Category:Idols & Images (subject)

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Idols & Images

Overview

In a world dominated by polytheism, the major concern of Jews (and Christians) was to separate themselves from idols and idolatry. The problem was not only the presence of temples and statues but extended also to food as many animals sold in the market came from sacrifices.

Paul addressed this problem in 1 Corinthians:

Paul, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33 -- 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are beneficial. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. 24 Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience, 26 for "the earth and its fullness are the Lord's." 27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience-- 29 I mean the other's conscience, not your own. For why should my liberty be subject to the judgment of someone else's conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why should I be denounced because of that for which I give thanks? 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved.

References

• Idols and Images / Johannes Tromp / In: The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism (2010 Collins / Harlow), dictionary, 758-759

• Idolatry / Brook W.R. Pearson / In: Dictionary of New Testament Background (2000 Evans & Porter), dictionary, 526-529

• / [[]] / In: The Anchor Bible Dictionary (1992 Freedman), dictionary,

External links