1 Corinthians 10 Study Notes

10:22 Paul called the Corinthian believers to remember the example of Israel when they provoked the Lord to jealousy by their idolatry, which resulted in a plague (Ex 32:33-35).

10:23-11:1 This section concludes the train of thought that began in 8:1, summarizing the principle that believers should limit the exercise of their freedom (“knowledge,” 8:1) out of consideration for those who have weak consciences.

10:23-24 The overriding principle of 8:1-11:1 is to seek the good of the other person. Believers must conscribe their actions with the aim of benefiting others, especially where this can lead to salvation for nonbelievers (cp. vv. 32-33). All believers should adopt limits on their rights and freedoms.

10:25-26 In what may seem a surprising twist, Paul said seeking “the good of the other person” (v. 24) meant a believer who objected to buying meat that had been sacrificed to idols should not interrogate the meat sellers in order to certify that the meat had no association with idolatry. Why? Most likely because such questions would seem hostile and alienate the nonbelieving Greeks at Corinth, thus hindering the gospel’s advance. Paul offered scriptural support for this position from Ps 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it.” Therefore, partake of the meat out of gratitude and a clear conscience.

10:27 The rule for eating in a pagan home is the same as in the meat market.

10:28-29a Paul prohibited eating meat if someone bothered explicitly to point out, “This is food from a sacrifice” (Gk hierothutos, “meat devoted to a divinity”). This rare Greek term was used by pagans to designate meat devoted to a particular god. In this situation, the food’s history did matter because the person who pointed it out (whether they be a nonbelieving Gentile or a Christian of weak conscience) apparently felt that a Christian eating such meat would be compromising his allegiance to Christ.

10:29b-30 After a parenthetical interruption that explains an exception to one’s freedom (vv. 28-29a), these rhetorical questions introduce the basis for the believers’ freedom to eat whatever is given them without questions of conscience.

10:31-33 People who wish to do everything for the glory of God cannot succeed if they act in disregard for others. Paul was always relinquishing his rights for the spiritual benefit of others—that they may be saved.