Examples, Implications, Direct Statements

In 1^st Corinthians 10

In first Corinthians chapter ten, Paul is dealing with two related issues. One is stated in the language of a prohibition in verse 7, “do not be idolaters,” and the other in verse 31, “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” These two matters come together in regard to the ongoing Corinthian debate about eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols. With the greatest clarity, Paul forbids idolatry. He also forbids going after your brother who takes a different view on this matter of these meats. This discussion is resolved when we seek the good of others (v.24) and think and act as imitators of Christ (11:1).

Secondary to the historical setting but obvious in the text is how the Holy Spirit communicates through Paul’s writing. In the English standard version, these components of communication are transparent.

The chapter opens with an example of God’s displeasure with His people who were “baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,” (see 10:1-5). In verse 6 Paul says, “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.” Again in verse 11 – “…these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction.” This is one of many cases where God uses a written example “for our instruction.”

Further into the chapter, Paul goes deeper into the matter of idolatry, with a prohibition: “flee from idolatry,” (verse 14). To draw attention to the guarded reverence and discipline we ought to have, he references the bread and the cup of the Lord’s Supper and the meaning of that. As that line of thought is concluded he says, “What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons,” (verses 19-20). This is a case where God uses implication to teach. What Paul wrote in verses 14-18 carried a clear implication that he states in verses 19 and 20. God used example and implication.

As the discussion continues toward the end of chapter ten and including the first verse of chapter 11, direct statements are used: “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof,” (26) and “whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” (31) and “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” (11:1).

So, while these observations are secondary to the historical setting, isn’t it clear that these common components of communication from God deserve our attention, here and everywhere in His Word? – Warren E. Berkley