Chapter 10
The
great privileges, and yet terrible overthrow of the Israelites in the
wilderness
|
1–5
|
Cautions
against all idolatrous, and other sinful practices
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6–14
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The
partaking in idolatry cannot exist with having communion with Christ
|
15–22
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All
we do to be to the glory of God, and without offence to the consciences of
others
|
23–33
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Verses 1–5
To
dissuade the Corinthians from communion with idolaters, and security in any
sinful course, the apostle sets before them the example of the Jewish nation of
old. They were, by a miracle, led through the Red Sea, where the pursuing
Egyptians were drowned. It was to them a typical baptism. The manna on which
they fed was a type of Christ crucified, the Bread which came down from heaven,
which whoso eateth shall live for ever. Christ is the Rock on which the
Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue therefrom, all
believers drink, and are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the
Holy Spirit, as given to believers through Christ. But let none presume upon
their great privileges, or profession of the truth; these will not secure heavenly
happiness.
Verses 6–14
Carnal
desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore should be checked in their first
rise. Let us fear the sins of Israel, if we would shun their plagues. And it is
but just to fear, that such as tempt Christ, will be left by him in the power
of the old serpent. Murmuring against God’s disposals and commands, greatly
provokes him. Nothing in Scripture is written in vain; and it is our wisdom and
duty to learn from it. Others have fallen, and so may we. The Christian’s
security against sin is distrust of himself. God has not promised to keep us
from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. To this word of caution, a word
of comfort is added. Others have the like burdens, and the like temptations:
what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. God is wise as well as
faithful, and will make our burdens according to our strength. He knows what we
can bear. He will make a way to escape; he will deliver either from the trial
itself, or at least the mischief of it. We have full encouragement to flee from
sin, and to be faithful to God. We cannot fall by temptation, if we cleave fast
to him. Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but believers shall
be strengthened to overcome it, with all its terrors and enticements. The fear
of the Lord, put into their hearts, will be the great means of safety.
Verses 15–22
Did not
the joining in the Lord’s supper show a profession of faith in Christ
crucified, and of adoring gratitude to him for his salvation ? Christians, by
this ordinance, and the faith therein professed, were united as the grains of
wheat in one loaf of bread, or as the members in the human body, seeing they
were all united to Christ, and had fellowship with him and one another. This is
confirmed from the Jewish worship and customs in sacrifice. The apostle applies
this to feasting with idolaters. Eating food as part of a heathen sacrifice,
was worshipping the idol to whom it was made, and having fellowship or
communion with it; just as he who eats the Lord’s supper, is accounted to
partake in the Christian sacrifice, or as they who ate the Jewish sacrifices
partook of what was offered on their altar. It was denying Christianity; for
communion with Christ, and communion with devils, could never be had at once. If
Christians venture into places, and join in sacrifices to the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, they will provoke God.
Verses 23–33
There were
cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin.
Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to
whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is
lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means
forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any,
however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this
is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous
worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care
not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In
eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at
pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs
us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit,
will disarm the greatest enemies.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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