FocusPrivilege does not remove accountability
Connection to the wholeIsrael's shared experiences did not prevent many from falling; Paul applies the examples to warn the church against presumption and temptation.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 10:1
KJVMoreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
Read it in context
Warnings from Israel's Past and Fleeing Idolatry
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 10:1 (1 Corinthians 10:1 to 1 Corinthians 10:33).
This passage begins a section where Paul uses the history of Israel in the wilderness as a series of examples and warnings against various sins, particularly idolatry, which is a key concern for the Corinthian church regarding participation in pagan feasts.
- 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
- 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
- 10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
- 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
- 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
- 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
- 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
- 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
- 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
- 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
- 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
- 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
- 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
- 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
- 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
- 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?
- 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
- 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
- 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
- 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.
- 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
- 10:22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
- 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.
- 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
- 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
- 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
- 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.
- 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:
- 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
- 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
- 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
- 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
- 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 8:1–10:33): Paul addresses Corinthian believers about food associated with idols, conscience, and warnings from Israel's history. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is a warning to the Corinthian believers, using the historical experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness as examples. Specifically, verse 1 highlights that the Israelites were "under the cloud" and "passed through the sea," which were significant acts of God's deliverance and presence with them.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing through Paul that the historical events of the Exodus and wilderness journey, such as being under the cloud and passing through the sea, were spiritual experiences for the Israelites. These events serve as powerful examples and warnings for believers in all ages, demonstrating God's provision and His judgment against disobedience.
- What is the literary style? Epistle (a letter).
When
- When was it written? Circa A.D. 55.
- When does the event take place? The events mentioned, such as being under the cloud and passing through the sea, took place during the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wilderness wanderings of the Israelites.
Where
- Where did it happen? The events described in the verse, the Israelites being under the cloud and passing through the sea, occurred in the wilderness after their departure from Egypt, specifically at the Red Sea.
- Where was the author located? Ephesus.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Warnings from Israel's Past and Fleeing Idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:1 to 1 Corinthians 10:33). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 10:1. This passage begins a section where Paul uses the history of Israel in the wilderness as a series of examples and warnings against various sins, particularly idolatry, which is a key concern for the Corinthian church regarding participation in pagan feasts.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse introduces a series of historical examples from Israel's wilderness journey, which Paul uses to warn the Corinthian believers against idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, and murmuring. It serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that spiritual privileges do not guarantee immunity from God's judgment if one falls into sin, particularly in the context of participating in pagan feasts. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by explicitly stating in verse 4, "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." This reveals Christ's pre-existence and His active presence and provision for God's people even in the Old Testament. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should learn from the historical examples of Israel's failures, recognizing that spiritual privileges and experiences do not guarantee salvation if one disobeys God. This passage serves as a warning against lusting after evil things, idolatry, fornication, tempting God, and murmuring, encouraging steadfastness in faith and obedience, and to flee from idolatry. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 10:1, 1 Corinthians 10:2, 1 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Corinthians 10:6, 1 Corinthians 10:7, 1 Corinthians 10:8, 1 Corinthians 10:9, 1 Corinthians 10:10, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Corinthians 10:14, Exodus 13:21-22, Exodus 14:19-22, Numbers 9:15-22, Numbers 14:14, Deuteronomy 1:33, Nehemiah 9:12, Psalm 78:14
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- I would 1 Cor 12:1 1 Cor 14:38 Rom 11:21
- our John 4:20 Rom 4:11 Gal 3:29
- were Exod 13:21-22 Exod 14:19-20 Exod 40:34 Num 9:15-22 Num 14:14 Deut 1:33 Neh 9:12,19 Ps 78:14
- and all Exod 14:19-22,29 Num 33:8 Josh 4:23 Neh 9:11 Ps 66:6 Ps 77:16-20 Ps 78:13,53 Ps 106:7-11
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 10
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Flee idolatry
1 Corinthians 10:14–22FocusThe Lord's table and rival participation
Connection to the wholePaul moves from Israel's examples to the incompatibility of fellowship at the Lord's table with participation in idolatrous worship.
interpretation Liberty directed toward others' good
1 Corinthians 10:23–33FocusConscience and God's glory
Connection to the wholePractical directions distinguish ordinary eating from conduct that communicates participation in idolatry, keeping God's glory and others' salvation in view.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Divisions and God's wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation Order in the assembly
1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.