1 Corinthians 10:1-14

1 Corinthians 10:1-14. The Example of Israel a Warning to Christians

In this chapter the direct argument concerning meats offered to idols is resumed in 1 Corinthians 10:14. The first fourteen verses of this chapter, like chapter 9., are parenthetical. But if we read - for" with the best MSS. and versions, instead of the - moreover" of our English version, we are to understand that there is a very close connection between this and the last verse of the preceding chapter. See 1 Corinthians 10:12. We are taught in 1 Corinthians 10:1-14, (1) that the possession of great privileges does not secure us from danger. But this is not the only link of connection. We learn, (2) that the worst sins of Israel were the direct result of idolatry, and hence a strong argument is derived against regarding idolatry as a light matter (1 Corinthians 10:14). And perhaps, with De Wette, we may also regard the actions of the Israelites as awful examples, (3) of the abuse of freedom, the danger which was just now most likely to befall the infant Church. "They were tempted to think that all things were safe to do, because all things were lawful." Robertson.