Cover; Editorial Board; Title; Copyright; CONTENTS; Preface; Abbreviations; Introduction; Chapter 1 THE SOCIAL MEANING OF EATING IDOL FOOD; Chapter 2 THE BACKGROUND TO PAUL''S ATTITUDE TO IDOL FOOD IN EARLY JUDAISM; Chapter 3 EXEGETICAL INVESTIGATION OF 1 CORINTHIANS 8.1-11.1; Chapter 4 THE EARLY CHRISTIANS'' UNDERSTANDING OF PAUL''S ATTITUDE TO IDOL FOOD; Chapter 5 SUMMARY AND CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS; Appendix; Bibliography; Index of References; Index of Authors
Summary
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 understan
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 323-349) and index
