But I say
This is my sense and meaning,
that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they
sacrifice unto
devils, and not to God;
reference is had to ( Deuteronomy
32:17 ) for what the Gentiles sacrificed, though they did not
sacrifice intentionally to the idols of gold, silver, wood, and
stone, but to God in them, as they pretended; yet inasmuch as in
such worship and sacrifices they were directed, instigated,
influenced, and assisted by devils, who took up their residence
in these idols, and gave forth their oracles from them, they
sacrificed to them; and which some have done, as in India and
China, professedly and openly, and all other idolaters,
eventually, virtually, and covertly:
and I would not that ye should have fellowship with
devils;
as all wicked men have, in the commission of any lust, sin, or
immorality; and as all idolaters have in their superstitious
practices, and idolatrous worship; and if grace prevent not, will
have to all eternity in everlasting fire, prepared for the devil
and his angels; wherefore the apostle would have the Corinthians
flee from idolatry, and all appearance of it, and abstain from
eating things offered to idols, of which they could not eat
without having fellowship with devils; this he says, to deter
them from such practices, which must be very horrible and
shocking, and bespeaks in him great care of them, and affection
for them.