1 Corinthians 10:15-22: Sharing in Christ

October 09, 2026 Blaize

The Lord's Supper is one of the simplest yet most profound symbols that Christians have. It serves as a reminder of the death of Jesus. To those who take it, they are in a way sharing in that with Christ. Here in Chapter 10, Paul discusses the significance of partaking in the Lord's Supper. He draws a parallel between the communal sharing of bread and wine with the spiritual participation in the body and blood of Christ. By partaking in the Lord's Supper, believers unite as one body. Paul contrasts this with the practices of the Israelites and pagans. He points out that the Israelites, by eating sacrifices, become participants at the altar, and pagans, by offering sacrifices to demons, commune with these entities. Paul's warning is clear: Christians cannot partake of both the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Such actions could provoke the Lord's jealousy, a risk believers should not take. Essentially, Paul emphasizes the exclusivity of Christian worship and the imperative of undivided loyalty to Christ.

Chapter 8 had already addressed eating meat sacrificed to idols. Fundamentally, Paul asserts that "an idol is nothing at all in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4), accentuating God's singularity. Therefore, meat offered to these non-existent entities remains uncontaminated. Yet, Paul's pastoral concern surfaces here when he expresses apprehension for newer or weaker believers. They might be spiritually jeopardized by consuming such meat, particularly if they previously associated with pagan rituals. While personal freedom permits the eating of this meat, love and concern for others' spiritual well-being may require abstention.

In Chapter 10, Paul contrasts partaking in the Lord's Supper with attending idol feasts, which is not quite the same as eating meat sacrificed to idols. He claims that participating in pagan sacrifices is equivalent to communing with demons, just as believers commune with Christ during the Lord's Supper. This act of idolatry aligns one with demonic realms, clashing with Christian worship. So, even though an idol might be "nothing" and the meat just meat, partaking in pagan rituals aligns one with forces opposed to Christ. Paul's approach to the issue combines theological insight with pastoral concern, highlighting the spiritual implications of idolatrous practices.

It's crucial to note that demons are under Christ's power. Jesus holds authority over them, evident when He exorcised many (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43, Mark 1:23-27, Luke 4:33-37). He also empowered His disciples to do the same (Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1, Acts 8:4-8, Acts 16:16-18). In the end, Jesus will destroy demons and Satan (Revelation 20:1-3). Furthermore, believers have the Holy Spirit's seal (Ephesians 1:13-14). Though Christians might encounter spiritual warfare and temptations, they are not without defense. James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This sentiment encapsulates the idea that submitting to God's authority and resisting evil curbs the devil's influence on believers. Christians are also equipped with spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) to counter demonic forces, which includes elements like the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit - God's Word.

While demons remain active in the world, they are subservient to Christ's authority. Through their relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit's presence, believers are fortified and safeguarded against demonic influences. Paul's primary concern in 1 Corinthians 10 centers on intertwining Christian worship with pagan customs. Today, when examining aspects of various events, like certain holidays, it's essential to discern between cultural participation and spiritual or ritualistic participation. If one feels uneasy about culturally partaking, it is best to abstain. Nevertheless, Christ's victory over darkness on the cross assures believers of their ultimate protection and victory in Him.Chapter 8 had already addressed eating meat sacrificed to idols. Fundamentally, Paul asserts that "an idol is nothing at all in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4), accentuating God's singularity. Therefore, meat offered to these non-existent entities remains uncontaminated. Yet, Paul's pastoral concern surfaces here when he expresses apprehension for newer or weaker believers. They might be spiritually jeopardized by consuming such meat, particularly if they previously associated with pagan rituals. While personal freedom permits the eating of this meat, love and concern for others' spiritual well-being may require abstention.

Lord, help me share in your body!