The city of Corinth during New Testament times was filled with temples where the people sacrificed animals to idols they considered to be gods. Thus, when the Apostle Paul preached the gospel in Corinth (Acts 18:1-17) and both Jews and Gentiles were saved, he had also the task of discipling the Christians in matters concerning idols they had once worshiped.Now that these converts believed in the true God and forsook idols as Jesus Christ became their Lord and the true God became their Father, Paul taught them that the idols considered as gods by the heathen were nonentities. They were mere figments of the imagination of man.A practical question faced by these new Christians in Corinth regarded the food they should eat. The meats that were sacrificed to idols were available in the marketplace for purchase, including the Christians. Since these meats were cheaper and the idols were considered nonentities by the Christians, Paul believed and taught that eating this food was up to each individual Christian's conscience. Paul claimed that food does not commend us to God, nor does it detract from the relationship of man to God (1 Cor. 8:8).The main point addressed in this commentary was the question about whether or not eating this food would offend a "weak" brother. This chapter was written by Paul to help develop the conscience to the point that the believer does not merely do that which pleases him, but that which brings glory to God.
About the Author: Spiros Zodhiates was born to Greek parents on the island of Cyprus. After completing his Greek education, he attended the American University in Cairo, Egypt, received his Th.B. degree from the National Bible Institute (now Shelton College) in New York, and his M.A. from New York University. In 1978 he earned his Doctor of Theology degree from Luther Rice Seminary of Jacksonville, Florida. He was also the recipient of several honorary doctorates.
In 1946, Dr. Zodhiates came to the United States at the invitation of the American Mission to the Greeks (AMG), Inc. At that time, there were two part-time employees working out of a one-room office in New York City. Initially serving as Secretary General, he became President of the organization in 1966 and served in this capacity until his retirement.. Now known as AMG (Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel) International, the ministry is involved in evangelistic and relief endeavors around the world. Ministry headquarters have been located in Chattanooga, Tennessee since 1978.
Throughout his six decades of leadership, Dr. Zodhiates demonstrated a profound commitment to the Word of God and a singular focus on accomplishing his calling faithfully. His style was marked by frugal stewardship, great enthusiasm, entrepreneurial courage and unexpected generosity.
Dr. Zodhiates is a recognized authority on the Greek New Testament. His works include an edition of the Modern Greek New Testament and the Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible. He authored numerous exegetical books and booklets in both the Greek and English languages, founded and published Pulpit Helps magazine, a monthly tabloid for ministers and Bible teachers, and taught for many years from the original Greek New Testament text on the New Testament Light radio and television programs.
Through Dr. Zodhiates' prayer and effort, multitudes of children were cared for, many hundreds of national workers were trained and sponsored in the Gospel ministry, and countless new believers were introduced to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Though his burden to bring the Gospel to the world remained undiminished, Dr. Zodhiates completed the transfer of leadership responsibilities to current AMG President Paul Jenks and had retired from active ministry by 2005.
After a long and fruitful ministry, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates entered into the presence of his Lord on October 10, 2009.
