● Did the apostle Paul disagree with the first-century governing body about eating meat offered to idols, as some conclude from comparing Acts 15:28, 29 with 1 Corinthians chapter 8?

And Dr. Meyer comments that in First Corinthians chapter 8 Paul “makes no reference to the decree of the apostles either here or elsewhere, which is in keeping with his consciousness of his own direct and independent apostolic dignity. . . .

8:1-10 126

8:1-13 575

They say, with the apostle Paul: “There is actually to us one God the Father, out of whom all things are.”​—1 Corinthians 8:6.

After having stated: “There is actually to us one God the Father, out of whom all things are, and we for him,” the apostle Paul added: “And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and we through him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)

For he added: “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Cor. 8:5, 6, AV)

(b) Why was it not polytheism that Paul was teaching in 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6?

It is because the entire universe has one Lawgiver that scientists are able to discover these laws and work out practical methods in using the principles governing these laws for the good—and all too often for the harm—of man.—1 Cor. 8:5, 6.

Yes, the true God has a name that distinguishes him from the many imitation or false gods.—Isa. 42:8; Ps. 83:18; 1 Cor. 8:5, 6.

8:5, 6 530

8:6 209

● Why does Acts 15:20, 29 command Christians to keep away from meats sacrificed to idols, and 1 Corinthians 8:1-10 allow the eating of such meats?—J.

It was such meat that 1 Corinthians 8:1-10 allows Christians to buy and eat.

Nevertheless, there is not this knowledge in all persons.” (1 Cor. 8:4-7, NW)

What position do true Christians take in the conflict of gods, as shown by 1 Corinthians 8:4-7?