1 Corinthians – Chapter 10

New Testament33 Verses

1For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud: and all passed through the sea.

2And all in Moses were baptized, in the cloud and in the sea:

3And did all eat the same spiritual food:

4And all drank the same spiritual drink: (And they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ.)

5But with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the desert.

6Now these things were done in a figure of us, that we should not covet evil things, as they also coveted.

7Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them, as it is written: The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.

8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them that committed fornication: and there fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and perished by the serpent.

10Neither do you murmur, as some of them murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer.

11Now all these things happened to them in figure: and they are written for our correction, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12Wherefore, he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall.

13Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.

14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, fly from the service of idols.

15I speak as to wise men: judge ye yourselves what I say.

16The chalice of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? And the bread which we break, is it not the partaking of the body of the Lord?

17For we, being many, are one bread, one body: all that partake of one bread.

18Behold Israel according to the flesh. Are not they that eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19What then? Do I say that what is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? Or that the idol is any thing?

20But the things which the heathens sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God. And I would not that you should be made partakers with devils.

21You cannot drink the chalice of the Lord and the chalice of devils: you cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord and of the table of devils.

22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me: but all things are not expedient.

23All things are lawful for me: but all things do not edify.

24Let no man seek his own, but that which is another's.

25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat: asking no question for conscience' sake.

26The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof.

27If any of them that believe not, invite you, and you be willing to go: eat of any thing that is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake.

28But if any man say: This has been sacrificed to idols: do not eat of it, for his sake that told it and for conscience' sake.

29Conscience I say, not thy own, but the other's. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?

30If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

31Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God.

32Be without offence to the Jew, and to the Gentiles and to the church of God:

33As I also in all things please all men, not seeking that which is profitable to myself but to many: that they may be saved.

Reflection for Today

As you read 1 Corinthians Chapter 10, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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