Bible Commentaries
1 Corinthians 10

Verses 1-33

A great warning based on an illustration in Israel's history is contained in these words, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." To this warning the apostle adds that there is no necessity for such falling, because the very temptations that come to man are under the divine control, and are limited to the capacity of the tempted, while out of them God always makes a way of escape.

Carefully connect the opening injunction here with the closing declaration of the previous verse. "God . . . will .. . make also a way of escape. . . . Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."

Then the apostle gives the greatest argument of all for the Christian position. In sudden and startling fashion he puts the Christian feasts into contrast with the idol feasts.

Then followed a definite answer to their questions. The tests of Christian action is expediency. The test of expediency is edification. The test of edification is the good of the other. Everything closes with instructions. Things sold in the shambles may be eaten, no question being asked. Things set on the table at a Christian feast may also be eaten, without asking questions. If, however, at any gathering someone should challenge a believer by saying that the meat on the table had been offered in sacrifice, then for the sake of the man who raises the question, and for the sake of his conscience, the believer is to refuse to partake.

Finally, he condenses all into the form of two governing principles. First, "Do all to the glory of God"; second, "Give no occasion of stumbling."