What does 1 Corinthians 10:18 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 10:18 refers to the practice of participating in religious meals and the eating of sacrifices as a form of fellowship with the deity to whom the sacrifice is offered.

Paul uses the example of Israelites, who eat the sacrifices from the altar, establishing a connection with the altar and, by extension, with God.

In the literal sense, those who partake in the sacrificial meals are sharing in the worship of the deity.

On a deeper level, Paul is drawing a parallel to the Christian practice of Communion, where believers partake of the bread and the wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ.

Through this act, Christians share in the benefits of Christ's sacrifice and fellowship with Him.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around A.D. 55. Corinth was a city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity. The letter addresses various issues within the church, including idolatry, immorality, and disputes among believers.

The context of chapter 10 specifically deals with idolatry and the dangers of Christians participating in pagan feasts.

The verse draws upon the Jewish tradition of sacrificial meals, which the Corinthians would have been familiar with, either through Jewish contacts or from converts to Christianity from Judaism.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints can be drawn from this verse:

• Covenant Theology sees this verse as highlighting the continuity of God's people throughout the Old and New Testaments.

It suggests that just as the Israelites were partakers with the altar through their sacrifices, Christians are partakers with Christ through the Lord's Supper.

• Dispensational Theology may emphasize the distinction between the church and Israel, interpreting the verse as contrasting the physical, Old Testament practices of Israel with the spiritual realities of the New Testament church.
• Sacramental Theology holds this verse as evidence of the real, albeit mystical, communion between the believer and Christ in the act of Communion/Eucharist.

Practical Applications

This verse reminds Christians to be mindful of what they partake in, as it can signify communion with certain values or deities.

It suggests that Christians should partake in practices that honor God and avoid those that could be considered as worshiping other gods.

The verse encourages believers to be discerning about their actions and affiliations.

Cross-References

• Exodus 29:37 - "Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy."
• Leviticus 7:6 - "Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy."
• 1 Corinthians 10:21 - "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text hold significant meanings:

• "Behold" (βλέπετε): To perceive with attention; to take notice of.
• "Israel after the flesh" (Ἰσραήλ κατὰ σάρκα): Literally "Israel according to the flesh," referring to the physical descendants of Israel (Jacob), not spiritual Israel (i.e., Christians).
• "Partakers" (κοινωνοί): Those who share in or have fellowship with; often used to denote participants in a common endeavor or sharers in a common benefit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons to other ancient practices:

• In various pagan religions, it was common to eat a portion of the sacrifices made to the gods, signaling a shared meal with the deity.
• The concept of sharing meals with gods is also seen in Greco-Roman mythology, where feasts with deities could either honor the gods or forge bonds with them.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse, as it deals with religious rites and matters of faith.

However, studying the anthropological significance of ritual meals and sacrifices in various cultures may lend insight into the human need for religious practices and community bonding.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a range of interpretations of this verse:

• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that Paul is demonstrating that just as Jews partake of the altar by eating sacrifices, which affirms their part in the worship of God; so too, the eating of things sacrificed to idols is a fellowship with them, which should be avoided.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the apostle's caution to Christians not to have fellowship with idolaters, drawing a parallel between Jewish practices and what Christians should avoid.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes that while Christians are free from the dietary restrictions of the Old Testament, they must avoid any association with idolatry, as illustrated by the seriousness of the Israelites' partaking in the altar through sacrifices.