1 Corinthians 8:2

I. Corinth was a large city with a great deal of communication with other countries, and an active state of knowledge existing within itself. The Corinthians were likely to be struck with the beauty of the gospel morality, to admire its large and liberal views, embracing as it did all nations and ranks of men without distinction, and laying no stress upon outward ceremonies, such as they had seen the Jews so fondly attached to. But their habits and characters would lead them to take this view of Christianity alone, and to run wild upon it; whereas its other features—its humility, its intense charity, and its self-denial—they were very little inclined to value.

II. Again, while entering readily into what they heard of the liberty and glorious prospects of the Christian, they wanted the humility and soberness which should save them from running into the evils of fanaticism. The gifts of the Spirit, which they had received, were to be displayed without the cold restraints of order or usefulness; women having become heirs of the promises no less than men, why should they still retain in their public assemblies that old fashion of dress which directed them not to appear abroad unveiled, as if they were intruding beyond their own proper element? Again, the Lord's Supper was a Christian festival, a commemoration of their high privileges; let it then be celebrated with nothing but joy. The earth was the Lord's, and He had given the use of it to His redeemed children; they need not then fear to enjoy His gifts. To a people of this sort there was more need of that which might humble them than of anything to encourage them more. They needed not to be told of the excellence of knowledge, but to be warned of its insufficiency when not accompanied by humility or charity; to be reminded, when they talked of their knowledge, that knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. Many instances might be given, in both the Epistles to the Corinthians, setting forth their peculiar character and the peculiar addresses which it required from the Apostle. We may see their disposition, and the way in which that disposition is treated; and if we feel that ours is such a one, then this is a part of Scripture which suits us particularly; we should read it over and over again, for here is the wisdom of God for the curing of our own special infirmities.

T. Arnold, Sermons, vol. vi., p. 204.

References: 1 Corinthians 8:6.—A. Barry, Cheltenham College Sermons, p. 293; Bishop Westcott, The Historic Faith, p. 45. 1 Corinthians 8:8.—Preacher's Monthly, vol. ii., p. 98. 1 Corinthians 8:8-13.—F. W. Robertson, Lectures on Corinthians, p. 133. 1 Corinthians 8:9.—J. Keble, Sermons from Easter to Ascension Day, p. 281. 1 Corinthians 9:15.—Plain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times," vol. vi., p. 236.