I Corinthians 10:20

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. (KJV)

Then: Paul again answers his own questions. This is the first time he actually names the Gentiles' "table partners" (translation by N. T. Wright, p. 130). The Corinthians can no longer escape Paul's reasoning. They already know that in breaking and eating the bread, they share the remembrances of Christ's death - his broken body on the cross, broken for them. Now as they normally celebrate Christ's resurrection through communion, they deny him by eating and celebrating before idols in temples (Baker, p. 148). Even though the idols themselves are not real gods, they represent an evil dimension. Paul wants the Corinthians to understand and flee from all evil. They must to maintain their salvation.

Now: Today's Christians need to understand exactly what happens during communion as much as the Corinthians needed to know. Anything sacrificed elsewhere makes an alliance outside of God's will, offends him, and tempts him to wrath. Have no fellowship with the demons of darkness.

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 10:19

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? (KJV)

Then: Questions four and five still follow after Paul's thought about the "bread," the body, during communion. Can an idol be completely ignored as nothing if it so closely and intricately relates to the gentile practice of worship? When Paul says "no," neither can the Corinthians say "no." The practice of eating definitely has meaning. The question is "Will they be so convicted that they will abandon their practice (Baker, p. 147) and only participate in the Lord's supper?"

Now: Their are instances of Satanic worship in American culture, so there are today some who must directly deal with this question and teaching as Paul originally presented it. For the most part however, sacrificing principles and performing actions which do not honor Christ is hidden from view. Like the Corinthians, though, choices need to be brought into the light, scrutinized, and evaluated. If conviction regarding dishonor to the Lord is revealed, the practices need to be abandoned.

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 10:18

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? (KJV)

Then: Paul refers to the Israelites' normal practice of sacrificing offerings to the Lord. Commentators take this as a good example (not the part about their sacrificing to Baal) which then contrasts with the unworthy actions of Corinthians' offerings to the temple gods. The verse is the third of six rhetorical questions noted by Baker (p. 147). It pushes (or draws) knowledge conscious Corinthians to evaluate their own actions.

Now: When today's believers turn to the idea of bringing gifts to the altar, they are also drawn into an evaluation of their gifts - worthy or unworthy? Gifts to the Lord or thoughtlessly wasted on anther altar?

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 10:17

For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread (KJV)

Then: Here is the platform for the questions in verse 16. All who eat form one unit, one body, as they partake of the bread. None in the body should be simultaneously associated with worshiping in a temple. Dunn and Rogerson (p. 1335) push forward to other verses and distinguish three kinds of meals: Communion in the church, meals in Corinth's temples, and meals eaten by the Israelites. Corinthians should conclude that eating in the temples belied their belief in the Lord. Dunn and Rogerson also intimate what Dr. Magness points out in class notes. This verse is a remarkable precursor for Paul's comparison of the members of a church being members of a human body - each with distinct purposes and functions designated for the good of the whole.

Now: The church still partakes of one bread while being one body - symbolically during the time of a communion meal and actually, as members serve doing his will throughout their earthly lives.

Extra source: Eerdmans commentary on the Bible by James D. G. Dunn, John William Rogerson on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=2Vo-11umIZQC&pg=PA1353&lpg=PA1353&dq=1+Corinthians+9+commentary&source=bl&ots=5QeQaYWrMS&sig=S5F3KcA_TvNMyywqRiimySoUYtc&hl=en&ei=QqHPSouICIWj8AaZxqyABA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CBkQ6AEwBzgU#v=onepage&q=1%20Corinthians%209%20commentary&f=false

1 Corinthians 10:16

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? (KJV)

Then: Baker (p. 147) has readers realize Paul is beginning a series of six rhetorical questions. Two are here. Hayes (p. 167) explains that Corinthians who realize that eating in a church communion (fellowship, friendship, and koinonia) obviously reveals a relationship with Christ, must also realize that anyone taking part in a temple meal displays a relationship with that god.

Now: The time of communion is a means of worship in the whole body, wherein individuals join together to be the body at worship. We state our alliance with the Christ, our dependence upon him, and intention to continue carrying out our obligations to him (Henry).

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 athttp://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=falseCommentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online see http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.xi.html

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.