Tag: Corinthians

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).

As the Brethren of the Lord

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1Corinthians 9:5-8 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who planted a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or said not the law the same also? 

‘Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?’ Have we not the same right to be married as Peter, the Lord’s brethren, and the other apostles? We have consecrated to live controlled for your sakes and yet we are criticized by you (9:3-6). This is decisive proof against the celibacy of the clergy and the papal doctrine of having holy women minister to the needs of celibate ministers. Had the apostles permitted young women or wives of others to accompany them as personal servants instead of their own wives it would have produced continuous scandal.

‘As the brethren of the Lord’ – according to Hebrews 2:11 is Christ the great Sanctifier, who sets apart and consecrates men to the service of God. They who are sanctified or thus consecrated and set apart to the service of God, are all one, in the same family, and called brethren (1Pet. 5:9). The body of Christ or His followers known as Christians are referred to in the masculine form because we represent Christ. In the Old Testament Israel was referred to in the feminine form because they were in a covenant relationship as the wife of God. Israel is often spoken of as a woman and as the wife of Jehovah (Isa. 54:4-6). This wife of Jehovah is the woman of Revelation 12:1-17. Here God speaks of forsaking her for the moment because of her sins, but He will again bring her back to Himself to remain thus forever (Isa. 54:4-10). This is a truth that is greatly enlarged upon in Hosea.

‘Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working.’ Are we the only apostles that have no right to be supported by the congregation? Four things are clear here: Barnabas adopted Paul’s method of supporting himself (cp. Acts 4:36-37). Apostles in general were supported by the congregations, not by secular labour. Paul and Barnabas had a trade by which they could support themselves. They chose to support themselves in certain places so as not to hinder the founding of a congregation (9:12-15).

‘Charges’ [Greek: opsonion] soldier’s rations. Wages (Luke 3:14; Rom. 6:23; 2Cor. 11:8). The answer to all these questions of 1Corinthians 9:7-8 are self-evident.

Work in the Lord

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1Corinthians 9:1-4 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are you in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? 

‘Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord?’ There were some in Corinth who questioned Paul’s apostleship (9:1-3).

‘Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord.’ Nine arguments proving Paul’s apostleship: His claim of being an apostle (9:1). His claim to freedom from all secular and religious bondage, enabling him to be completely devoted to the apostleship (9:1). His claim of seeing Jesus (9:1; 15:8). The very existence of the Corinthian congregation and their conversion from heathenism proved his apostleship (9:1-2; Acts 18:1-28). His consecration to abnormal human living so as to preach (9:3-6). His unselfish devotion to the apostleship without pay (9:7-15). His divine obligation to fulfil his call to the apostleship (9:16-18). His devoted service to all people to win them to the gospel (9:19-23). His qualifications for the apostleship and the Christian race (9:24-27).

‘Seal’ [Greek: sphragis] It was a figure cut in stone and set in a ring by which letters of authority were stamped. Greeks excelled in this kind of engraving. Paul used this figure to express the fact that their own conversion was proof of his apostolic authority.

‘Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or said not the law the same also?’ Have we not power to eat and drink at the expense of the congregations we have founded? If others receive your support, are we not worthy also of support? We have not used this right as others (9:12-15). Paul supported himself partly by working while starting the Thessalonians’ congregation and partly through help from Philippi (2Thess. 3:7-9). He refers to their gift as a sweet aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This promise is still true to those who are in Christ and who are faithful to God in tithing’s as the Philippians were (Php. 4:14-18). 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).

Liberty .. Become A Stumbling Block

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1Corinthians 8:8-13 But meat commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which has knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend. 

‘Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.’ Take heed that you do not attend such feasts to idols even though you are convinced that an idol is nothing. This liberty may cause another to stumble who still believes that idols are something very real. He does not have your knowledge so he will commit sin if he follows your example (8:9-13).

‘Weak’ [Greek: asthenes] without strength (Rom. 5:6) weak (Matt. 26:41; Mark 14:38; 1Cor. 1:27; 4:10; 8:7, 10; 9:22; 11:30; 2Cor. 10:10; Gal. 4:9; 1Thess. 5:14; 1Pet. 3:7); weakness (1Cor. 1:25; Heb. 7:18); feeble (1Cor. 12:22); impotent (Acts 4:9); and sick (Matt. 25:39, 43, 44; Luke 10:9; Acts 5:15-16). Here it means weak in the faith, not diseased, as in many other places.

‘Emboldened’ [Greek: oikodomeo] to build up, as in 1Corinthians 8:1. Such an example will build up the weak brother to follow the practice of the strong, whereas the act of liberty will cause his edifice to come tumbling down and he will perish (8:11).

‘Perish’ [Greek: apollumi] to destroy, perish, or be lost, as in Matthew 10:28; to kill (Matt. 2:13; 12:14); torment (Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24); mar (Mark 2:22); lose (Matt. 10:6, 39, 42); be lost (John 17:12; 2Cor. 4:3); perish or die (Matt. 8:25); and to ruin (Matt. 9:17), but never to annihilate.

‘But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.’ By causing a brother to be lost you sin against Christ and defeat the purpose of His sacrificial death.

‘Wound’ [Greek: tupto] to strike or smite the heart (8:12); to beat (Luke 12:45; 22:64; Acts 18:17; 21:32); and to smite (Matt. 24:49; 27:30; Mark 15:19; Luke 6:29; 18:13; 23:48; Acts 23:2-3). ‘Offend’ [Greek: skandalizo] to cast a snare before one so as to destroy him (8:13; Rom. 14:21; 2Cor. 11:29; Matt. 5:29-30; 18:6-9).

One God

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1Corinthians 8:4-7 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 

‘As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.’ Two schools, the Karaites and Traditionists, caused controversy amongst the early Christians. The Karaites held to the letter of the Jewish law, teaching that it was unlawful to receive any benefit from heathen worship or from anything that had been offered to an idol. It was unlawful to buy or sell an idol or meats offered to idols. The Traditionists maintained that they could use such meat provided that the sign of the idol was not stamped upon it. A sign could be placed upon the animal before it was sacrificed to the idol, such as gilded horns and hoofs, garlands, etc. When it was killed and sold in the shop such marks could not be seen so the Karaites had scrupled about all meat not knowing what had been sacrificed to idols or killed for common use. Those who had knowledge that idols and meats offered to them meant nothing had any scruple against buying and using such meat.

‘Whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many).’ Not only images, but the sun, moon, stars, oceans, rivers, trees and all other things in creation were used as gods by the heathen.

‘One God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.’ Here is another indisputable reference to the fact that God the Father is one person and Jesus Christ the Son of the Father is another person. This no more excludes Jesus from the Godhead than it excludes the Father from Lordship. Both are God and Lord (John 1:1; 1Jn. 5:7).

‘For some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.’ Some Jews held to certain rites of the law and some Gentiles held to certain heathen rites when they accepted Christianity. All these differences had to be dealt with and true knowledge gained before perfect harmony between converts could be maintained. Hence, the sound advice in 1Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:16-33; Colossians 2:14-17 and Romans 14:1-15:3. ‘Conscience’ [Greek: suneidesis] conviction or being conscious of a custom. Some had done this all their lives and still regarded sacrifices to idols as real acts of worship, not having true knowledge that idols were nothing. For such to take part in eating meat offered to an idol was to defile the conscience.