Bible Study 1 Corinthians 10: 1-33

 

Commentary of the Book of 1st Corinthians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 1 Corinthians 10: 1-33

Text:

Temptation and God’s Faithfulness

10 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; 2 and all were baptized 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 were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them, and the rock was [a]Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased. For they were [b]struck down in the wilderness. 6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.

7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” 8 Nor let us act in sexual immorality, as some of them [c]did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor let us put Christ to the test, as some of them [d]did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them [e]did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have arrived. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to prudent people. You judge what I say. 16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the [f]bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one [g]bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one [h]bread. 18 Look at [i]the nation Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? 19 What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the [j]Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of the other person. 25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 26 For the earth is the [k]Lord’s, as well as its fullness. 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This is meat consecrated to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake. 29 I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with gratefulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?

31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;”

Paul begins by addressing a point of ignorance or unawareness within the Corinthian church: "For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers." This congregation was diverse, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. While today a Messianic Christian may be seen as somewhat unique, in that era, a Gentile Christian was the less common figure, as the initial followers of Christ were Jewish. When Paul refers to "our fathers," he is speaking directly to the Jewish members of the church, acknowledging their shared history and identity as Israelites. The phrase "Our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea" alludes to the historical event of the Israelites' escape from Egyptian slavery, specifically their crossing of the Red Sea.

Verse 2: “and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;”

The Israelites' experience of the Exodus is presented as a type of baptism. They were "immersed... 'into Moses,'" signifying their unity and identification with him as their leader. Paul uses this baptismal language to draw a parallel for the Corinthians, emphasizing that all the Israelites shared in the ordeal and deliverance of the Exodus through their solidarity with Moses, just as Christian baptism stresses the believer's union with Christ.

Verse 3: “ and all ate the same spiritual food;”

Paul cautions the Corinthians against drawing false assurance from their participation in the Lord's Supper, by drawing a parallel with baptism. The Israelites, too, received supernatural provision—divinely supplied food and drink. When Paul uses the word "spiritual" here, he is likely referring to the Holy Spirit's activity, suggesting that the manna and water were a supernatural provision associated with the Spirit's work, rather than just meaning "immaterial" or having a deeper symbolic meaning.

Verse 4: “and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them, and the rock was Christ.”

The theological connection between the Old Testament Israelites and the Corinthians is significant, as Paul's illustration is not arbitrary. He draws a parallel by noting that in the Old Testament, God—often called a "rock"—was forsaken by Israel (referred to as “Jeshurun" a poetic name for Israel), who turned away from the "Rock of his salvation." Paul uses this historical example to caution the Corinthians, emphasizing that despite the great privileges Christians enjoy, the one who delivered the Israelites was, in fact, the same crucified and risen Savior whom Christians follow.

Verse 5: “Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased. For they were struck down in the wilderness.”

Due to Israel's profound disobedience, only two of the men (Joshua and Caleb) aged 20 or older who had initially departed from Egypt were ultimately permitted by God to enter the Promised Land. The overwhelming majority, including Moses and Aaron, were disqualified and perished in the wilderness.

Verse 6: “Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.”

Verses 1 through 5 illustrate the liberty the Israelites enjoyed as a nation. However, this searching section reveals that they abused this freedom. The Apostle Paul applies this to us, stating that these events serve as "examples for us." This was written specifically for us, and therefore demands our close attention. The question remains: What did the Israelites do with the wonderful liberty they possessed?

Verse 7: “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.”

Idol worship became a problem for the Israelites almost immediately after their departure from Egypt. The account in Exodus 32 details this event. Following excessive feasting, a gross sexual orgy ensued (the term "play" being a euphemism for these immoral relations) at Sinai. This act of instigating idol worship and immorality led to the execution of approximately 3,000 people. An idol is defined as anything that takes God's rightful place in one's life.

Verse 8: “Nor let us act in sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.”

Paul warns against fornication, a sin prevalent in Corinth due to the Temple of Venus and its many priestesses/prostitutes. This caution was vital in their corrupt city, especially as spiritual idolatry often led to physical immorality. Most pagan gods were models of lewdness, and their worship involved lewd acts. For example, some Jewish and Christian writers believe that the worship of Baal-Peor involved fornication with Moabite women, leading to a plague that killed twenty-three thousand people.

Verse 9: “Nor let us put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.”

The account in Numbers 21 describes how the Israelites questioned the wisdom and goodness of the One who sustained and guided them in the wilderness. This figure, the spiritual Rock—Christ pre-incarnate—was their Protector and Provider. Their defiance toward God and Moses led to God sending venomous serpents among them.

Verse 10: “Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.”

The angel responsible for slaying the firstborn of the Egyptians (Exodus 12:23) also took the lives of 70,000 men during David’s census (2 Samuel 24:15, 16) and destroyed the entire Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem.

Verse 11: “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have arrived.”

"The ends of the ages" refers to the time of the Messiah, marking the final period of redemptive history immediately preceding the establishment of the messianic kingdom.

Verse 12: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”

Regardless of one's identity, a lapse in judgment is possible today. It would be quite simple for any of us to err, falter, and ultimately fail. One may be a mature Christian, a true saint, and still experience a spiritual setback. Consequently, we must exercise great caution to remain within the parameters of God's will, thereby ensuring we do not stifle the Spirit of God within our lives.

Verse 13: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it”

A significant number of individuals believe that their temptations are unique. However, regardless of the temptation you face, others have experienced the same kind of challenge. The encouraging assurance is that God will provide a means of escape for you. God is trustworthy; He will not permit you to be tempted beyond your capacity to endure.

Verse 14: “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Idolatry presented a temptation in Corinth. While idolatry may not be a temptation for you personally, the Bible informs us that covetousness constitutes a form of idolatry. This vice is quite prevalent in the present day.

Verse 15: “I speak as to prudent people. You judge what I say.”

The apostle first appeals to the Corinthians' own reason and judgment before urging a general caution against idolatry. Specifically, he addresses the issue of eating heathen sacrifices, particularly when done out of religious reverence for the idol to which they were offered.

Verse 16: “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?”

The significance of the Lord's Supper lies in its nature as a distinctively religious meal. Therefore, just as one cannot partake in the Lord's Supper without acknowledging its religious meaning, the Corinthians are mistaken to believe they can participate in temple feasts without engaging in idolatry. Furthermore, the unity inherent in the "body of Christ," symbolized by sharing the bread and wine, fundamentally excludes any union or association with idols.

Verse 17: “Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”

Because we all share in the communion bread, which symbolizes Christ's body given for all believers, we are unified as one.

Verse 18: “Look at the nation Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?”

In the Old Testament sacrifices, partaking in the offering signified the participants' identification with the sacrifice and their devotion to God. Paul used this parallel to illustrate that participation in a sacrifice made to an idol is an act of identifying with and participating with that idol. Therefore, it is entirely contradictory for believers to engage in such worship.

Verse 19: “What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?”

Although idols and the items offered to them lack any intrinsic spiritual power or nature , they are associated with demonic forces. When those engaging in pagan worship perceive an idol to be a god, demons operate in the role of that perceived deity.

Verse 20: “No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you to become sharers in demons.”

Even though idols are without substance, the true nature of pagan ceremonies is that they are driven by the work of Satan, which is why Christians must completely avoid participation.

Verse 21: “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”

A believer needed to carefully examine his conscience, as eating meat sacrificed to idols could, for some individuals, constitute an act of idolatry.

Verse 22: “Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?”

God will not tolerate rivalry; idolatry is certain to be punished.

Verse 23: “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.”

Paul maintains that while he is permitted to do all things, not all are helpful or "expedient." The reason is that an action, though permissible for him, could potentially cause a weaker believer to stumble. Therefore, though "all things are lawful for me," he acknowledges that "not all things build up" or are "profitable."

Verse 24: “Let no one seek his own good, but that of the other person.”

While the Christian possesses significant liberty in Christ, this freedom must be tempered by a commitment to the welfare of others. Consequently, a Christian's life ought not to be primarily governed or dictated by personal liberty. Rather, liberty is constrained by the principle of love. A Christian is not bound by legalism nor circumscribed by rigid regulations; instead, the guiding constraint is love. The believer should be deeply concerned with the influence and impact of their actions upon others, which is the central idea Paul conveys here.

Verse 25: “Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake.”

Notwithstanding his strong admonitions against participation in idolatrous feasts, Paul does not intend for the Corinthians to be unduly scrupulous. The designation of food as an offering to an idol does not alter its inherent nature; it remains an element of God’s creation. Consequently, the Corinthian adherents are under no obligation to inquire whether provisions in the marketplace originated from the temple, nor do they need to pose the question when extended an invitation to dine. They are at liberty to consume what God has furnished.

Verse 26: “ For the earth is the Lord’s, as well as its fullness.”

This is a quote from Psalm 24: 1. Christians are entitled to partake in all aspects of God's creation—both its aesthetic qualities and its provisions. The Lord has made this provision.

Verse 27: “If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake.”

Should you be invited to the residence of a non-believer, you may attend and partake of whatever is served to you, without raising any inquiries.

Verse 28: “But if anyone says to you, “This is meat consecrated to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake.”

A further principle is involved, which constitutes an entirely new matter. Paul has recommended consuming all food without inquiry. However, consider the scenario in which another individual present observes one eating the meat and states, "This meat has been offered to idols." In that instance, one ought to refrain from eating the meat; not because the act of eating is inherently wrong, but because it is evident that it may cause harm to the conscience of the person who made the observation. The prohibition against eating the meat stems not from one's own conscience but from the conscience of the other individual. There is no regulation prohibiting the consumption of the meat. Nevertheless, motivated by one's love and desire to assist that brother whose conscience is troubled, one should abstain from eating the meat. This is the crux of the matter.

Verse 29: “I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?”

Using our freedom in a way that offends a weaker brother can lead the offended person to condemn us.

Verse 30: “If I partake with gratefulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?”

The accusation leveled against Paul, of eating meat sacrificed to idols, serves as the clear foundation for this question, implying a hypocrisy in his subsequent prohibition against the Corinthians engaging in the same practice.

Verse 31: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

This is the standard by which every believer should evaluate their life. The question is not, "Should I engage in this activity or that?" but rather, "Can I undertake it for the glory of God?" Regrettably, some Christians attend church without the motive of glorifying God, perhaps instead driven by a desire to criticize or gossip. Given such a motive, it would be preferable to remain at home. Whatever endeavor a believer pursues ought to be executed for the glory of God. This principle is paramount. I remember having someone ask me if it was a sin to smoke. I told him the Bible was not specific on the subject. I told him to hold the cigarette in his right hand and lift it heavenward and say, “Lord, I smoke this to your glory.” He said he couldn’t do that. I said, you have your answer on whether you should smoke.

Verse 32: “Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;”

Paul categorizes the world into three groups: Jews, Gentiles, and the church of God. These groups often hold divergent beliefs. For instance, the Jewish prohibition against pork means that inviting a Jewish acquaintance to dinner and serving ham would certainly cause offense. A believer is obligated to love others sufficiently to ensure their actions do not cause offense. Similarly, many Gentiles maintain distinctive customs. While it may be impractical to accommodate all of them, efforts should be made to avoid offending those with whom we interact. Furthermore, care must be taken not to offend members of the church of God.  

Verse 33: “just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.”

In conjunction with the aspiration to execute all actions for the glory of God, this principle furnished Paul with his standard for conduct. This is, in essence, the principle of Christian love, which does not seek personal advantage at the expense of others.