8:4 an idol has no real existence. Apparently some of the Corinthians used the doctrine of monotheism as an argument supporting their practice: if there is only one God, who teaches us to mock idols (Is. 46:6, 7), why should we worry about eating food offered to them? Paul acknowledges this truth and affirms it (vv. 4–6), but goes on to point out an error in the Corinthians’ use of this doctrine.