Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 8:5

"For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;" — 1 Corinthians 8:5 (ASV)

Paul grants for argument that there are “so-called gods” in heaven and earth, such as those the pagans recognized in Greek and Roman mythology. He also mentions the many “gods” and “lords” who are called such in Scripture (cf. Dt 10:17; Psalms 136:2–3) and who in the widest sense represent rulers in the universe who are subordinate to God (Colossians 1:16). Paul is therefore teaching that the “so- called gods” of the pagans are unreal and that the real “gods” and “lords,” whatever they may be, are all subordinate to the one supreme God whom alone we recognize. To Paul, there is only “one God, the Father,” and “one Lord, Jesus Christ.” The Father is the source of all creation, and Jesus Christ is the dynamic One through whom creation came into existence. As for Christians, they live for God, the source of all, and have the power for living through Jesus Christ. So why, implies Paul, should we be concerned with idols or meat sacrificed to idols?

When Paul came to Corinth, he found a city filled with idolatry. These are the ruins of one of the pagan temples at which its residents worshiped.