Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Sacrifice

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1Corinthians 10:18-22 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 

‘The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.’ The fact that sacrifices to idols are really sacrifices to devils is sufficient to condemn all traffic with idols even though they are nothing in themselves (10:18-20). Those who partake of idol worship have fellowship with devils, and those who partake of Christ cannot have fellowship with idols or devils (10:21).

‘Idols’ – the Greek word eidololatreia means image-worship which is also idolatry (10:14; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:5; 1Pet. 4:3). Idolatry includes anything on which affections are passionately set; extravagant admiration of the heart (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5). Any

‘Cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.’ We cannot partake of the table of devils or anything of the worldly people that serves sin and satan.

‘Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?’ God is provoked to jealousy by our sins. Provoking God to jealousy is referred to 6 times (Deut. 32:16; 1Kin. 14:22; Rom. 10:19; 11:11; 1Cor. 10:22). When His people, whom He commands to have no other gods, insist on mixing idolatry and demon worship with true worship, as some of the Corinthians did and most so-called-Christians today, then God is under obligation to judge them (8:4-13; 10:1-22).

In Exodus 20:5 we read for the first of 10 time of God’s jealousy (Ex. 34:14; Deut. 4:24; 5:9; 6:15; Jos. 24:19; Ezek. 39:25; Joel 2:18; Zech. 1:14; 8:2). There is godly jealousy (2Cor. 11:2), and ungodly (Pro. 6:34; Son. 8:6).

Flee From Idolatry

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1Corinthians 10:14-17 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge you what I say. 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? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 

‘Flee from idolatry’ – God is more glorious than any part of creation and must be recognized as such. When men worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator it is idolatry and this calls for the curse of God (Rom. 1:18-32). Creation was made by God for His own glory and pleasure, not for creation itself to worship (Rev. 4:11). Fornication in the Bible means: adultery of married or single people (Mat. 5:32; 19:9; 1Cor. 7:2; 10:8; 1Thess. 4:3; Rev. 9:21); incest (1Cor. 5:1; 10:8); idolatry and adultery in honour of idol gods (2Chron. 21:11; Isa. 23:17; Ezek. 16:15, 26, 29; Acts 15:20, 15:29; 21:25; Rev. 2:14-21; 14:8; 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2); natural harlotry (John 8:41; 1Cor. 6:13-18); spiritual harlotry (Ezek. 16:15, 26, 29; Rev. 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2); sodomy and male prostitution (1Cor. 6:9-11; Heb. 12:16; Jude 1:6-7; Rom. 1:24-29; 2Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5). Do all these scriptures apply to single people only? If not, then fornication does not apply only to single people as some teach.

Two results of idolatry: Judgment from the judge and a denial of God Himself (Job 31:28).

‘Wise men; judge you what I say’ – Since you are wise, you can see the necessity of refraining from idolatry.

‘The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?’ This refers to the Lord’s Supper (11:23-29).

‘For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.’ All believers who partake of Christ and the holy communion are one religious body in Christ and form the body of Christ (12:13; Col. 1:18, 1:24; Eph. 1:20-23; 2:19-22; 4:1-8).

Written for Our Admonition

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1Corinthians 10:11-13 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. Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. There has 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 you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

‘For our admonition’ – There is no need of these things being written for our warning if we cannot be cut off from God and be lost like the Israelites in these examples. They could not be referring to sinning sinners only and not to sinning saints.

‘Admonition’ [Greek: nouthesia] ] warning (10:11; Eph. 6:4; Tit. 3:10).

‘Upon whom the ends of the world are come’ – The examples of Israel at the beginning of the Mosaic ages are for you upon whom the end of those ages has come; or, they are for you that have come to the closing ages.

‘Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.’ This verse concludes the warning against backsliding and following the examples of Israel of 1Corinthians 10:1-12.

‘There has 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 you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.’ This verse gives assurance of the eternal keeping of God in all temptations and His help in every one of them, providing we obey the warnings of 1Corinthians 10:1-12. No man can be kept from a fall if he persistently refuses to meet conditions. Our standing depends upon our faith and union with God and steadfastness in prayer. The greatest saint can stand only as long as he depends upon God and continues in obedience to the gospel (Gen. 2:17; 3:1-19; Deut. 8:11-18; Pro. 1:10-17; 2:10-16; 4:14-15; 5:6-21; 6:27-28; 7:7-23; 9:15-17; 12:26; 14:27; 16:29; 19:27; 28:10; Isa. 33:15-16; Matt. 13:22; Luke 8:13; Rom. 6:12-23; 8:12-13; 12:21; 14:13-21; 1Cor. 7:5; 8:9-13; 10:1-12; 2Cor. 2:11; 11:3; Gal. 5:16-26; Eph. 4:27; 6:10-18; 1Tim. 5:15; 6:9-17; Heb. 3:6, 3:12-14; 6:4-11; 10:26-38; Jas. 1:2-16; 4:7; 2Pet. 2:9, 20-22; 3:17; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Any man who rejects these conditions of living right will someday see that he cannot escape death and eternal punishment.

God Was Not Well Pleased – Part 3

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1Corinthians 10:5-10 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 

‘And were destroyed of serpents’ – In Numbers 21:6-9 we see the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. They were called “fiery serpents” because of the violent inflammation and thirst caused by their bites, not because of their colour (Deut. 8:15). They caused many to die but produced repentance and confession of sin (Num. 21:6-7). The bronze serpent was a type of Christ bearing the sins and sicknesses of all men (Matt. 8:17; John 3:14; 10:10; 1Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53:1-12). A serpent of brass was made for their salvation as a type of Christ. Israel later made a god of this bronze serpent and it was finally destroyed in the days of Hezekiah (2Kin. 18:4). The nine-fold type of Christ: The serpent itself was a symbol of sin; Christ was made sin for us that we might be made free from sin (2Cor. 5:21).  The serpent was lifted up on a pole; Christ was lifted up on a cross (John 3:14-15). The sick of Israel received healing by looking on the brass serpent; others have received healing by looking to Christ (Matt. 8:17; John 3:14-15; 1Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53:1-12). As the Israelites who looked on the serpent continued to live, so those who truly look to Christ will live eternally (John 3:14-15). God provided no other remedy for the Israelites at this time; so Christ is the only remedy for those who wish salvation (John 3:14-16; Acts 3:16; 4:12; Rom. 10:9-10). As the Israelites had to have faith in the brass serpent as the remedy for their sin and sickness, so people today must have faith in Christ (John 3:14-16; Eph. 2:8-9). As God’s power was the invisible force in the remedy of the brass serpent, so it is with salvation through Christ (Matt. 1:21; Rom. 1:16; Col. 2:12-13). As the serpent on the pole brought peace and reconciliation with God, so Christ did on the cross (Col. 1:20-21). As a confession of sin and prayer were necessary for Israel to receive the benefits of the remedy of the brass serpent, so they are necessary to obtain the benefits of Christ and the cross (John 3:14-16; Rom. 10:9-10; 1Jn. 1:9).

‘Murmur you, as some of them also murmured’ It does not take much to cause the average person to complain. The slightest temporary lack of water, food, clothing, money, or convenience will test the mettle of every man. One is virtually a prisoner to his own desires, appetites, and passions if he is without God. The best will finally complain if the pressure increases beyond normal.

‘The destroyer’ – The plagues in the wilderness was no doubt caused by a destroying angel as in Exodus 12:1-51; 2Samuel 24:16 and Isaiah 37:36.

God Was Not Well Pleased – Part 2

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1Corinthians 10:5-10 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 

‘Play’ This is why worship was carried on in groves or high places where trees were planted – places of seclusion (Ex. 34:13; Deut. 7:5; 12:3; 16:21; Jdg. 3:7; 6:25-30; 1Kin. 14:15, 23; 15:13; 16:33; 18:19; 2Kin. 13:6; 17:10, 16; 2Chron. 17:6; 19:3; 24:18; 31:1; 33:3, 19; 34:3-7; Isa. 17:8; 27:9; Jer. 17:2; Mic.  5:14). This is how the priests of idols made their living, as is still practiced in many pagan countries. The children of Israel may have explored the depths of such idolatry because the Lord said they had “corrupted themselves” (Ex. 32:7). If so, not only were the two commandments regarding other gods and idolatry broken (Ex. 20:1-6), but also taking God’s name in vain (Ex. 20:7), dishonouring parents (Ex. 20:12), adultery (Ex. 20:14), lying (Ex. 20:16), and coveting (Ex. 20:17). Actually, Israel had sunk so low in sin and moral depravity during these days of the absence of Moses that God was literally ready to destroy the whole nation! He promised to do so and to raise up another nation from the seed of Moses if Moses would be willing. However, Moses interceded for the nation until God changed His mind and spared the people. If Moses had accepted this, God’s plan for Israel to occupy Canaan would have been postponed indefinitely and the fulfilment of many prophecies would have been delayed. God hates idolatry and immorality and is determined to rid the earth of them.

‘Fell in one day three and twenty thousand.’ There were 23,000 who died in the plague, but also many leaders whose heads were hung up before the Lord, making 24,000 in all (Num. 25:1-9).

‘Christ’ – some texts read Lord. Even if Christ is to be understood it would be in harmony with the fact that He is also called Jehovah in the Old Testament (Gen. 19:24). The Divine Trinity was working together to lead Israel out of Egypt, so the person we now know as Jesus Christ existed then (Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8-11).

‘Tempted’ – Eight of the many ways to tempt God: Murmuring (10:6; Ex. 17:2). Unbelief (Ex. 17:7; Heb. 4:1-11). Rebellion (Num. 14:22; 21:1-9). Provoking God (Ps. 78:17-18, 56). Backsliding (Ps. 78:41, 56). Hardening the heart (Ps. 95:8-9). Lust and sin (Ps. 106:14; Ex. 32:1-35). Idolatry (10:6, 18-22).

To be continued…

God Was Not Well Pleased – Part 1

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1Corinthians 10:5-10 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 

‘Overthrown’ – slain (10:8-10; Num. 11:1-3, 34; 14:16, 29-35, 37; 16:32, 35, 49).

‘Our examples’ – Six bad examples in Scripture: Canaanites (Lev. 18:2-3; 20:23); backslidden Israel (2Chron. 30:7; Isa. 8:11; Jer. 16:12; 17:1-2; Ezek. 20:18; Hos. 4:9; Zech. 1:4); an angry man (Pro. 22:24-25); Pharisees (Matt. 23:1-3); Gentiles (Eph. 4:17); Israel in the wilderness (1Cor. 10:6-11).

‘Examples’ [Greek: tupos] types. Same word as ensamples (10:11). The punishments inflicted upon Israel will be inflicted upon Christians if they backslide and sin after the example of Israel (Rom. 2:11-16; Heb. 4:1-11; 10:26-29).

Five major sins of Israel: Lust for evil things (10:6; Num. 11:4-15; Ps. 106:14; cp. Gal. 5:19-21; 2Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 1:29-32; Col. 3:5-10; Mark 7:19-21). Idolatry (6:9; 10:7; Ex. 32:6-25; cp. Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5). Fornication (6:9-11; 10:8; Num. 25:1-9; cp. Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5). Tempting God and Christ (10:9; Ex. 17:2, 7; Num. 14:22; 21:4-10; Deut. 6:16; Ps. 78:17-18, 41, 56; 95:8-9; 106:14). Murmuring (10:10; Ex. 15:24; 16:2-12; 17:3; Num. 14:2, 27-29, 36; 16:11, 41; 17:5, 10; Deut. 1:27; cp. Php. 2:14).

‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.’ Quoted from Exodus 32:6. Six religious activities of Israel: Making preparation for worship (Ex. 32:1-4). Proclamation of worship (Ex. 32:5). Gathered for worship (Ex. 32:6). Offerings burnt and peace offerings. Eating and drinking the sacrifices and drink offerings. Singing, dancing, shouting (Ex. 32:17-19) and all ‘parties’ was unlawful (1Pet. 4:2-4).

Some of these activities could be lawfully carried on in worship to God, but not to idols. This shows that outward manifestations of worship, sacrifices of gold and other valuables, shouting, dancing, and singing in themselves are no proof of a spiritual experience with God (2Tim. 3:5).

‘Play’ – Idolatrous festivities: “Play” is from the Hebrew: tsachaq, “to laugh outright in merriment or scorn; to sport; mock; play the whore.” It is translated “play” (Ex. 32:6; cp. Gen. 38:24; Lev. 21:9; Deut. 22:21; Jdg. 19:2; Jer. 3:1-8; Ezek. 16:15-16, 28, 41; 23:5, 19, 44); “mock” (Gen. 19:14; 21:9; 39:14-17); “sport” (Gen. 26:8; Jdg. 16:25); and “laugh” (Gen. 17:17; 18:12-15; 21:6). “Play” is used of fornication in all the above passages and mock is connected with it in Genesis 39:14. All idol gods had consecrated women devoted to immoral practices, just as women today partake in immorally acts in the way they act, dress or behave. To be continued…

Ignorant

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1Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 

‘Ignorant’ – It seems that many Corinthians thought they were secure in their salvation because they had repented, were baptized and had partaken of Christian ordinances. According to them nothing they did could cut them off from Christ – they could partake of idolatrous feasts and still be saved (8:4-13; 10:16-33). This is why Paul made the plain statement of 1Corinthians 9:27. He now shows them that Israel also had sacramental ordinances in the wilderness similar to those of Christians; and that, regardless of their typical baptism (10:2), their typical eucharist (10:3), their eating of manna and drinking of that spiritual Rock – Christ (10:4), when they joined with idolaters and partook of idolatrous feasts, going into sin, that God cut them off and destroyed them (10:5-11). He then warns Christians that God will also cut them off from Christ if they sin (10:11-14; 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 8:12-13; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:4-11; 10:26-38).

‘Under’ [Greek: hupo] denotes the underside of anything and is in contrast with upper, above or over anything. Israelites were completely overwhelmed by the cloud and the Divine Presence. This is called a baptism in the cloud (10:2).

‘Passed through’ [Greek: dia] a passing through. Israel’s experience is called a baptism in the sea (10:2). The baptism was in the cloud and in the sea in the same sense of baptism in water and in the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11).

‘Spiritual’ [Greek: pneumatikos] non-carnal; religious; or spiritual. Twelve spiritual things are noted in the Word: Man who follows the things of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 2:15; 3:1; 14:37; Gal. 6:1; Hos. 9:7); gifts of the Spirit (1:11; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:1; 14:1, 12); things (15:27; 1Cor. 2:13; 9:11); body (resurrected, 1Cor. 15:44-46); blessings of the Spirit (Eph. 1:3); songs (religious, Eph. 5:19); wisdom and knowledge (Col. 1:9); house (spiritual people, 1Pet. 2:5); sacrifices (1Pet. 2:5); law, because it typified the spiritual thing of the New Testament (7:14); meat and drink, typifying Christ the Spiritual Rock of 1Corinthians 10:3-4; wickednes because it is of evil spirit origin (Eph. 2:2; 6:12; John 8:44).

‘Meat’ – The food rained from heaven is called: Manna (Ps. 78:24); grain from heaven; angels’ food (Ps. 78:25); meat; bread (John 6:31-32).

‘For they drank of that spiritual Rock’ – this refers to the waters from the smitten rock (Ex. 17:6; Num. 20:11; Ps. 78:15). The rock was a type of Christ (10:4; cp. Deut. 32:4, 15, 18, 31, 37; 1Sam. 22:2,47; Ps. 18:2; 27:5; 62:6-7; Isa. 32:2).

‘Them’ – There is no word in the Greek for them here. The meaning is that the miracle of the smitten rock followed the miracle of manna from heaven (Ex. 16-17).

Incorruptible

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1Corinthians 9:24-27 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

‘So run, that you may obtain’ – Four things one must do to be saved: Be as earnest to make heaven as men are to win a race (9:24; Heb. 12:1-3; Gal. 2:2; 5:7; Php. 2:16; 3:14). Be temperate in all things (9:25; 2Pet. 1:4-10). This refers to the months of severe training before a contest of wrestling or fighting with an opponent. Fight with absolute confidence in victory (9:26; 4:9; 15:32; 1Tim. 6:12; 2Tim. 4:7). Fighting was done by leather bands on the hands studded with pieces of metal. Keep the body under and bring it into subjection (3:16-17; 9:27; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:12-13; 12:1-2).

‘Corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.’ Crowns were made of wild olive branches for the Olympic games; laurel for the Pythian games; parsley for the Nemean games; and pine for the Ishmian games. All were so corruptible that they began to wither the moment they were made. What a contrast to the incorruptible crown to be given to Christians.

‘I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air.’ Paul here claims to be running the race to win and fighting the fight for the knockout blow.

‘Keep under my body’ [Greek: hupopiazo] to strike one under the eye; to beat black and blue (9:27; Luke 18:5). This is Paul’s explanation of how he was boxing. Figuratively speaking, he was not shadow boxing, but beating his body black and blue to bring it into slavery lest he should become a castaway (9:26-27). He considered his body an enemy with which he must contend in mortal combat to keep it under control by self-denial, abstinence, and severe mortification (Rom. 8:12-13; Col. 3:5-10). He acted to keep the body as a slave to the soul, not permitting the soul to be the slave of the body. He did this constantly lest after he had preached to others he would become a castaway.

‘Castaway’ [Greek: adokimos] Reprobate (Rom. 1:28; 2Cor. 13:5, 6, 7; 2Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:16); rejected (Heb. 6:8); and castaway (9:27). It means to become Christless and literally rejected.

Dispensation of the Gospel

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1Corinthians 9:16-23 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 

‘I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.’ I have cause for glorifying since I preach the gospel without charge (9:15).

‘For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.’ If I willingly cooperate with God I have a reward (9:25). If I fulfil my office by doing only my required duty, I have nothing to glory about. If I fulfil the office beyond the requirement of duty, I can claim special reward.

‘Dispensation’ [Greek: oikonomia] an administration; stewardship; the work of an oikonomos or steward (9:17; Luke 16:2-4; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25). Five dispensations are named in Scripture: The dispensation or administration of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-9). The dispensation of the gospel (1Cor. 9:17), which is Paul’s administration of the gospel of grace or the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2). The dispensation of God (Col. 1:25 – God’s own administration of grace given to Paul). The dispensation of the fullness of times, in which God gathers together all things in heaven and in earth in Christ ridding the earth of all rebellion (Eph. 1:10; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20:1-15).

Besides the dispensation of angels (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17) and the eternal dispensation of the redeemed and faithful angels (Rev. 21-22; Isa. 66:22-24; 2Pet. 3:13), there are seven dispensations of man between the restoration of the earth from chaos (Gen. 1:3-2:25) to the New Heavens and the New Earth – The dispensations of Innocence (Gen. 3:1-24); Conscience (Gen. 4-8); Human Government (Gen. 9-11); Promise (Gen. 12:1 – Ex. 12:36); Law (Ex. 12:37 – Matt. 3); Grace (Matt. 3:1 – Rev. 19-21) and of Divine Government or the Millennium (Rev. 20:1-15).

‘For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.’ I live free from all obligations to men, yet I serve every man as if I were his personal slave. I do this to gain him.

‘I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews.’ Paul did his best to win the Jews (9:20; Rom. 9:1-3), but when it came to compromising the gospel and teaching law keeping as necessary to salvation, there he drew a line (Gal. 2:1-21).

‘To them that are without law, as without law … that I might gain them that are without law.’ I do not hold myself aloof from them, but live like them in order to gain them (Gal. 1:16; 2:2-21).

‘To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak.’ Those who had scruples and were weak in the faith I did not cause to stumble by doing things which would violate their weak conscience (8:1-13; 10:16-33; Rom. 14:1-15:3).

‘I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.’ I did everything in my power to be like those I tried to win, except to enter into sin with them (9:22-23).

Partaker of His Hope

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1Corinthians 9:9-15 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Does God take care for oxen? Or said he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so has the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 

‘Thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 25:4. In other kinds of labour, the oxen were often muzzled. Paul used this law to encourage supporting ministers of the gospel.

‘Treads out the corn’ Threshing was sometimes done by instruments (Isa. 28:27-28), and sometimes by oxen or other animals treading on the grain on the threshing floor. Such is still common in some places in the East.

‘That he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.’ That everyone should be a partaker of his own labours (9:7-11).

‘Spiritual things’ [Greek: pneumatikos] non-carnal; religious; or spiritual. Twelve spiritual things: Man who follows the things of the Holy Spirit (2:15; 3:1; 14:37; Gal. 6:1; Hos. 9:7). Gifts of the Spirit (Rom. 1:11; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:1; 14:1, 12). Things (Rom. 15:27; 1Cor. 2:13; 9:11). Body (resurrected, 1Cor. 15:44-46). Blessings of the Spirit (Eph. 1:3). Songs (religious, Eph. 5:19). Wisdom and knowledge (Col. 1:9). House (spiritual people, 1Pet. 2:5). Sacrifices (1Pet. 2:5). Law, because it typified the spiritual thing of the New Testament (Rom. 7:14). Meat and drink, typifying Christ the Spiritual Rock of 1Corinthians 10:3-4. Wickedness, because it is of evil spirit origin (Eph. 2:2; 6:12; John 8:44).

‘Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.’ This is Paul’s explanation why he supported himself at Corinth. He supported himself partly by working while starting the Thessalonians’ congregation and partly through help from Philippi (2Thess. 3:7-9). Imagine being a partaker of all that Paul has sown through his work for God in the lives of the congregations where he laboured as well as being the author of no less than 14 books of the New Testament (Romans to Hebrew). ‘They which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar.’ The officers of the temple had a right to support when they gave their time in the temple service. They were two classes: those who ministered in holy things and those who waited on the altar. This was ordained by God, and so it is ordained by God that gospel ministers should be supported by those who receive the gospel (9:11-15; Gal. 6:6; Heb. 7:1-11; Luke 10:7; Matt. 10:10).