Which Old Testament practices connect to the themes in 1 Corinthians 10:16? The Verse in Focus “Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16) Old Testament Touchpoints Behind Paul’s Words • Passover Meal – Exodus 12 – Lamb sacrificed, blood applied, flesh eaten together. – “You are to eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.” (v. 11) – Anticipates the cup and bread that remember a greater deliverance. • Blood of the Covenant – Exodus 24:8 – “Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant…’” – Shared meal on the mountain followed the sacrifice (vv. 9-11). – Paul echoes this covenant language when he speaks of “participation” in Christ’s blood. • Peace/Fellowship Offerings – Leviticus 7:11-15 – Worshiper and family ate part of the sacrifice in God’s presence. – Tangible fellowship between offerer, priest, and God prefigures the communion table. • Bread of the Presence – Leviticus 24:5-9 – Twelve loaves set before the LORD, then eaten by priests “in a holy place.” – Signals ongoing communion with God through consecrated bread. • Drink (Wine) Offerings & “Cup of Blessing” – Numbers 15:5-10; Psalm 116:13 – Wine poured beside the altar symbolized joy and thanksgiving. – “I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 116:13) – The phrase “cup of blessing” Paul uses was a familiar liturgical term from such practices. • Manna in the Wilderness – Exodus 16; echoed in 1 Corinthians 10:3 – God-given bread that sustained Israel daily; foreshadows true heavenly bread. • Melchizedek’s Bread and Wine – Genesis 14:18 – “Melchizedek… brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High.” – Priest-king offers elements later invested with deeper meaning in Christ. • Life in the Blood – Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of a creature is in the blood… to make atonement for your souls.” – Underlines why the cup signifies participation in the very life Christ poured out. • Eating from the Altar – Deuteronomy 12:7; alluded to in 1 Corinthians 10:18 – Israel “rejoiced before the LORD” by eating sacrificial portions; Paul cites this pattern to show how eating and worship are inseparable. Putting the Threads Together • Shared sacrificial meals in the Law created a relational bond between worshiper and God; the Lord’s Table perfects that bond in Christ. • Blood sealed covenants and atoned for sin; the cup now proclaims the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. • Consecrated bread signified God’s provision and presence; the broken bread proclaims the incarnate body given for believers. • Every Old Testament table, from Passover to peace offerings, pointed forward to the ultimate fellowship—full participation in the Savior’s redeeming work. |
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