Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 8:1-6

"Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know; but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him. Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is [anything] in the world, and that there is no God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him." — 1 Corinthians 8:1-6 (ASV)

There is no proof of ignorance more common than conceit of knowledge. Much may be known when nothing is known to good purpose. And those who think they know anything, and become proud of it, are the least likely to make good use of their knowledge. Satan hurts some as much by tempting them to be proud of mental powers, as others, by alluring them to sensuality.

Knowledge that puffs up the possessor and makes him confident is as dangerous as self-righteous pride, even though what he knows may be right. Without holy affections, all human knowledge is worthless. Pagans had gods of higher and lower degree—gods many, and lords many—so-called, but not truly such. Christians know better.

One God made all and has power over all. This one God, specifically the Father, signifies the Godhead as the sole object of all religious worship. The Lord Jesus Christ denotes the person of Emmanuel—God manifest in the flesh, one with the Father and with us. He is the appointed Mediator and Lord of all. Through Him we come to the Father, and through Him the Father sends all blessings to us by the influence and working of the Holy Spirit.

While we refuse all worship to the many who are called gods and lords, and to saints and angels, let us test whether we really come to God by faith in Christ.