I Corinthians 8:2

"If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know. "

This verse sounds funny out of its context. It sounds like something my dad would say to me in one of his lectures when I'd get in trouble. He'd ask if I understood what he was saying, and I'd be afraid to answer or he might "explain" further.

This verse is addressing an issue with Corinthians regarding meat sacrificed to idols. Paul is identifying with them by reminding them of the knowledge they have about God that there is only One true and living God.  He does not want them to use this knowledge to disregard the understanding of another to do as he pleases. Be considerate; show love. Do not be a stumbling block to those who have not made the same strides in their understanding of who God is.

Here is the chapter in its entirety--

"Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, andwe exist through Him. However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their  conscience being weak is defiled. But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if  someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble." (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭1-13‬ NASB)

Out of Context. I Corinthians 7

So many verses in I Corinthians 7 can be taken out of context.
For example (and I especially like this one ;),
"Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman."
In today's atmosphere, I doubt many fellows will want to keep reading. What is Paul saying?

Another out-of-context verse that seems odd if you just pull it out of Scripture is I Corinthians 7:18. "Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. ..." Ok, now I wonder how is that even possible.

Let's look at one more.  I Corinthians 7:29--"But this I say, Brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none;"

According to our study (mine and Greg's) using the Kay Arthur book, I & II Corinthians: God's Answers for Relationships and Passions, we looked at the passage as a whole to determine a big picture of what Paul was saying to the Corinthians. We determined that Paul instructs them and also us (21st Century Christians) that when we are called (saved) we are not to change our condition. If married, stay married. If not married, don't seek marriage. If free, don't become a slave. If a slave, don't worry about that, you are free in The Lord. Concerning the first verse we looked at, it is because of all the immorality that we are instructed to have one husband per one wife. Marriage is a gift. Singleness is a gift.
Verse 29 goes on to say that Paul wants us to be free from concern.  When you are married, you become more concerned about your married life.  He wants us to be devoted to The Lord. Undistracted. It is easier when you are single, but to get married is not a sin. Just live with eternity in mind.


So I encourage everyone to read I Corinthians 7 as a whole. It will make so much more sense. :)