1 Corinthians 10:7

Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: "The people sat down to eat and to drink, and got up to indulge in revelry."

Study Bible

Do not be idolaters
The phrase "Do not be idolaters" serves as a direct command and warning to the Corinthian church. The Greek word for idolaters, "εἰδωλολάτραι," refers to those who worship false gods or images. In the historical context of the early church, idolatry was a prevalent issue, as many converts came from pagan backgrounds where idol worship was common. This command echoes the first of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the exclusivity of worship due to the one true God. The conservative Christian perspective underscores the importance of maintaining purity in worship and avoiding any form of idolatry, whether it be literal or metaphorical, such as placing anything above God in one's life.

as some of them were
This phrase refers to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, specifically pointing to the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32. The Greek word "τινες" (some) indicates that not all Israelites participated, but a significant number did, leading to severe consequences. This historical reference serves as a cautionary tale for the Corinthians, reminding them of the dangers of turning away from God. It highlights the human tendency to revert to old habits and the need for vigilance in faith.

as it is written
The phrase "as it is written" is a common biblical expression used to introduce a quotation from the Old Testament. It signifies the authority and continuity of Scripture, showing that the lessons from the past are relevant to the present. This phrase underscores the belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture, which is foundational to conservative Christian theology. It also serves as a reminder that the Bible is a cohesive narrative, with the New Testament fulfilling and expanding upon the Old Testament.

The people sat down to eat and to drink
This part of the verse describes the actions of the Israelites in Exodus 32:6. The phrase "sat down to eat and to drink" suggests a sense of complacency and indulgence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, communal meals often accompanied religious rituals, and in this case, it was part of their idolatrous celebration. For the Corinthians, who lived in a city known for its feasts and pagan festivals, this serves as a warning against participating in activities that could lead to spiritual compromise.

and got up to revel in idolatry
The phrase "got up to revel in idolatry" indicates a progression from passive participation to active engagement in sinful behavior. The Greek word "παίζειν" (to revel) implies playful or wanton behavior, often associated with pagan worship practices that included immorality. This serves as a stark warning to the Corinthians about the dangers of allowing seemingly harmless activities to lead to full-blown idolatry. From a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the importance of discernment and the need to guard one's heart and actions against influences that could lead away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Apostle Paul
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance and correction.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth and moral challenges, including idolatry and immorality.

3. Israelites
The people of God in the Old Testament, whose experiences serve as examples and warnings for New Testament believers.

4. Exodus Event
The historical context referenced by Paul, particularly the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32.

5. Mount Sinai
The location where the Israelites committed idolatry by worshiping the golden calf while Moses was receiving the Law from God.

Teaching Points

Understanding Idolatry
Idolatry is not limited to physical idols but includes anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives.

Historical Warnings
The experiences of the Israelites serve as warnings for us today. We must learn from their mistakes to avoid similar pitfalls.

Guarding Our Hearts
Believers must be vigilant in identifying and removing modern-day idols, such as materialism, power, or relationships that compete with our devotion to God.

Community Accountability
Just as Paul addressed the Corinthian church, we should hold each other accountable in our faith communities to avoid idolatry.

Worship and Reverence
True worship involves reverence and obedience to God, not just external rituals or practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that Christians might struggle with today, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does the account of the golden calf in Exodus 32 serve as a warning for us in our spiritual walk?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains focused on God and not on external or superficial practices?

4. How can we support one another in our faith communities to remain vigilant against idolatry?

5. Reflect on Romans 1 and 1 John 5. How do these passages deepen our understanding of idolatry and its dangers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The original account of the Israelites' idolatry with the golden calf, which Paul references to warn the Corinthians.

Deuteronomy 9
Moses recounts the incident of the golden calf, emphasizing the rebellion and idolatry of the Israelites.

Romans 1
Paul discusses the nature of idolatry and how humanity exchanges the truth of God for lies, worshiping created things rather than the Creator.

1 John 5
John warns believers to keep themselves from idols, reinforcing the New Testament's consistent message against idolatry.