Idolatry was prevalent in the first century as people worshipped statues of Greek and Roman gods. The early church had to help new Gentile believers abandon idolatry. While some proposed compromising by allowing pagan rituals, others warned this would threaten true faith. The Bible repeatedly commands avoiding idolatry, defining it as putting anything ahead of worshipping God alone. The document warns that idolatry can still subtly influence people today through excessive admiration of celebrities, achievements, or possessions.