1 Corinthians 10:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 10:18
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 10 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, sacrifice, mercy. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 10:18
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
Analysis
Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?—Paul introduces a third example (after Christian communion and pagan temple meals): Jewish sacrificial worship. Israel after the flesh (ton Israēl kata sarka, τὸν Ἰσραὴλ κατὰ σάρκα) distinguishes ethnic Israel from spiritual Israel (the church). Paul appeals to what Corinthians would know about Jewish practice: those who eat of the sacrifices become partakers of the altar (koinōnoi tou thysiastēriou, κοινωνοὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου).
In Levitical worship, certain sacrifices (peace offerings, thanksgiving offerings) were partially consumed by worshipers (Leviticus 7:15-18). Eating consecrated meat established covenant fellowship with God whose altar sanctified the sacrifice. The altar represents God's presence and acceptance of worship. To eat the sacrifice was to participate in worship of the God of Israel.
Paul's logic builds:
- The Lord's Supper creates fellowship with Christ.
- Jewish sacrificial meals create fellowship with God at His altar.
- Therefore, pagan sacrificial meals create fellowship with whatever spiritual reality stands behind the idol (v. 20).
The principle is consistent: eating consecrated food is never spiritually neutral—it always establishes covenant fellowship with the deity honored. This makes idol-temple dining far more serious than mere social convention.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem temple (until 70 CE) continued daily sacrifices. Peace offerings allowed worshipers to eat portions of the sacrifice, creating covenant communion between God and His people. Paul's Pharisaic background gave him intimate knowledge of these practices. He uses this shared understanding to demonstrate a universal principle: sacrificial meals establish spiritual fellowship, making Christian participation in pagan meals theologically impossible.
Reflection
- How does understanding the spiritual significance of eating in covenant contexts affect modern Christian dining practices?
- What parallels exist between Jewish sacrificial meals and Christian communion in terms of establishing covenant fellowship?
- In what ways might modern Christians participate in spiritual fellowship with false gods without recognizing it?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: θυσία (Thusia) G2378 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- References Israel: Galatians 6:16
- Sacrifice: 1 Corinthians 9:13, Leviticus 3:11
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 7:6, Romans 1:3, 4:1, 4:12