Through an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 8-11:1 a central hypothesis is developed that seeks to facilitate a coherent understanding of these chapters and clarify their place in the epistle as a whole. It is suggested that in the Corinthian church the gifts of the Spirit and most notably the gift of knowledge had come to be regarded by the so-called strong as authenticators of their secure status in the covenant community. Paul argued that spiritual gifts could not and should not functi