1 Corinthians 10:18 – “Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?”
Extended Explanation
Paul is making a point about the connection between worship and participation. He refers to Israel’s sacrificial system, where those who ate the meat from a sacrifice were considered participants in the offering made to God. The act of eating wasn’t just about physical nourishment; it was a sign of spiritual connection with what was happening at the altar.
In the broader context of 1 Corinthians 10, Paul is warning Christians about the dangers of idolatry. Some in Corinth were eating food that had been sacrificed to idols, thinking it was harmless. Paul reminds them that just as Israelites who ate sacrificial meals were truly involved in worship, eating food sacrificed to idols could bring someone into participation with false gods.
His point is simple: Worship isn’t just about words—it involves real actions that connect people to spiritual realities. When Christians take part in something, they are aligning themselves with whatever it represents.
Historical Context
In Old Testament Israel, sacrifices were a core part of worship. When an Israelite brought an offering to the temple, part of the animal was burned on the altar, symbolizing dedication to God. Another portion was given to the priests, and the rest was often eaten by the worshiper and their family in a sacred meal (Leviticus 7:11-15). This meal wasn’t just food—it was a way of participating in the act of worship and fellowship with God.
Paul uses this background to explain why Christians need to be careful about what they participate in. In Corinth, many pagan temples offered sacrifices to false gods, and the leftover meat was often sold in the marketplace or served at temple feasts. Some believers thought eating this meat was no big deal since idols weren’t real gods. Paul, however, warns that participating in idolatrous feasts isn’t just a meaningless act—it connects people to something spiritually dangerous.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that worship involves more than just words or beliefs—it’s about participation. What we involve ourselves in spiritually matters, and we can’t separate our actions from their deeper meaning.
Paul’s warning about idolatry is still relevant today. While most people don’t attend pagan sacrifices, there are many ways people can engage in things that draw them away from God. This verse challenges Christians to be mindful of their associations and make sure their actions align with true worship.
It also emphasizes the significance of spiritual communion. Just as the Israelites participated in God’s altar through sacrifices, Christians now participate in Christ’s sacrifice through faith and the Lord’s Supper.
Literary Analysis
Paul is using a rhetorical question to make his argument clear. By saying, “Consider the people of Israel,” he draws his audience into a well-known example before making a connection to their situation.
This verse is structured as part of a broader argument in 1 Corinthians 10, where Paul contrasts participation in God’s table with participation in pagan rituals. The theme of “participation” is key in this passage, as he wants the Corinthians to see that their choices have real spiritual significance.
The verse also uses Old Testament imagery, tying New Testament teachings to foundational truths from Israel’s history. This strengthens Paul’s argument by showing that the principle of worship through participation is not new—it has always been part of how God relates to His people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 7:11-15 – Describes how certain sacrifices were eaten as part of worship.
- Deuteronomy 12:17-18 – Shows that eating sacrificial food was a way of worshiping God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 – Paul explains that sacrifices to idols involve fellowship with demons.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Describes the Lord’s Supper as participation in Christ’s body and blood.
- Romans 12:1 – Calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, which is true worship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that worship is not just about what they say or believe—it’s about what they do. True worship involves the heart, but it also involves participation in things that honor God.
It also serves as a warning about compromise. Just as the Corinthians were tempted to blend in with the culture around them, Christians today face similar challenges. Whether it’s entertainment, relationships, or social activities, believers need to be mindful of whether their participation aligns with their faith.
At the same time, this verse encourages Christians to be fully engaged in true worship. Just as Israel participated in sacrifices, believers today are called to fully commit themselves to God—whether in prayer, communion, service, or daily obedience.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the way He calls His people to Himself. He doesn’t want them to be half-hearted or divided in their loyalties. He desires that His people worship Him in truth because He knows that only He can provide real life, peace, and joy.
This verse also points to the loving way God has provided a means of participation in Him. In the Old Testament, people participated in sacrifices, but now, through Jesus, believers can directly fellowship with God. His love invites them into a relationship that is more than rituals—it is personal and life-changing.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus in a powerful way. In the Old Testament, participation in sacrifices connected people to God. But in the New Testament, Jesus Himself became the ultimate sacrifice. Instead of offering repeated sacrifices at an altar, believers now participate in Christ’s sacrifice through faith.
Paul later explains this connection through the Lord’s Supper:
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – When Christians take Communion, they are participating in Jesus’ sacrifice, just as Israelites participated in their sacrifices through eating.
- John 6:53-56 – Jesus says that those who “eat His flesh and drink His blood” have eternal life. This is a deep way of saying that true participation in Him brings salvation.
- Hebrews 10:10-14 – Christ’s sacrifice replaces the old sacrificial system, making full participation with God possible.
Through Jesus, Christians don’t just observe worship from the outside—they are fully brought into God’s presence as His redeemed people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach about the connection between worship and participation?
- How does this verse challenge the way you think about your daily actions and associations?
- What are some modern-day examples where Christians might be tempted to “participate” in things that don’t honor God?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of Communion and what it represents?
- In what ways can you be more fully engaged in true worship and devotion to God?