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Meat bought in the marketplace back then was likely to have been symbolically offered to an idol in one of the many pagan temples. Animals were brought to the temple, killed before an idol as part of a pagan religious ceremony, and eaten at a feast in the idol’s temple or taken to butchers who sold the meat in the marketplace. The Corinthian believers wondered if by eating such meat, they were somehow participating in the worship of pagan idols. In verses two and three, Paul emphasizes the importance of love. Love is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can make us look good and feel appreciated, but we can easily be inclined to develop an arrogant attitude. Many people with strong opinions are unwilling to listen and learn from God and others. We can obtain God’s knowledge only by loving him.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.[a]