1 Corinthians 10:18-22 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?… is an expression easily understood when we remember that in the solemn feasts of the ancients the consecration of the banquet took place with that of the cup, accompanied by the libation in honour of the gods. The first cup was offered to Jupiter; the second to Jupiter and the nymphs; the third to Jupiter Soter. To participate in these three cups which circulated among the guests, was not this to do an act of idolatry, and to put oneself under the power of the spirit of evil, as really as the Jew by sacrificing put himself under the influence of Jehovah, and the Christian by communicating under that of Christ? Materially, no doubt, it was possible to act thus, but not without criminal inconsistency. And what proves that this is the meaning of "Ye cannot" is the fact that in the sequel Paul expressly states that the Corinthians already venture to act thus, for he declares the fate which awaits them if they persist. (Prof. Godet.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?WEB: Consider Israel according to the flesh. Don't those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? |
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