Idol Food in Corinth: Jewish Background and Pauline Legacy

Hardback

Main Details

Title Idol Food in Corinth: Jewish Background and Pauline Legacy
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Alex Cheung
SeriesThe Library of New Testament Studies
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:368
ISBN/Barcode 9781850759041
ClassificationsDewey:227.206
Audience
Undergraduate
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Sheffield Academic Press
Publication Date 1 April 1999
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

This historical and exegetical investigation strongly challenges the widely held view that Paul regarded idol food as a matter of indifference, to be avoided only for the sake of the spiritual health of the weak. An exhaustive treatment of early Christian material shows that early authors were deeply influenced by Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 8-10, and yet they were totally unaware of the subsequent traditional understanding that Paul regarded idol food as indifferent. Even those who advocated eating idol food did not once appeal to Paul's discussion for support. An alternative understanding is proposed: Paul considers conscious consumption of idol food a denial of one's allegiance to Christ. One must avoid idol food if, and only if, it is identified as such.

Author Biography

Alex Cheung is Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Christian Witness Theological Seminary, Concord, California.