Deep Dive

I Corinthians 10:32

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Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 32

Give none offence--in things indifferent (Co1 8:13; Rom 14:13; Co2 6:3); for in all essential things affecting Christian doctrine and practice, even in the smallest detail, we must not swerve from principle, whatever offense may be the result (Co1 1:23). Giving offense is unnecessary, if our own spirit cause it; necessary, if it be caused by the truth.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 32

In this chapter the apostle prosecutes the argument at the close of the last, and, I. Warns the Corinthians against security, by the example of the Jews, who, notwithstanding their profession and privileges, were terribly punished of God for their many sins, their history being left upon record for the admonition of Christians (Co1 10:1-14). II. He resumes his former argument (Co1 8:1-13), about eating things offered to idols; and shows that it was utterly inconsistent with true Christianity, that it was downright gross idolatry, to eat them as things offered to idols; it is having fellowship with devils, which cannot consist with having fellowship with God (Co1 10:15-22). III. He lets them yet know that though they must not eat of things sacrificed to idols as such, and out of any regard to the idol, yet they might buy such flesh in the markets, or eat it at the table of heathen acquaintances, without asking any questions; for that the heathens' abuse of them did not render the creatures of God unfit to be the food of his servants. Yet liberty of this kind must be used with a due regard to weak consciences, and no offence given by it t Jew nor Gentile, nor to the church of God (Co1 10:23 to the end).

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Acts 20:28rank 10

Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

I Corinthians 10:33rank 9

as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

Romans 14:13rank 8

Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Acts 24:16rank 6

In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

I Corinthians 8:13rank 6

Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.

II Corinthians 6:3rank 6

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

I Timothy 3:15rank 4

in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

I Corinthians 11:22rank 4

Don’t you have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What can I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? No, I will not!

I Timothy 3:5rank 3

For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?

Philippians 1:10rank 2

so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

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