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Epiphany · Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year B

1 Corinthians 10:(19-30) 31-11:1

Warnings From Israel’s History

Saint Paul Writing His Epistles, Valentin de Boulogne
Saint Paul Writing His Epistles, Valentin de Boulogne, c. 1618–1620Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
A French follower of Caravaggio working in Rome. Paul is lit from one side at a table strewn with paper, caught mid-thought with the pen stopped.These passages are Paul arguing on paper, and the painting is the pause in the middle of a sentence.Valentin de BoulogneA French painter in Rome and the most committed of Caravaggio's followers, who died at thirty-eight after a night out in the cold.Museum of Fine Arts, HoustonThe oldest art museum in Texas, grown very large on oil money, and free on Thursdays.Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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

Background & Word Study

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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