves two groups of people:the “weak”, whose conscience is fragile because of their recent conversion from idolatry (8:7), and “the strong”, whose conscience is better informed about idols but whose conduct endangers the weak (8:4, 11). In terms of knowledge, the weak appear to think that idols are associated with real divinities, whereas the strong possess the mature knowledge that there is only one God and Lord (8:6). Paul urges the strong to temper their knowledge and freedom (to eat idol food) with love, which does not assert itself in spite of others but looks out for the good of others (13:5). The strong are warned that eating idol food can destroy a weaker brother by drawing him back into sins of idolatry (8:12-13).