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1 Corinthians 10:17
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we, being many, are one bread - The original would be better translated thus: Because there is one bread, or loaf; we, who are many, are one body. As only one loaf was used at the passover, and those who partook of it were considered to be one religious body; so we who partake of the eucharistical bread and wine, in commemoration of the sacrificial death of Christ, are one spiritual society, because we are all made partakers of that one Christ whose blood was shed for us to make an atonement for our sins; as the blood of the paschal lamb was shed and sprinkled in reference to this of which it was the type.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one bread--rather, "loaf." One loaf alone seems to have been used in each celebration. and one body--Omit "and"; "one loaf [that is], one body." "We, the many (namely, believers assembled; so the Greek), are one bread (by our partaking of the same loaf, which becomes assimilated to the substance of all our bodies; and so we become), one body" (with Christ, and so with one another). we . . . all--Greek, "the whole of us."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we being many, are one bread and one body,.... The several members of the church of Christ; particular believers are indeed many, considered in themselves, in their own persons; yet by virtue of their union to Christ, which is manifested by their communion with him, they are one bread with him, the bread of life, and one body with his, signified by the bread; they are of one and the same mass and lump, they are incorporated together, they are flesh of his flesh, and one spirit with him: or they are one bread and body among themselves; as bread consists of many grains of corn which have been ground and kneaded together, and make up one loaf; and as the members of an human body are many, and make up one body; so believers, though they are many, yet are one body, of which Christ is the head; one in union with him and one another, and one in their communion together at the Lord's table; and so the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "as therefore the bread is one, so we all are one body"; having communion with Christ and one another: for we are all partakers of that one bread; in the supper, which is all of the same nature and kind, and is a symbol of the body of Christ, and our fellowship with him and each other. The application designed is this, that as believers, by partaking of the same bread, appear to be the same body, and of the same mass and lump with one another; so such as eat things sacrificed unto idols, appear to be of the same mass and lump with Heathen idolaters: Dr. Lightfoot has very pertinently produced some passages out of Maimonides, concerning mixing, associating, or communion of neighbours in courts on sabbath eves, that so they may enter into each other's houses on the sabbath day, for the illustration of this passage; of which mixing the Jews have a whole treatise in their Misna and Talmud, which they call Erubin; and of which they say (h). "but how is this mixture or association? it is thus, they mix together, , "in one food", which they prepare on the eve of the sabbath; and it is as if they should say, for we are all mixed together, and have all one food; nor does anyone of us divide the right from his neighbour--they do not mix in courts, but "with a whole loaf" only; though the mass or lump baked may be the quantity of a "seah", yet if it is broken, they do not associate with it; but if it is whole, though it be but the value of a farthing, they mix with it--how do they mix or associate together in the courts? they collect , "one whole cake", out of every house, and put all in one vessel, in one of the houses of the court--and the whole association being gathered together, blesses the Lord--and eats:'' upon which the above learned writer observes, that if it were customary among the Israelites, to join together in one political or economical body, by the eating of many loaves collected from this, and that, and the other man; we are much more associated together into one body, by eating one and the same bread, appointed us by our Saviour. (h) Maimon. Hilch. Erubin, c. 1. sect. 6, 8, 16.
1 Corinthians 10:17
Flee from Idolatry
16Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?17Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.
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5 - Philadelphians
By Ignatius of Antioch47809:48Audio Books1CO 1:101CO 10:171CO 11:11CO 11:181CO 11:25EPH 4:3EPH 5:1The sermon transcripts highlight the importance of unity and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The bishop is praised for his virtuous and calm temperament, which is seen as a reflection of his love for God and Jesus Christ. The transcripts emphasize the need to avoid division and false doctrines, and to follow the shepherd, who represents the unity of the church. The importance of the Eucharist is also emphasized as a symbol of unity and communion with Jesus Christ.
We ..... Being Many ..... One Bread
By G.W. North0CommunionUnity in ChristMAT 26:26MRK 14:22LUK 22:19JHN 6:51ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 10:171CO 11:24EPH 4:4COL 1:18G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the breaking of bread as a representation of Christ's body, which He broke for humanity. He highlights that Jesus instructed His disciples to remember Him through this act, and Paul further elaborates that as many individuals partake in this communion, they become one body in Christ. This unity in the act of communion symbolizes the sacrificial nature of their faith, reminding believers that they are called to embody Christ's love and sacrifice in their lives. The sermon underscores the importance of community and shared faith in the practice of communion, reflecting on how believers can perpetuate Christ's sacrifice through their actions.
Such as Set Their Hearts to Seek the Lord God
By F.B. Meyer0Unity in ChristSeeking God2CH 11:16PSA 105:3MAT 18:20JHN 4:24ROM 12:51CO 10:17EPH 4:3PHP 2:2COL 3:14HEB 10:24F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of setting our hearts to seek the Lord God, as demonstrated by the tribes of Israel who, despite territorial divisions and opposition from their king, journeyed to Jerusalem to worship. This act symbolizes the unity of the Church of Christ, transcending barriers of nationality and social status, as believers come together in prayer and communion. Meyer encourages us to prioritize our spiritual pursuits over worldly challenges, asserting that a determined heart can overcome any opposition in our quest for God.
Gatherings of Assembly Character
By H.J. Vine0MAT 16:18MAT 18:201CO 1:91CO 3:111CO 10:17EPH 2:21EPH 4:16HEB 10:25HEB 13:15REV 22:16H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of maintaining gatherings of an assembly character, emphasizing the dangers of being carried to extremes during seasons of revival and the need to stay grounded in the faith. He highlights the significance of understanding the present truth of Christ and the assembly, and the ongoing construction of the assembly as the bride of Christ. Vine stresses the value of these gatherings for both believers and God, as they lead to spiritual growth, edification, and preparation for the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
The Lampstand—the Corporate Testimony of Jesus Christ (Pt. 4)
By Allan Halton0JHN 17:261CO 1:41CO 10:171CO 14:26REV 1:20Allan Halton preaches about the powerful testimony of Jesus Christ that individuals like John on Patmos and the church in Corinth experienced. God's desire is for this testimony to be revealed in the church, where every member shines forth this pure testimony together as one Man. The Corinthian church had the testimony of Christ confirmed in their midst, with the manifestation of the Spirit and diverse spiritual gifts. The emphasis is on the need for a corporate testimony where every member is vitally involved in shining forth the light of Christ, leading to unity and the glory of the Lord's Name.
Truth Revived in Late Years
By J.B. Stoney0NEH 6:2PSA 133:1JHN 14:26JHN 15:26JHN 17:211CO 10:171CO 12:13GAL 5:16EPH 4:3J.B. Stoney preaches about the revival of important truths in the church, including the doctrines of the Holy Spirit's presence on earth and the unity of saints as the body of Christ. He highlights the opposition faced by these truths and the necessity for believers to accept and maintain them to experience the fullness of God's grace and be effective witnesses for Christ. Stoney emphasizes the significance of the indwelling Holy Spirit for individual assurance and the unity of believers, challenging the church to uphold these truths despite opposition and ignorance.
As the Rain and as the Snow
By George Warnock0PSA 1:3ECC 3:1ISA 55:9JHN 6:35ROM 8:28ROM 12:21CO 10:17George Warnock preaches about the journey of understanding Truth through walking in God's Way, emphasizing the need for our minds to be renewed to appreciate His higher ways and thoughts. He discusses the importance of ministering the Truth faithfully, comparing it to rain and snow that water the earth and bring forth life at the right season. Warnock reflects on the concept of predestination and the intricate pattern of God's plan for our lives, urging believers to trust in God's timing and process for their growth and fruitfulness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we, being many, are one bread - The original would be better translated thus: Because there is one bread, or loaf; we, who are many, are one body. As only one loaf was used at the passover, and those who partook of it were considered to be one religious body; so we who partake of the eucharistical bread and wine, in commemoration of the sacrificial death of Christ, are one spiritual society, because we are all made partakers of that one Christ whose blood was shed for us to make an atonement for our sins; as the blood of the paschal lamb was shed and sprinkled in reference to this of which it was the type.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one bread--rather, "loaf." One loaf alone seems to have been used in each celebration. and one body--Omit "and"; "one loaf [that is], one body." "We, the many (namely, believers assembled; so the Greek), are one bread (by our partaking of the same loaf, which becomes assimilated to the substance of all our bodies; and so we become), one body" (with Christ, and so with one another). we . . . all--Greek, "the whole of us."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we being many, are one bread and one body,.... The several members of the church of Christ; particular believers are indeed many, considered in themselves, in their own persons; yet by virtue of their union to Christ, which is manifested by their communion with him, they are one bread with him, the bread of life, and one body with his, signified by the bread; they are of one and the same mass and lump, they are incorporated together, they are flesh of his flesh, and one spirit with him: or they are one bread and body among themselves; as bread consists of many grains of corn which have been ground and kneaded together, and make up one loaf; and as the members of an human body are many, and make up one body; so believers, though they are many, yet are one body, of which Christ is the head; one in union with him and one another, and one in their communion together at the Lord's table; and so the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "as therefore the bread is one, so we all are one body"; having communion with Christ and one another: for we are all partakers of that one bread; in the supper, which is all of the same nature and kind, and is a symbol of the body of Christ, and our fellowship with him and each other. The application designed is this, that as believers, by partaking of the same bread, appear to be the same body, and of the same mass and lump with one another; so such as eat things sacrificed unto idols, appear to be of the same mass and lump with Heathen idolaters: Dr. Lightfoot has very pertinently produced some passages out of Maimonides, concerning mixing, associating, or communion of neighbours in courts on sabbath eves, that so they may enter into each other's houses on the sabbath day, for the illustration of this passage; of which mixing the Jews have a whole treatise in their Misna and Talmud, which they call Erubin; and of which they say (h). "but how is this mixture or association? it is thus, they mix together, , "in one food", which they prepare on the eve of the sabbath; and it is as if they should say, for we are all mixed together, and have all one food; nor does anyone of us divide the right from his neighbour--they do not mix in courts, but "with a whole loaf" only; though the mass or lump baked may be the quantity of a "seah", yet if it is broken, they do not associate with it; but if it is whole, though it be but the value of a farthing, they mix with it--how do they mix or associate together in the courts? they collect , "one whole cake", out of every house, and put all in one vessel, in one of the houses of the court--and the whole association being gathered together, blesses the Lord--and eats:'' upon which the above learned writer observes, that if it were customary among the Israelites, to join together in one political or economical body, by the eating of many loaves collected from this, and that, and the other man; we are much more associated together into one body, by eating one and the same bread, appointed us by our Saviour. (h) Maimon. Hilch. Erubin, c. 1. sect. 6, 8, 16.