How does 1 Corinthians 5:8 connect with the Passover in Exodus 12? Setting the Scene • 1 Corinthians 5:7–8: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth.” • Paul writes to a Gentile church using unmistakably Jewish Passover language, grounding Christian purity in the historic Exodus deliverance. Snapshot of the First Passover (Exodus 12) • A spotless lamb selected on the tenth day (v. 3–5) • Blood applied to the doorposts and lintel (v. 7, 13) • God’s judgment “passes over” every home sheltered by the blood (v. 12–13) • Unleavened bread eaten for seven days; all leaven removed from the house (v. 15–20) • The meal celebrated annually as “a memorial” (v. 14) Key Parallels between Exodus 12 and 1 Corinthians 5 • The Lamb – Exodus: a literal, unblemished lamb protects Israel. – Corinthians: “Christ, our Passover lamb” satisfies the type perfectly (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19). • The Blood – Exodus: applied visibly to spare from death. – Corinthians: Christ’s shed blood saves from eternal judgment (Romans 5:9). • The Leaven – Exodus: leaven purged to symbolize break with Egypt’s life. – Corinthians: leaven depicts sin; Paul names “malice and wickedness.” • Ongoing Feast – Exodus: Passover initiates seven days of unleavened bread. – Corinthians: believers now “keep the feast” continually with the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” What Leaven Pictures • In Scripture leaven often represents corruption spreading through the whole (Matthew 16:6; Galatians 5:9). • Paul’s context is church discipline: the tolerated immorality of v. 1-2 threatens the entire body. • Removing the offender mirrors Israel sweeping leaven from every corner of the house. Living the Connection Today • Embrace the once-for-all sacrifice: trust Christ alone for salvation. • Sweep out the old leaven: repent of known sin and guard corporate purity. • Celebrate the ongoing feast: walk daily in “sincerity and truth,” reflecting the unleavened character God expects of His redeemed people (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:22-24). Supporting Passages for Personal Study • Isaiah 53:7 – the Lamb foretold • Hebrews 9:22 – necessity of the blood • Titus 2:14 – redeemed to be zealous for good works • 2 Timothy 2:19 – “Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” |
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