Epiphany · Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year B
1 Corinthians 10:(19-30) 31-11:1
Warnings From Israel’s History
February 14, 2027
Overview & Insights
“These things happened to them as an example... Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12)
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” Using an example from the Hebrew Scriptures, Paul compares the self-confidence of the “strong” (chap. 9) to the attitude of the Israelites, who, in spite of having experienced God’s mighty salvation through the sea, grumbled about their new situation. Instead of thanking God, they violated their covenant and put God to the test. Their example is a warning to the Christ followers who think themselves strong enough to participate in pagan feasts. Like the Israelites of old, they too might find themselves overcome with temptation. The God who gives freedom is also a jealous God who punishes all who participate in idol worship. Interpretive Insights 10:1 For I do not want you to be ignorant . . . that our ancestors.
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Commentary
1 Corinthians 10 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical exposition through idol food and doing all to God's glory.
1 Corinthians 10 Commentary Precept Austin
Study page collecting Greek notes and cross references on freedom, conscience, and glory.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on doing everything to the glory of God.
Background & Word Study
1 Corinthians 10:31 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the language of glory, offense, and imitation.
Enter the Bible: 1 Corinthians Enter the Bible
Background on the Corinthian context of food offered to idols and Christian freedom.
1 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the letter's argument about love limiting the use of freedom.
1 Corinthians and Work Theology of Work
Commentary treating conscience, freedom, and the good of the neighbor in daily life.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why recall Israel's wilderness story?
Israel was baptized in the cloud and sea yet fell in the desert; Paul holds this up as a warning against presumption, promising that God gives a way of escape from every temptation.
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