I Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved (KJV)

Then: Final goal or objective. When men are saved, when they come to know Christ, the glory and profit goes not to Paul, but to the Lord. The "Even as" part of the verse is a direction for Corinthians to do what Paul does.

Now: Baker (p. 154) adds a little more information about teaching Christ by words and deeds. Those with set-in-stone opinions must back off from expectations and requirements that all other believers behave accordingly. That approach leads to unseemly dissensions, arguments, and unrest which repel rather than attract non-believers to accept Christ as Savior. Following Paul and Christ doesn't necessarily equal following the mandates of contemporary interpreters. It does mean studying Christ, asking his heart to be your heart and giving him glory. It means "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." These are the words of a lawyer speaking to Jesus who subsequently affirmed the statement.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

Labels:

1 Corinthians 10:32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God (KJV)

Then: Paul is still giving summary advice to the Corinthians. It is an "in-as-much-as-is-possible" statement. It cannot be an "across-the-board" edict, because there are times when giving offense to the Jews or to the Gentiles would automatically be an instance of giving offense to God. Just to please a Gentile, never pray to an idol and offend God. Just to please a Jew, never deny the sonship of Christ. The advice is also primarily advanced for situations inside, not outside the church. So the advice is practical - for particular instances, for two particular end-game purposes. Bring souls into the kingdom and encourage their spiritual growth.

Now: Christians often focus on themselves, not on the spiritual growth of those surrounding them. Listening to Paul and concentrating on his teachings will inevitably bring necessary spiritual growth to believers, mature and immature.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (KJV)

Then: The last three verses of chapter ten and the first one in eleven group together to focus on putting the honor of God above everything else (Baker, p. 153). N.T. Wright (p. 136, 138) returns to the adage that of course it is impossible to act only in accordance with the weak consciences of others, but for sure, like Paul, the Corinthians needed to teach by example and by words. Consequently Paul accrued criticism of being inconsistent, but if the Corinthians could understand the principle, they too would know exactly when they were and when they were not free to use their God-given liberal rights.

Now: "Do all to the glory of God." The statement is simple, but difficult to implement. Prayers for discernment can activate the principle in our lives. Both forgetting to talk to the Lord and ignoring what's happening in the life of someone nearby are signs of selfish pride. Always seen by others, rarely by yourself, those actions restrict individual spiritual growth and the growth of the church.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 10:30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? (KJV)

Then: A conscience beset Corinthian may continue to struggle with the philosophical issue by asking, "What can be wrong with my eating? I give thanks, enjoy the food, yet am condemned because I eat." (Based on the NLT translation used by Baker, p. 150). People often strike back at what doesn't seem fair. Paul here seems to be agreeing, "It's not fair, but is it right to be selfish about the kindgom of God?" Baker (p. 153) quotes Thiselton and Fee's reference to Psaml 24:1 which was reitereated in 10:26. The food has been blessed and is now purified. So what gives? The Corinthians had to figure it out and accept the logic, especially the underlying principle of "Love your neighbor," -- instance by instance, one person at a time. Paul could only present it, not force its acceptance.

Now: Discerning when personal actions affect the eternal salvation of another is as difficult today as then. Reliance on the Holy Spirt, one's conscience and the Word of God brings forth right decisions. Do the best you can and leave the rest to the Lord. Your heart is clean. If more is required, the Lord will let you know.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 10:29

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? (KJV)

Then: So what should the poor Corinthian do? He was invited to eat and does not want to offend the host, when low and behold, a fellow believer shows up too. Unfortunately, that believer is weak-minded in regards to eating idol meat. Should the Corinthian eat or not? After all, what's going on is a matter of personal conscience and rights. Paul says, "You have to think about the other guy's conscience." N. T. Wright (p. 137) and Thistleton (p. 489) both bring in Paul's view that all should be done to the glory of God. It's not really a matter of eating or not eating.

Now: When Christians face a dilemna of doing something which will offend or weaken the faith of a fellow believer, they must consider who would receive glory if they indulge in the practices of their personal rights. If God, then there is no problem. If not, then personal rights have to be abandoned. If God, salvation, or spiritual growth is not involved in the decision, then the believer is free to exercise personal rights.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at 717http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=1st+Corinthian+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=W9fQSpC1GILplAfHiumoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CB8Q6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 10:28

But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof (KJV)

Then: In discussing these verses Fee (p. 490) keeps coming back to Paul's major reason. What Paul does is always for the sake of another's salvation. He will not eat if eating interferes with that goal; otherwise, he sees no problem with the eating. One might even speculate that due to economic necessity of purchasing lower-priced goods and allowing more to be available for the work of the church or the benefit of an individual in low economic circumstances, purchasing idol meat is just "expedient."

Now: Not much can be added to translate into today's world. Consider the salvation of others and do what's economically sensible as long as it doesn't impede the work of Christ. The principle applies just as much as today.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 10:27

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. (KJV)

Then: This is specific advice for a specific situation and the Corinthians understood it as such. They would not generalize the teaching to other times or other circumstances. N. T. Wright points out the principle of not being the source or cause of uneccessary offense (p. 137). If one is invited to eat out, eat what's there.

Now: Christians today cannot follow this advice willy-nilly. By no means do they smoke, take drugs, or indulge in other unseemly conduct just to make "friends" feel good. In doing as asked, believers will denigrate, not glorify the gospel. There is a point at which a conscience cannot be violated. Each individual knows where it is.

1 Corinthians 10:26

For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof (KJV)

Then: The reason Corinthians could eat the food is that it was created by the Lord.

Now: The areas of concern in lives of today's Christians may not always have the basis of being created by the Lord, or as Baker (p. 151) elaborates, coming from God's provisions. Some foods and situations get mixed in with the desires and goals of people through whom a product appears. Proponents of organic foods versus fertilizers versus pesiticides conflict with each other on the grounds of chemical purity or "feed the world. Both approaches can honor the Lord's creation with the hope of helping others physically. When compared with the Lord's primary hope that all mankind come to know and serve him though, both come out as less important. The overriding hope of making individual actions aid in the salvation of others takes prominence.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthian 10:25

Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake (KJV)

Then: Corinthians knew that the shambles meant the marketplace (Baker, p. 150). Baker also explains Paul's practical advice here meant, "Go ahead, eat what's sold there, and don't bother to ask questions about it." If you are eating away from the temple, no idolatrous implcations interfere.

Now: Americans bump into times and places where they can buy tv's, go to movies, eat in bars, etc. and it has nothing to do with their service to the Lord. At all times though, Christians stay conscientious as to the image of Christ which they signal. Will drinking lead a broather astray? Will buying and selling on Sunday diminish the Lord's glory? Will purchase of audio visual literature bring shame to the Lord? The questions can go on and on and everyone makes mistakes. Jesus knows the heart, though, so asking his minute by minute presence is the way to go.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth (KJV)

Then: Of course Paul doesn't mean money. He means the good, or treasures of a fellow human being's soul. Henry puts it in terms of another person's welfare. Baker (p. 151) shows Paul's desire for the Corinthians to regard the needs of others above their own personal rights and liberties. It is an enforcement of the teaching from 6:12 and takes it even further. Before it was a matter of lawful deeds causing harm; here lawful deeds should be relinquished in deference to the good of the body (vs 24 next) and another individual.

Now: The teaching here correlates with the second greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Today's Christians need to do the same as the Corinthians. They need to remember to put another's welfare above their own. The verse shows the ever present need of understanding a verse in context. By itself it could be twisted to justify taking the wealth of another rather than seeking your own--the complete opposite of Paul's intent.

Extra source: Commentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online see
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.xi.html
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not (KJV)

Then: Paul returns to a final summary on the topic of eating meat offered to idols. In the beginning he agreed with the liberal Corinthians. Yes they could do it because in their minds the eating meant nothing. Baker (p. 151) adds that Paul draws again upon the pouplar saying "All things are lawful for me" just as he did in 6:12.* Paul showed them the perils of that action- its affect on the lives of others and on their own life if they participated in worship of idols (demons). Here, Paul returns to specifics. He discusses when they can and when they should not eat and most importantly adds in the "why," the rationale for their actions. All things are lawful, but not always expedient and not always edifying. When and how? The following verses explain.At this point in his commentary, N.T. Wright (p. 135) brings out Paul's genius as a teacher, his ability to teach the generalities of the big picture and fill it in with the details of practical everyday applications.

Now: Today's Christians need to search for the parallels. They need to sort out what the law allows as compared to what is useful for missionary work. It is lawful to drink wine, but a disaster for those who can't handle alcohol. It is lawful to buy newspapers or magazines with almost pornographic ads in them, but not wise to leave around for impressionable young minds or those seeking love in wrong places. That's Paul' point for Americans today.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
* Sayings similar to today's "Everybody does it," "Don't ask, Don't tell," "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," etc.

Interim

I expected Paul's discussion of Communion to relate more directly to the Corinthians views on knowledge and wisdom. Instead, the presentation is not oblique and not indirect, but more like a grandfather, grandchild relationship. At a second level, the discussion is tucked into thoughts about eating meat offered to idols which started in earnest in chapter eight. It contains today's major understandings of what participating in the Last Supper is, but we pay no attention to the context of its presentation.

1 Corinthians 10:22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? (KJV)

Then: From one point of view the verse summarizes Paul's points about not eating food offered to idols because it may provoke the Lord to jealousy. From another point of view the verse is a transition to Paul's next point. He moves the Corinthians to consider giving glory to God, the one who is the strongest and most able in all circumstances of life (including eternal life).

Now: All believers take time to consider their personal actions and the Lord's view of them. Do we cause him to be jealous at any point? If so, the answer is simple. Stop it! And if you need help, call on his strength.

1 Corinthians 10:21

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils (KJV)

Then: Paul brings the Corinthians minds back to the Lord's supper, but this time to the wine rather than the bread. Still it's the same as verse 20 --a flat out statement. Believers cannot please a jealous God, the one true Lord and worship anywhere else. The commentators find no significance in the order of Paul's points concerning the bread or the wine. Both Hayes and Baker agree that Paul just has more to say about the bread as the body than than he has to say about the cup (Baker, p. 149; Hayes, p. 167).

Now: Paul's principle and directive is as clear today as in the first century. What he says matches Jesus teaching that no one can serve two masters. Today's Christians may need to work harder to discern the evidence of idolatry in their lives, but it must be done.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=M_PC0PAs3VYC&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Richard+B.+Hays&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=2oPcStDCIIvf8Aaq0Ki3BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCMQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=1%20Corinthians%20and%20Richard%20B.%20Hays&f=false