1 Corinthians 10

1. Moreover, brethren, etc. The apostle further illustrates the danger of negligent self-indulgence by the case of the ancient Israelites, who, though admitted, as by a baptism in the cloud and in the sea, to the privileges given through Moses, and continually sustained by miraculous provision, yet, through unbelief and sensuality, forfeited all, and perished.

3 spiritual. Or, “supernatural food,” in its origin and purpose; i.e., not merely to sustain life, but in doing so to foreshadow the “true bread from heaven,” and the “living water” (ver. 4; John vi. 30-58; iv. 10, and notes).

4 for they drank of that spiritual Rock, etc. The exact rendering of this clause is, “for they were drinking from a spiritual following rock.” The apostle seems to say that there was a rock, with its constant supplies of water, following Israel through the wilderness; not, as Jewish tradition reports, a material rock, but a “spiritual rock,” “Christ,” the true constant source of all the grace they had.

5 with many of them. Rather, “with the greater part of them.” In fact, He was pleased only with Joshua and Caleb (see Numb. xiv. 30; xxvi. 65).

6 examples. The Speaker’s Commentary gives the best interpretation of the original (równo): Now these things come to pass for outlines or marks belonging to us to follow or avoid, to follow the tracks of obedience and mercies, to avoid the footprints of rebellion and judgements.

8 as some of them committed. In the licentious worship of Baal-peor: see Numb. xxv. 1, 2, and note. This example was peculiarly applicable to the Corinthians, as their city was proverbially addicted to the immoral worship of Venus.

three and twenty thousand. See note on Numb. xxv. 9.

9 tempted. Gr. “tried beyond endurance.” Namely, “Him,” i.e., “the Lord,” which the best authorities regard as the correct reading instead of “Christ” in this verse.

10 the destroyer. Meaning, probably, “the destroying angel,” the pestilence: see Numb xvi. 49; and cp. 2 Sam. xxiv. 13-16.

11 of the world. “Of the ages.”

13 common to man. Lit., “human.” “Such as man can bear,” R.V.

above that ye are able. That is, to endure. Having shown the Corinthians their danger, Paul now comforts them by showing that God’s faithfulness secures their safety; for “He will make with the trial the escape also”; providing suitable relief for each temptation by which He permits faith to be tested.

14. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. For your own sakes, then, as well as for the sake of others, avoid those idol-feasts (19-21), and so escape all connexion with idolatry. “God delivers only those who do their lawful utmost to deliver themselves” (R. South).

16. The cup of (the) blessing. So called, probably, because in connexion with it they blessed God for His goodness, particularly in redemption.

is it not the (a) communion, etc.? By partaking together of the wine and bread we signify that we partake alike in the benefits of Christ’s death, and also that we are united with Him and with each other (17), forming “one loaf,” “one body.”

18 partakers of (in communion with) the altar. It follows that those who eat of idol sacrifices partake of idol-worship.

19. What say I then? In saying this do I contradict my former statement (viii. 4), that an idol has no real existence? No; but what I say is this, that idols being regarded by their worshippers as “demons” (see next note), participation in their feasts implies fellowship in idolatry, just as partaking of the Lord’s Supper implies union with Christ; and it would provoke His anger (22).

20 devils. Or, “demons”; i.e., [evil] spirits: see Deut. xxxii. 17; Psa. cvi. 37, and notes.

23. All things are lawful, etc. See vi. 12, and note.

24 [wealth]. That is, “weal”; welfare or profit (33).

25. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, etc. Meat sold in the market, or served at an ordinary banquet (not an idolatrous feast), unless it were expressly stated to have been offered to an idol, might be received without question or doubt, as part of the food given to man by the bounty of the Lord of all.

for conscience sake. “Making no inquiry from regard to conscience” (Speaker’s Commentary).

26. The earth is the Lord’s. Therefore, all God’s creatures and gifts in the way of food are for our use, and may properly be enjoyed, when there is no scruple in the way: see 1 Tim. iv. 4.

28. But if any man say unto you, etc. This may have special reference to a scrupulous Christian (viii. 7-11). If he say thus, then “abstain for the sake of the informant, and [particularly] of [his] conscience.” The second quotation, Psa. xxiv. 1,

29 for why is my liberty judged, etc.? Why am I to be restrained of my freedom in thankfully using the bounties of God’s providence, by the censoriousness and evil speaking of others?

30 by grace. Rather, “with thankfulness” (R.V. marg.); probably referring to the giving of thanks (“saying grace”). See Luke vi. 32, etc.

31. Whether therefore ye eat, etc.** All this discussion resolves itself into the great principle that we should aim to glorify God in every action of our lives.

33 even as I please all men, etc. See note on ix. 22.

many. Rather, “the many.” The next verse (xi. 1) properly belongs to the foregoing discussion, practically summing it up.