1 Corinthians 10

Warning Against Idolatry

1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under a the cloud, all passed through b the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same c spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same d spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies e were scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as f they also lusted. 7 g And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, h "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 1 8 i Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as j some of them did, and k in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us 2 tempt Christ, as l some of them also tempted, and m were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as n some of them also complained, and o were destroyed by p the destroyer. 11 Now 3 all these things happened to them as examples, and q they were written for our 4 admonition, r upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore s let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but t God is faithful, u who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to 5 bear it.

14 Therefore, my beloved, v flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to w wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 x The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the 6 communion of the blood of Christ? y The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For z we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. 18 Observe a Israel b after the flesh: c Are not those who eat of the sacrifices 7 partakers of the altar? 19 What am I saying then? d That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles e sacrifice f they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 g You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and h the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the i Lord's table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we j provoke the Lord to jealousy? k Are we stronger than He?

Do All to the Glory of God

23 All things are lawful 8 for me, but not all things are l helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things 9 edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one m the other's well-being. 25 n Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; 26 for o "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness." 10 27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, p eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it q for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; 11 for r "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness." 12 29 "Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other. For s why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food t over which I give thanks?

31 u Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 v Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just w as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

  1. Cross References
    Exodus 13:21
    And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.
    Exodus 13:22
    He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
    Psalms 105:39
    He spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to give light in the night.
  2. Cross References
    Exodus 14:21
    Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.
    Exodus 14:22
    So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
    Exodus 14:29
    But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
    Nehemiah 9:11
    And You divided the sea before them, So that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; And their persecutors You threw into the deep, As a stone into the mighty waters.
    Psalms 66:6
    He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him.
  3. Cross References
    Exodus 16:4
    Then the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will ra...
    Exodus 16:15
    So when the children of Israel saw it, they sai...
    Exodus 16:35
    And the children of Israel ate manna forty year...
    Deuteronomy 8:3
    So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and f...
    Nehemiah 9:15
    You gave them bread from heaven for their hunge...
    Nehemiah 9:20
    You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them...
    Psalms 78:24
    Had rained down manna on them to eat, And given...
    John 6:31
    "Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it...
  4. Cross References
    Exodus 17:5 - 7
    And the LORD said to Moses, "Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go.
    Numbers 20:11
    Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
    Psalms 78:15
    He split the rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink in abundance like the depths.
  5. Cross References
    Numbers 14:29
    The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above.
    Numbers 14:37
    Those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
    Numbers 26:65
    For the LORD had said of them, "They shall surely die in the wilderness." So there was not left a man of them, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.
    Hebrews 3:17
    Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness?
  6. Cross References
    Numbers 11:4
    Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: "Who will give us meat to eat?
    Numbers 11:34
    So he called the name of that place Kibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had yielded to craving.
    Psalms 106:14
    But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tested God in the desert.
  7. Cross References
    Exodus 32:4
    And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, "This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!
    1 Corinthians 5:11
    But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner - not even to eat with such a person.
    1 Corinthians 10:14
    Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
  8. Cross References
    Exodus 32:6
    Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
    1 Corinthians 15:32
    If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!
  9. Cross References
    Revelation 2:14
    But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
  10. Cross References
    Numbers 25:1 - 9
    Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab.
  11. Cross References
    Psalms 106:29
    Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, And the plague broke out among them.
  12. Cross References
    Exodus 17:2
    Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, "Give us water, that we may drink." So Moses said to them, "Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the LORD?
    Exodus 17:7
    So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?
  13. Cross References
    Numbers 21:6 - 9
    So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.
  14. Cross References
    Exodus 16:2
    Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
  15. Cross References
    Numbers 14:37
    Those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
  16. Cross References
    Exodus 12:23
    For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you.
    2 Samuel 24:16
    And when the angel stretched out His hand over Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD relented from the destruction, and said to the angel who was destroying the people, "It is enough; now restrain your hand." And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
    1 Chronicles 21:15
    And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it. As he was destroying, the LORD looked and relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who was destroying, "It is enough; now restrain your hand." And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
    Hebrews 11:28
    By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
  17. Cross References
    Romans 15:4
    For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
  18. Cross References
    Philippians 4:5
    Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
  19. Cross References
    Romans 11:20
    Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.
  20. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:9
    God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
  21. Cross References
    Psalms 125:3
    For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest On the land allotted to the righteous, Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.
  22. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:17
    Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.
  23. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 8:1
    Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
  24. Cross References
    Matthew 26:26 - 28
    And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body.
    Mark 14:23
    Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
    Luke 22:20
    Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
    1 Corinthians 11:25
    In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.
  25. Cross References
    Matthew 26:26
    And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body.
    Luke 22:19
    And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.
    Acts 2:42
    And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
    1 Corinthians 11:23
    For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread.
  26. Cross References
    Romans 12:5
    So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and ...
    1 Corinthians 12:12
    For as the body is one and has many members, bu...
    1 Corinthians 12:27
    Now you are the body of Christ, and members ind...
    Ephesians 4:4
    There is one body and one Spirit, just as you w...
    Ephesians 4:16
    From whom the whole body, joined and knit toget...
    Colossians 3:15
    And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, t...
  27. Cross References
    Romans 4:12
    And the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.
  28. Cross References
    Romans 4:1
    What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
  29. Cross References
    Leviticus 3:3
    Then he shall offer from the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the LORD. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails.
    Leviticus 7:6
    Every male among the priests may eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most holy.
    Leviticus 7:14
    And from it he shall offer one cake from each offering as a heave offering to the LORD. It shall belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering.
    Deuteronomy 12:17
    You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn of your herd or your flock, of any of your offerings which you vow, of your freewill offerings, or of the heave offering of your hand.
  30. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 8:4
    Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.
  31. Cross References
    Leviticus 17:7
    "They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations."'
  32. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:17
    They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods they did not know, To new gods, new arrivals That your fathers did not fear.
    Psalms 106:37
    They even sacrificed their sons And their daughters to demons.
    Galatians 4:8
    But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.
    Revelation 9:20
    But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.
  33. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:15
    And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
    2 Corinthians 6:16
    And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.
  34. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:38
    Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, And drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise and help you, And be your refuge.
  35. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 11:23 - 29
    For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread.
  36. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:21
    They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.
  37. Cross References
    Ezekiel 22:14
    Can your heart endure, or can your hands remain strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and will do it.
  38. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 6:12
    All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
  39. Cross References
    Philippians 2:4
    Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
  40. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:4
    For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.
  41. Cross References
    Exodus 19:5
    Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
    Psalms 24:1
    The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.
    Psalms 50:12
    If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
    1 Timothy 4:4
    For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.
  42. Cross References
    Luke 10:7
    And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
    Luke 10:8
    Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.
  43. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 8:7
    However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
    1 Corinthians 8:10
    For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols?
    1 Corinthians 8:12
    But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
  44. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 10:14
    Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it.
    Psalms 24:1
    The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.
  45. Cross References
    Romans 14:16
    Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil.
    1 Corinthians 9:19
    For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.
  46. Cross References
    Romans 14:6
    He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
  47. Cross References
    Colossians 3:17
    And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
    1 Peter 4:11
    If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
  48. Cross References
    Romans 14:13
    Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.
  49. Cross References
    Romans 15:2
    Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
    1 Corinthians 9:22
    To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
    Galatians 1:10
    For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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