Journal: Trinity Journal
Volume: TRINJ 23:2 (Fall 2002)
Article: The Meaning And Uses Of ειδωλοθυτον In First Century Non-Pauline Literature And 1 Cor 8:1-11:1: Toward Resolution Of The Debate
Author: E. Coye Still III

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TrinJ 23:2 (Fall 02) p. 225

The Meaning And Uses Of ειδωλοθυτον In First Century Non-Pauline Literature And 1 Cor 8:1-11:1:
Toward Resolution Of The Debate

E. Coye Still IIIa

I. Introduction

Traditionally εἰδωλόθυτον is understood to mean broadly food offered to idols. To be sure εἰδωλόθυτον might be consumed in a pagan temple during a feast permeated with rituals of pagan worship, but one might also encounter εἰδωλόθυτον in the macellum, a private home, or a largely social meal in temple dining facilities as a food item with a history of use in pagan rituals. Against the traditional view, Gordon Fee argues that throughout 1 Cor 8:1–11:1 (i.e., in 1 Cor 8:1, 4, 7, 10, and 10:19) εἰδωλόθυτα means sacrificial food eaten at a cultic meal in the temple area.1 Ben Witherington argues that in the non-Pauline first century sources (as well as in 1 Cor 8:1–11:1) εἰδωλόθυτον always means food sacrificed as a part of pagan worship and consumed in the temple precincts.2 For Fee and Witherington, therefore, the problem of εἰδωλόθυτον in 1 Cor 8:1–11:1 necessarily involves pagan rituals in the temples. Bruce Fisk, writing before publication of Witherington’s study, responded to Fee’s argument in defense of the traditional view.3

At stake in the debate is whether Paul could recognize an authentic right of the Corinthian knowers in regard to εἰδωλόθυτα.4 If consumption of εἰδωλόθυτα equals participation in idolatrous ritual, then we must conclude on a priori grounds and based on 1 Cor 10:21

TrinJ 23:2 (Fall 02) p. 226

(cf. 1 Thess 1:9) that Paul abhors and will not tolerate it. Now is an appropriate time for an assessment of the evidence in lig...

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