1 Corinthians 11:2

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you (KJV)

Then: Corinthians reading could tell something changed. Paul just told them to be like him, and thereby be like Christ. Now he is praising them. Welcome relief - but something's coming.

Now: Praise is always an encourager. We know the person talking to us approves of what we do and believes we are on the right track. It opens our minds to knowing that hope of success lies ahead. As we respond to Paul and pass his teachings along, we also need to pass along an attitude of seeing others as Christ sees them. In the Lord's eyes no one is a lost cause, perhaps a lost sheep, but somewhere deep inside burns the hope of knowing God, of loving and being loved. May we study Paul and follow his examples.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (KJV)

Then: The final crux of Paul's teaching and advice to the Corinthians is not a "Do as I say and not as I do" argument. Paul advises them to do what he does -- follow him because he follows Christ. To have this advice along with their memories of what Paul did when he was with them provides a clear path to being useful workers in the body. Baker (p. 154) draws upon Thiselton (p.796) to state that Paul believed all his own suffering corresponded to the sufferings of Christ. Thinking of this, surely the Corinthians were humbled.

Now: Most members of the body of Christ are oblivious to the good of the whole. Believers focus on personal growth and sometimes the care of close friends because "That's what you are supposed to do." They rarely consider the salvation and spiritual growth of others, let alone the spiritual condition of the entire church. A church is judged on what can be gained from it, not what its needs are. Then too, sometimes spiritual needs are recognized and counterbalanced with feelings of inadequacies. "How can I be an evangelist?" The problems are both a product of a culture used to letting the minister do it all and a culture which advertises "You need a break," "Be good to yourself," or "Take care of Number One." In addition to occasional philosophical presentations, the church needs Paul's example.(At the same time churches with trained professional staffs overlook the value and fail to call upon the talents of individual church members. But then, that's another issue.)

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.
The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://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

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.

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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 10:15

I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say (KJV)

Then: "You're smart! Figure this out yourself." Since all learning comes through interaction with material being presented, Paul tells the Corinthians to use their own powers of judgement and discernment. They need to think about what he's just said and about what's coming next. The Gentiles ate and drank during temple celebrations where they remembered their idols. Christians ate and drank during celebrations remembering Christ and his words at the last supper. If they will, the Corinthians can use their wisdom and see what they're doing wrong.

Now: What Paul says becomes so embedded in our early introduction to Christ that his comments do not seem like new revelations. We've already accepted them and base spiritual growth upon them. To go back and rethink is useful for clarity when making new decisions, but it's just peripherally interesting to note the relation of communion to eating meat offered to idols.

1 Corinthians 10:14

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry (KJV)

Then: Concluding statement - the wham and the plan! The Corinthians stood periously close to violating their obedience to Christ. The only way they could escape their predicament was to flee. The seduction of thinking they were strong, able to stand just because they knew that, theoretically, there is nothing wrong with eating meat given to idols. Paul's teaching told them that constant contact with anti-Christian values and actions would seep into unwary lives. For the sake of their own souls they had to abandon eating that meat. Caring for the souls of fellow believers is a requirement for members of the church, but caring for their own souls is equally as important.

Now: Satan worship, hidden idolatry in America, is more and more open. A hundred or even two hundred years ago, it was not a major concern. With the ascendance of atheists, and the ACLU, political and social entities are working to put down, overcome and stamp out Christian strongholds. Initially, individuals need to recognize and personally flee the temptations of movies, books, games, or items displaying satanic graphics. It takes prayer to discover ways to confront, but not give ground to the enemy. Denial of the problem brings eternal harm to those caught in that underground culture. They need help to flee because they know the reality of evil spirits, but not the reality of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (KJV)

Then: One commonly stated purpose of the church is to "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted." Paul's statement here is a blunt, afflicting arrow shot into the pride of the Corinthians. The know-it-alls don't know as much as they think they do. He is concerned with individuals and the whole church collectively. Paul wants the Corinthians to stand, not fall. How many times could they eat in the temple and keep sloughing off praise given to idols? How many times would the words and actions of a liberal Corinthian be misunderstood by newcomers to the faith? Those who keep close contact with the Spirit of God will know his will, but those who eat the meat (the teachings of others) and socialize with those offering that meat to idols need to be very careful.

Now: Paul's summary statement is a principle which today's Christians must consider daily. When you make a wrong turn and want to get back on the right road, it's easier to do it immediately than drive several miles before trying to recover. We need to take heed and avoid driving down the wrong road. Better yet - Study the map and use it. Don't make wrong turns.

1 Corinthians 10:11

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come (KJV)

Then: Paul is a liason between knowledge of the Lord's perfect plan and people who want to see, but don't. Captured by past habits and ways of thinking, they can't move out from under the clouds to stand in the sunshine. Paul is trying to grab them and pull them over into a clear view of the Lord. Baker (p. 145) discusses the problem as a crisis in the church, a critical point at which the Corinthians have to rightly understand what is happening. Baker also believes Paul is extending hope that many Israelites escaped God's judgement. Taking heed, the Corinthians can maintain the new covenant.

Now: Like the Corinthians, today's Christians have Paul's four examples and warnings. What we don't always have is an identification of a specific problem. We need constant self-examination, listening to teachers or preachers, Bible reading, and an open heart to hear the Lord himself speak to our consciences. The danger is always great, but the Lord's presence is always near. His Spirit and promises are the everyday solutions for working out salvation.

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 10:10

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer (NIV)

Then: Matthew Henry conjectures that the Corinthians were murmuring against Paul in the same way the Israelites complained against Moses (and God). They wanted to pick out their own leaders and go back to Egypt. For sure, the Corinthians were debating who was the best teacher. Perhaps they wanted leaders who would tell them it was all right to go back and eat in the temple restaurants and not worry about weaker, fellow believers. But God's plan for the Israelites was to move them to the Promised Land. His plan for the Corinthians was to establish the churh on earth so it could lead the way to the Kingdom of Heaven. Paul had to help them understand by using the examples of the Old Testament, admonish them, and point them to the Truth.

Now: We still live in the age of the church on earth. Until the Lord returns to claim us and deliver us to the ultimate promised land, we need to continuously examine ourselves, listen to the warnings of Paul, heed the prophesy of teachers to our individual lives and to the church as a whole. Let us not murmur against each other or against the Lord. Sometimes difficult, but always possible through prayer, thanksgiving, and praise.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online seehttp://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.xi.html

1 Corinthians 10:9

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents (KJV)

Then: Example #3. He who cares the very best never neglects our spiritual growth. Would he? Just as in Numbers 21:4-9 when serpents destroyed those complaining about the food, the Lord could be tempted to let those who turned from him just slip away. "Tempting Christ." How in the world does that work? (And I thought these four examples would be quick and easy!) Idolatry is the overriding problem, so "tempting Christ" has to fit in with that term. Will eating meat tempt others to go back again, worship idols while eating? Paul says, "Yes! It will." Corinthians needed to be careful for their own souls in addition to those who followed their example. Paul is saying, "Don't go there."

Now: Unfortunately, by the fault of human nature, We all harbor an untold number of wayward offenses against the Lord in our daily lives -some intentional and some in ignorance. "The heart is deceitful." Staying faithful, staying pure and obeying the Lord's commands are the ongoing challenges for Christians. We are blessed when the Paul's of today identify and hold up warnings of the impurities in our lives. The October 19 morning devotion by Charles Spurgeon advises us bruised reeds and burning flaxes to remember the Lord's gentle care for everyone who still emits even one beam of spiritual light (as compared to light bulbs or the light of the sun). Hope remains. We are thankful for Paul. We are thankful for Christ.