Bible Chapter Summary
1 Corinthians 10 Summary
Warnings from Israel's Wilderness Wanderings
Paul uses Israel's history as an example and warning for the Corinthians. He recalls how their fathers were under the cloud, passed through the sea, and were baptized unto Moses. All ate the same spiritual meat and drank the same spiritual drink from the spiritual Rock that followed them, which was Christ. Yet many were destroyed in the wilderness because God was not pleased with them. These events are examples to warn believers not to lust after evil things, not to be idolaters, not to commit fornication, not to tempt Christ, and not to murmur—all of which brought destruction to the Israelites. Paul emphasizes that these things happened for their instruction, written for the admonition of those upon whom the end of the world has come. He assures them that God will not permit temptation beyond their ability to bear, and will provide a way of escape.
Key themes
Key verses
1 Corinthians 10:1
“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;”
1 Corinthians 10:4
“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”
1 Corinthians 10:11
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
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