Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 10
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Corinthians 10
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Corinthians 10
"For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual food; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ. Howbeit with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." — 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (ASV)
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 from it, all believers drink, and are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to believers through Christ.
But let no one presume upon their great privileges, or profession of the truth; these will not secure heavenly happiness.
"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer. Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." — 1 Corinthians 10:6-14 (ASV)
Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence; therefore, they should be checked when they first arise. Let us fear the sins of Israel if we want to avoid their plagues. And it is only right to fear that those who tempt Christ will be left by Him in the power of the old serpent. Murmuring against God's arrangements 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 we may also. The Christian's security against sin is distrust of himself. God has not promised to keep us from falling if we do not watch ourselves.
To this word of caution, a word of comfort is added. Others have similar burdens and similar temptations: what they endure and overcome, we may also. God is wise as well as faithful and will proportion our burdens to our strength. He knows what we can bear.
He will make a way to escape; He will deliver us either from the trial itself or at least from the harm it can cause. We have full encouragement to flee from sin and to be faithful to God. We cannot fall through temptation if we hold fast to Him. Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but believers will 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.
"I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ? seeing that we, who are many, are one bread, one body: for we are all partake of the one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: have not they that eat the sacrifices communion with the altar? What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? But [I say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?" — 1 Corinthians 10:15-22 (ASV)
Did not 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 professed in it, were united like the grains of wheat in one loaf of bread, or like the members in the human body, since they were all united to Christ and had fellowship with Him and one another.
This is confirmed by 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 offered, and having fellowship or communion with it; just as one who eats the Lord's Supper is considered to partake in the Christian sacrifice, or as those 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 not be experienced at the same time. 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.
"All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify. Let no man seek his own, but [each] his neighbor`s [good]. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience` sake, for the earth is the Lord`s, and the fulness thereof. If one of them that believe not biddeth you [to a feast], and ye are disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience` sake. But if any man say unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other`s; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give no occasions of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of the many, that they may be saved." — 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 (ASV)
There were situations where Christians could eat food that had been offered to idols without sinning. For example, this was permissible when meat, originally given to a priest as part of an offering, was then sold in the public market as ordinary food. However, Christians must consider not only what is lawful but also what is beneficial and what builds up others.
Christianity certainly does not forbid ordinary acts of kindness, nor does it permit discourteous behavior toward anyone, regardless of differences in religious beliefs or practices. However, this understanding does not extend to participating in religious festivals or taking part in idolatrous worship. Following the apostle's advice, Christians should be careful not to use their freedom in a way that harms others or brings shame upon themselves.
In eating and drinking, and in everything we do, we should aim for the glory of God, seeking to please and honor Him. This is the ultimate purpose of all religion, and it guides us when specific rules are lacking. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit will disarm the greatest enemies.
Jump to: