1 Corinthians Chapter 10
1 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 and all ate the same spiritual food;
4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.
5 However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Don't be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."
8 Let's not commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell.
9 Let's not test Christ, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents.
10 Don't grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn't fall.
13 No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 I speak as to wise men. Judge what I say.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn't it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn't it a sharing of the body of Christ?
17 Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf of bread.
18 Consider Israel according to the flesh. Don't those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?
19 What am I saying then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?
20 But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God, and I don't desire that you would have fellowship with demons.
21 You can't both drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You can't both partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons.
22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
23 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are profitable. "All things are lawful for me," but not all things build up.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbour's good.
25 Whatever is sold in the butcher shop, eat, asking no question for the sake of conscience,
26 for "the earth is the Lord's, and its fullness."
27 But if one of those who don't believe invites you to a meal, and you are inclined to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no questions for the sake of conscience.
28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," don't eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience. For "the earth is the Lord's, with all its fullness."
29 Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other's conscience. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced for something I give thanks for?
31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no occasion for stumbling, whether to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the assembly of God;
33 even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
Footnotes
- Verse 7
- Exodus 32:6
- Verse 9 (Christ)
- Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies critical text Greek New Testament reads "the Lord" instead of "Christ".
- Verse 26
- Psalm 24:1
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1 Corinthians Chapter 10 Guide
A great warning based on an illustration in Israel's history is contained in these words, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." To this warning the apostle adds that there is no necessity for such falling, because the very temptations that come to man are under the divine control, and are limited to the capacity of the tempted, while out of them God always makes a way of escape.
Carefully connect the opening injunction here with the closing declaration of the previous verse. "God ... will ... make also a way of escape ... Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."
Then the apostle gives the greatest argument of all for the Christian position. In sudden and startling fashion he puts the Christian feasts into contrast with the idol feasts.
Then followed a definite answer to their questions. The tests of Christian action is expediency. The test of expediency is edification. The test of edification is the good of the other. Everything closes with instructions. Things sold in the shambles may be eaten, no question being asked. Things set on the table at a Christian feast may also be eaten, without asking questions. If, however, at any gathering someone should challenge a believer by saying that the meat on the table had been offered in sacrifice, then for the sake of the man who raises the question, and for the sake of his conscience, the believer is to refuse to partake.
Finally, he condenses all into the form of two governing principles. First, "Do all to the glory of God"; second, "Give no occasion of stumbling."
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
1 Corinthians Chapter 10 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The great privileges, and yet terrible overthrow of the Israelites in the wilderness. -- (1-5)
- Cautions against all idolatrous, and other sinful practices. -- (6-14)
- The partaking in idolatry cannot exist with having communion with Christ. -- (15-22)
- All we do to be to the glory of God, and without offence to the consciences of others. -- (23-33)
Verses 1-5
To dissuade the Corinthians from communion with idolaters, and security in any sinful course, the apostle sets before them the example of the Jewish nation of old. They were, by a miracle, led through the Red Sea, where the pursuing Egyptians were drowned. It was to them a typical baptism. The manna on which they fed was a type of Christ crucified, the Bread which came down from heaven, which whoso eateth shall live for ever. Christ is the Rock on which the Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue therefrom, all believers drink, and are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to believers through Christ. But let none presume upon their great privileges, or profession of the truth; these will not secure heavenly happiness.
Verses 6-14
Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore should be checked in their first rise. Let us fear the sins of Israel, if we would shun their plagues. And it is but just to fear, that such as tempt Christ, will be left by him in the power of the old serpent. Murmuring against God's disposals and commands, greatly provokes him. Nothing in Scripture is written in vain; and it is our wisdom and duty to learn from it. Others have fallen, and so may we. The Christian's security against sin is distrust of himself. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. To this word of caution, a word of comfort is added. Others have the like burdens, and the like temptations: what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. God is wise as well as faithful, and will make our burdens according to our strength. He knows what we can bear. He will make a way to escape; he will deliver either from the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it. We have full encouragement to flee from sin, and to be faithful to God. We cannot fall by temptation, if we cleave fast to him. Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but believers shall be strengthened to overcome it, with all its terrors and enticements. The fear of the Lord, put into their hearts, will be the great means of safety.
Verses 15-22
Did not the joining in the Lord's supper show a profession of faith in Christ crucified, and of adoring gratitude to him for his salvation ? Christians, by this ordinance, and the faith therein professed, were united as the grains of wheat in one loaf of bread, or as the members in the human body, seeing they were all united to Christ, and had fellowship with him and one another. This is confirmed from the Jewish worship and customs in sacrifice. The apostle applies this to feasting with idolaters. Eating food as part of a heathen sacrifice, was worshipping the idol to whom it was made, and having fellowship or communion with it; just as he who eats the Lord's supper, is accounted to partake in the Christian sacrifice, or as they who ate the Jewish sacrifices partook of what was offered on their altar. It was denying Christianity; for communion with Christ, and communion with devils, could never be had at once. If Christians venture into places, and join in sacrifices to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, they will provoke God.
Verses 23-33
There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.