1 Corinthians 10

In this chapter, Paul uses the history of Israel in the wilderness as a cautionary example for the Corinthian believers. He draws parallels between the Israelites' experiences and the spiritual realities of the Christian life, warning against overconfidence and encouraging vigilance against idolatry, sexual immorality, and complaining. This passage emphasizes the need for self-examination and perseverance in faith, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking the welfare of others in the community.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 (NKJV) Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,

Paul reminds the Corinthians of their spiritual heritage, likening the experiences of the Israelites—passing under the cloud and through the Red Sea—to a baptism. This baptism united them with Moses, just as Christians are united with Christ in their baptism. This reference serves to illustrate the solidarity and continuity between the experiences of Israel and the church.

1 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NKJV) all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

The Israelites' sustenance in the desert—manna and water from the rock—is portrayed as spiritual nourishment, prefiguring the Eucharist. Paul identifies the rock as Christ, emphasizing that Christ has always been the source of life and sustenance for God's people, foreshadowing the believers’ communion with Him.

1 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Despite the divine provision and guidance, most Israelites displeased God and faced severe consequences—death in the wilderness. This verse serves as a stern warning to the Corinthians (and all believers) that spiritual privileges do not guarantee salvation; faithfulness and obedience are essential.

1 Corinthians 10:6 (NKJV) Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

The failures of the Israelites are presented as lessons for believers, warning against craving evil as they did. This admonition is directed at avoiding the same errors, particularly idolatry and immorality, which can lead to spiritual downfall.

1 Corinthians 10:7 (NKJV) And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”

Paul quotes from the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32, using it as a clear example of idolatry. He warns the Corinthians to steer clear of any form of idol worship, which leads to moral decay and spiritual indifference, reminiscent of the Israelites who indulged in revelry and idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10:8 (NKJV) Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;

Referring to the incident in Numbers 25 where Israelites engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women, Paul highlights the severe consequences of such sins. This serves as a dire warning against the temptations of sexual immorality, which can have catastrophic spiritual consequences.

1 Corinthians 10:9 (NKJV) nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;

Paul warns against testing Christ’s patience and mercy, as some Israelites did when they challenged God’s providence, leading to their destruction by serpents (Numbers 21). This admonition is a reminder of the dangers of discontentment and lack of faith.

1 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

This verse refers to incidents like those in Numbers 16, where complaining against divine direction led to severe punishment. Paul uses this history to caution against a spirit of discontent and rebellion within the Christian community.

1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Paul clarifies that the recorded history of Israel serves as a warning for later generations, especially for those living in the Christian era. It underscores the enduring relevance of Scripture in providing moral and spiritual guidance.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

This is a call for humility and vigilance. Paul warns that overconfidence in one’s spiritual status can lead to a fall, much like the Israelites who, despite their unique spiritual experiences, often failed to uphold their commitment to God.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) No temptation has overtaken you except 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 also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Paul reassures the Corinthians that while temptations are inevitable, they are never unique or insurmountable. God’s faithfulness ensures that believers will always have a means to endure or escape these challenges, emphasizing divine support in times of trial.

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NKJV) Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Paul's direct instruction here is simple and urgent: avoid idolatry at all costs. This is a practical application of his earlier discussions about the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that avoiding such sin is critical to maintaining one's relationship with God.

1 Corinthians 10:15-16 (NKJV) I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Paul appeals to the Corinthians as rational people to consider the implications of participating in the Lord's Supper. He connects the act of blessing the cup and breaking the bread with the profound spiritual reality of sharing in the body and blood of Christ, highlighting the importance of this sacrament in their lives.

1 Corinthians 10:17 (NKJV) For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

This verse emphasizes the unity of believers who partake in the Eucharist. Despite their individual differences, they are united in Christ through the communal act of breaking bread, symbolizing their oneness in the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:18 (NKJV) Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

Paul draws a parallel between Christian communion and the practice of eating sacrifices in ancient Israel. Just as eating the sacrifices made one a partaker of the altar in a literal sense, participating in the Lord’s Supper makes one a partaker in the sacrifice of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:19-20 (NKJV) What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

Paul clarifies that while idols themselves are nothing, the rituals surrounding idolatry involve demonic influences. He warns the Corinthians against inadvertently participating in pagan worship, which is essentially communing with demons, not just empty symbols.

1 Corinthians 10:21 (NKJV) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

This verse emphasizes the incompatibility of Christian worship with pagan practices. Paul stresses that believers must make a definitive choice—communion with Christ excludes any involvement with demonic activities.

1 Corinthians 10:22 (NKJV) Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Paul rhetorically asks if Christians, by participating in idol worship, are challenging God’s exclusive claim over them. This serves as a reminder of God’s jealousy for His people and the folly of trying to contend with His authority.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NKJV) All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

Reiterating a principle from earlier in his letter, Paul notes that while all things may be permissible, not everything is beneficial or constructive. He encourages the Corinthians to act with the good of others in mind, promoting a community-oriented ethic over personal freedom.

1 Corinthians 10:25-26 (NKJV) Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”

Paul advises the Corinthians that they can eat any meat sold in the market without worrying about its religious implications, citing Psalm 24 to remind them that everything ultimately belongs to God, freeing them from concerns over food that might have been offered to idols.

1 Corinthians 10:27-28 (NKJV) If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake. But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.

Paul outlines a practical approach to dining with non-believers: eat what is offered unless informed it's been sacrificed to idols. This respect for the informant's conscience, rather than their own, highlights sensitivity to others' beliefs as a witness to faith.

1 Corinthians 10:29-30 (NKJV) “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? If I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?

Paul continues discussing the dynamic of freedom and conscience. He questions why his freedom should be limited by another's conscience if he is grateful for his food. This raises complex issues about the intersection of Christian liberty, gratitude, and external perceptions.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Paul summarizes his teachings with a universal principle: every action should reflect the glory of God. This underscores that ordinary activities like eating and drinking can and should be infused with spiritual intention and gratitude.

1 Corinthians 10:32-33 (NKJV) Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Paul concludes by urging the Corinthians to avoid actions that might cause offense to any group—Jews, Greeks, or fellow Christians. His personal approach, aiming to benefit others to facilitate their salvation, serves as a model for their conduct.