1 Corinthians 8-10

1599 Geneva Bible

Footnotes

1. 1 Corinthians 8:1 He entereth to entreat of another kind of things indifferent, to wit, of things offered to idols, or the use or flesh so offered and sacrificed. And first of all he removeth all those things which the Corinthians pretended in using things offered to idols without any respect. First of all they affirmed that this difference of meats was for unskillful men, but as for them, they knew well enough the benefit of Christ, which causeth all these things to be clean to them that are clean. Be it so saith Paul: be it that we are all sufficiently instructed in the knowledge of Christ. I say notwithstanding that we must not simply rest in this knowledge. The reason is that unless our knowledge be tempered with charity, it doth not only not avail, but also doeth much hurt, because it is the mystery of pride: nay, it doth not so much as discern the name of godly knowledge, if it be separate from the love of God and therefore from the love of our neighbor.
2. 1 Corinthians 8:1 This general word is to be abridged as appeareth verse 7, for there is a kind of taunt in it, as we may perceive by the next verse.
3. 1 Corinthians 8:1 Ministereth occasion of vanity and pride, because it is void of charity.
4. 1 Corinthians 8:1 Instructed our neighbor.
5. 1 Corinthians 8:4 The application of that answer to things offered to idols: I grant, saith he that an idol is indeed a vain imagination, and that there is but one God and Lord, herefore that meat cannot be made holy or profane by the idol: but it followeth not therefore that a man may without respect use those meats as any other.
6. 1 Corinthians 8:4 This word (idol) in this place is taken for an image which is made to present some godhead, that worship might be given unto it: whereupon came the word (idolatry) that is to say, Image service.
7. 1 Corinthians 8:4 It is a vain dream.
8. 1 Corinthians 8:6 When the Father is distinguished from the Son, He is named the beginning of all things.
9. 1 Corinthians 8:6 We have our being in him.
10. 1 Corinthians 8:6 But as the Father is called Lord, so is the Son, God therefore this word (One) doth not respect the persons, but the natures.
11. 1 Corinthians 8:6 This word (By) doth not signify the instrumental cause, but the efficient: For the Father and the Son work together, which is not so to be taken, that we make two causes, seeing they have both but one nature though they be distinct persons.
12. 1 Corinthians 8:7 The reason why that followeth not, is this: because there are many men which do not know that which you know. Now the judgments of outward things depend not only upon your conscience, but upon the conscience of them that behold you, and therefore your actions must be applied not only to your knowledge, but also to the ignorance of your brethren.
13. 1 Corinthians 8:7 An applying of the reason, There are many which cannot eat of things offered to idols, but with a wavering conscience, because they think them to be unclean: therefore if by thy example they enterprise to do that which inwardly they thinketh displeaseth God, their conscience is defiled with this eating, and thou hast been the occasion of this mischief.
14. 1 Corinthians 8:7 By conscience of the idol, he meaneth the secret judgment that they had within themselves,whereby they thought all things unclean, that were offered to idols, and therefore they could not use them with good conscience. For this force hath conscience, that if it be good, it maketh things indifferent good, and if it be evil, it maketh them evil.
15. 1 Corinthians 8:8 A preventing of an objection: Why then, shall we therefore be deprived of our liberty? Nay saith the Apostle, you shall lose no part of Christianity although you abstain for your brethren’s sake, as also if you receive the meat, it maketh you no whit the more holy, for our commendation before God consisteth not in meats: but to use our liberty with offense of our brethren, is an abuse of liberty, the true use whereof is clean contrary, to wit, so to use it, as in using of it we have consideration of our weak brethren.
16. 1 Corinthians 8:10 Another plainer explication of the same reason, propounding the example of the sitting down at the table in the idol’s temple, which thing the Corinthians did evil accompt of among things indifferent, because it is simply forbidden for the circumstance of the place, although offense do cease, as it shall be declared in his place.
17. 1 Corinthians 8:11 An amplification of the argument taken both of comparison and contraries: Thou wretched man, saith he, pleasing thyself with thy knowledge which indeed is none (for if thou haddest true knowledge, thou wouldest not sit down to meat in idol’s temple) wilt thou destroy thy brother, hardening his weak conscience by this example to do evil, for whose salvation Christ himself has died?
18. 1 Corinthians 8:12 Another amplification: Such offending of our weak brethren redoundeth unto Christ, and therefore let not these men think that they have to do only with their brethren.
19. 1 Corinthians 8:13 The conclusion, which Paul conceiveth in his own person, that he might not seem to exact that of others, which he will not be first subject unto himself. I had rather (saith he) abstain forever from all kind of flesh, than give occasion of sin to any of my brethren, much less would I refuse in any certain place or time for my brother’s sake not to eat flesh offered to idols.
20. 1 Corinthians 9:1 Before he proceedeth any further in his proposed manner of things offered to idols he would show the cause of all this mischief, and also take it away: to wit, that the Corinthians thought themselves not bound to depart from an iota of their liberty for any man’s pleasure. Therefore he propoundeth himself for an example and that in a matter almost necessary. And yet he speaketh generally of both, but first of his own person. If (saith he) you allege for yourselves that you are free, and therefore will use your liberty, am I not also free, seeing I am an Apostle?
21. 1 Corinthians 9:1 He proveth his Apostleship by the effects, in that that he was appointed of Christ himself, and the authority of his function was sufficiently confirmed to him amongst them by their conversion. And all these things he setteth before their eyes, to make them ashamed for that they would not in the least wise that might be, debase themselves, for the weak’s sake, whereas the Apostle himself did all that he could to win them to God when they were utterly reprobate and without God.
22. 1 Corinthians 9:1 By the Lord.
23. 1 Corinthians 9:2 As a seal whereby it appeareth sufficiently that God is the author of my Apostleship.
24. 1 Corinthians 9:3 He addeth this by the way, as if he would say, So far it is off, that you may doubt of my Apostleship, that I use it to refute them which call it into controversy, by opposing those things which the Lord hath done by me amongst you.
25. 1 Corinthians 9:3 Which like Judges examine me and my doings.
26. 1 Corinthians 9:4 Now touching the matter itself, he saith, Seeing that I am free, and truly an Apostle, why may not I (I say not, eat of all things offered to idols) but be maintained by my labors, yea and keep my wife also, as the residue of the apostles lawfully do, as by name, John and James, the Lord’s cousins, and Peter himself?
27. 1 Corinthians 9:4 Upon the expense of the Church?
28. 1 Corinthians 9:5 One that is a Christian and a true believer?
29. 1 Corinthians 9:6 Not to live by the work of our hands?
30. 1 Corinthians 9:7 That he may not seem to burden the Apostles, he showeth that it is just that they do, by an argument of comparison, seeing that soldiers live by their wages, and husbandmen by the fruits of their labors, and shepherds by that that cometh of their flocks.
31. 1 Corinthians 9:7 Useth to go a warfare?
32. 1 Corinthians 9:8 Secondly he bringeth forth the authority of God’s institution by an argument of comparison.
33. 1 Corinthians 9:8 Have I no better ground than the common custom of men?
34. 1 Corinthians 9:9 Was it God’s proper drift to provide for oxen, when he made this Law? for otherwise there is not the smallest thing in the world, but God hath a care of it.
35. 1 Corinthians 9:11 An assumption of the arguments with an amplification, for neither in so doing do we require a reward meet for our deserts.
36. 1 Corinthians 9:12 Another argument of great force: others are nourished amongst you, therefore it was lawful for me, yea rather for me than any other: and yet I refused it, and had rather still suffer any discommodity, than the Gospel of Christ should be hindered.
37. 1 Corinthians 9:12 The word signifieth a right and interest, whereby he giveth us to understand that the ministers of the word must of right and duty be found of the Church.
38. 1 Corinthians 9:13 Last of all he bringeth forth the express Law concerning the nourishing of the Levites, which privilege notwithstanding he will not use.
39. 1 Corinthians 9:13 This is spoken by the figure Metonymy, for, of those things that are offered in the temple.
40. 1 Corinthians 9:13 Are partakers with the altar in dividing the sacrifice.
41. 1 Corinthians 9:14 Because they preach the Gospel. It followed by this place, that Paul gat no living, neither would have any other man get, by any commodity of masses, or any other such superstitious trumperies.
42. 1 Corinthians 9:15 He taketh away occasion of suspicion by the way, that it might not be thought that he wrote this as though he challenged his wages that was not paid him. Nay saith him, I had rather die, than not continue in this purpose to preach the Gospel freely. For I am bound to preach the Gospel, seeing that the Lord hath enjoined me this office: but unless I do it willingly and for the love of God, nothing is to be allowed that I do. If I had rather that the Gospel should be evil spoken of, than that I should not require my wages, then would it appear that I took these pains not so much for the Gospel’s sake, as for my gains and advantages. But I say, this were not to use, but abuse my right and liberty. Therefore not only in this thing, but also in all others (as much as I could) I am made all things to all men, that I might win them to Christ, and might together with them be won to Christ.
43. 1 Corinthians 9:18 By taking nothing of them to whom I preach it.
44. 1 Corinthians 9:20 The word (Law) in this place, must be restrained to the ceremonial Law.
45. 1 Corinthians 9:22 In matters that are indifferent, which may be done or not done with a good conscience: as if he said, I changed myself into all fashions, that by all means, I might save some.
46. 1 Corinthians 9:23 That both I and they to whom I preach the Gospel, may receive fruit by the Gospel.
47. 1 Corinthians 9:24 He bringeth in another cause of this mischief, to wit, that they were given to gluttony, for there were solemn banquets of sacrifices, and the riot of the Priests was always too much celebrated and kept. Therefore it was hard for them which were accustomed to righteousness, especially when they pretended the liberty of the Gospel, to be restrained from these banquets: but contrarywise, the Apostle calleth them by a pleasant similitude, and also by his own example, to sobriety and mortification of the flesh, showing that they cannot be fit to run or wrestle (as then the games of Isthmians were) which pamper up their bodies, and therefore affirming that they can have no reward, unless they take another course and trade of life.
48. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Useth a most exquisite diet.
49. 1 Corinthians 9:27 The old man which striveth against the spirit.
50. 1 Corinthians 9:27 This word (Reproved) is not set as contrary to the word (Elect) but as contrary to the word (Approved) when we see one by experience not to be such an one as he ought to be.
51. 1 Corinthians 10:1 He setteth out that which he said, laying before them an example of the horrible judgment of God against them which had in effect the selfsame pledges, of the same adoption and salvation that we have: and yet notwithstanding when they gave themselves to idols’ feasts, perished in the wilderness, being horribly and manifoldly punished. Now, moreover and besides that these things are fitly spoken against them which frequented idols’ feasts, the same also seems to be alleged to this end and purpose, because many men are thus minded, that those things are not of such great weight, that God will be angry with them if they use them, so that they frequent Christian assemblies and be baptized, and receive the Communion, and confess Christ.
52. 1 Corinthians 10:1 Paul speaketh thus in respect of the covenant, and not in respect of the persons, saving in general.
53. 1 Corinthians 10:2 In effect the Sacrament of the old fathers were all one with ours, for they respected Christ only who offered himself unto them in divers shadows.
54. 1 Corinthians 10:2 All of them were baptized with the outward sign, but not in deed, wherewith God cannot be charged, but they themselves.
55. 1 Corinthians 10:2 Moses being their guide.
56. 1 Corinthians 10:3 The same that we do.
57. 1 Corinthians 10:3 Manna, which was a spiritual meat to the believers, which in faith lay hold upon Christ who is the true meat.
58. 1 Corinthians 10:4 Of the river and running Rock, which followed the people.
59. 1 Corinthians 10:4 Did sacramentally signify Christ, so that together with the sign, there was the thing signified, and the truth itself: for God doth not offer a bare sign, but the thing signifieth by the sign, together with it which is to be received with faith.
60. 1 Corinthians 10:6 An amplifying of the example against them which are carried away with their lusts beyond the bounds which God has measured out. For this is the beginning of all evil, as of idolatry (which hath gluttony a companion unto it) fornication, rebelling against Christ, murmuring, and such like, which God punished most sharply in that old people, to the end that we which succeed them, and have a more full declaration of the will of God, might by that means take better heed.
61. 1 Corinthians 10:6 Some read figures: which signified our sacraments: for circumcision was to the Jews a seal of righteousness, and to us a lively pattern of Baptism, and so in the other Sacraments.
62. 1 Corinthians 10:9 To tempt Christ, is to provoke him to a combat as it were which those men do, who abuse the knowledge that he hath given them, and make it to serve for a cloak for their lusts and wickedness.
63. 1 Corinthians 10:11 This our age is called the end, for it is the shutting up of all ages.
64. 1 Corinthians 10:12 In conclusion, he descendeth to the Corinthians themselves, warning them that they please not themselves, but rather that they prevent the subtleties of Satan. Yet he useth an insinuation, and comforteth them, that he may not seem to make them altogether like to those wicked idolaters and contemners of Christ, which perished in the wilderness.
65. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Which cometh of weakness.
66. 1 Corinthians 10:13 He that would have you tempted for your profit’s sake, will give you an issue to escape out of the temptation.
67. 1 Corinthians 10:15 Now returning to those idols’ feasts, that he may not seem to dally at all, first he promiseth that he will use no other reasons than such as they knew very well themselves. And he useth an induction borrowed of the agreement that is the things themselves. The holy banquets of the Christians are pledges, first of all of the community that they have with Christ, and next, one with another. The Israelites also do ratify in the sacrifices, their mutual conjunction in one selfsame religion: therefore so do the idolaters also join themselves with their idols or devils rather (for idols are nothing) in those solemn banquets, whereupon it followeth, that that table is a table of devils, and therefore you must eschew it: for you cannot be partakers of the Lord and of idols together, much less may such banquets be accounted for things indifferent. Will ye then strive with God? and if you do, think you that you shall get the upper hand?
68. 1 Corinthians 10:16 Of thanksgiving: whereupon, that holy banquet was called Eucharist, that is, a thanksgiving.
69. 1 Corinthians 10:16 A most effectual pledge and note of our knitting together with Christ, and ingrafting to him.
70. 1 Corinthians 10:18 That is, as yet observe their ceremonies.
71. 1 Corinthians 10:18 Are consenting and guilty, both of that worship and sacrifice.
72. 1 Corinthians 10:20 Have anything to do with the devils, or enter into that society which is begun on the devil’s name.
73. 1 Corinthians 10:21 The heathen and profane people were wont to shut up and make an end of their feasts which they kept to the honor of their gods, in offering meat offerings and drink offerings to them, with banquets and feastings.
74. 1 Corinthians 10:23 Coming to another kind of things offered to idols, he repeateth that general rule, that in the use of things indifferent we ought to have consideration not of ourselves only, but of our neighbors, and therefore these are many things which of themselves are lawful, which may be evil done of us, because of offense to our neighbor.
75. 1 Corinthians 10:23 See 1 Cor. 6:13.
76. 1 Corinthians 10:25 An applying of the rule to the present matter: Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, you may indifferently buy it as it were at the Lord’s hand, and eat it either at home with the faithful, or being called home to the unfaithful, to wit, in a private banquet: but yet with this exception, unless any man is present which is weak, whose conscience may be offended, by setting meats offered to idols before them: for then you ought to have consideration of their weakness.
77. 1 Corinthians 10:25 The flesh that was sacrificed, was used to be sold in the shambles, and the price returned to the priests.
78. 1 Corinthians 10:26 All those things whereof it is full.
79. 1 Corinthians 10:29 A reason: for we must take heed that our liberty be not evil spoken of, and that the benefit of God which we ought to use with thanksgiving be not changed into impiety, and that through our fault, if we choose rather to offend the conscience of the weak, than to yield a little of our liberty in a matter of no importance, and so give occasion to the weak to judge in such sort of us, and of Christian liberty. And the Apostle taketh these things upon his own person, that the Corinthians may have so much the less occasion to oppose anything against him.
80. 1 Corinthians 10:30 If I may through God’s benefits eat this meat, or that meat, why should I through my fault, cause that benefit of God to turn to my blame?
81. 1 Corinthians 10:31 The conclusion: We must order our lives in such sort, that we seek not ourselves, but God’s glory, and so the salvation of as many as we may, wherein the Apostle flicketh not to propound himself to the Corinthians (even his own flock) as an example, but so that he calleth them back to Christ, unto whom he himself hath regard.