ACC ~ 1 Corinthians 10 v13b

GOD ENABLES US TO BEAR TEMPTATION. ORIGEN: Many do not bear it but are conquered by temptation. What God gives us is not the certainty that we shall bear it but the possibility that we may be made able to bear it. ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 3.2.3.

ABILITY TO BEAR TEMPTATION COMES FROM GRACE. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul implies that there must be temptations which we cannot bear. What are these? Well, all of them in effect. For the ability to bear them comes from God’s grace, which we obtain by asking for it. God gives us patience and brings us speedy deliverance. In this way the temptation becomes bearable. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 24.1.

NOT BY STRENGTH OF FREE WILL. AUGUSTINE: Why is this written if we are now so endowed that by the strength of our free will we are able to overcome all temptations merely by bearing them? LETTER 179, TO BISHOP JOHN.

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST 1 CORINTHIANS 10:14-22

OVERVIEW: Paul’s argument now comes to a crucial turn (CHRYSOSTOM, SEVERIAN OF GABALA): We are to avoid any connection with idolatry (TERTULLIAN). People who are drawn to idolatry will expect something from it, and to trust in an idol is to turn away from God (AMBROSIASTER). Paul appealed to the Corinthians to judge for themselves, which indicates Paul is sure of his own case. In this passage we find one of the few places in Scripture where holy Communion is described. As we hold the cup of blessing in our hands we sing a hymn to God for having poured out this draft that we might be saved. We thereby do what lovers do—turn our eyes away from all others (CHRYSOSTOM). One who properly eats the body of Christ is incorporated in the unity of his body (AUGUSTINE), as partners of the living Christ (CHRYSOSTOM). Every soul is a house of bread (AMBROSE)—gathered, crushed, moistened and fired (AUGUSTINE). Many grains are made into one bread (CHRYSOSTOM). Anyone who eats at the table of demons revolts against the table of Christ. Though the demonic forces may work in pagan sacrifices (AMBROSIASTER), the food offered to idols has no power in itself to corrupt (THEODORET OF CYR). The uncleanness lies not in the food but in the distorted intentions of the sacrificers (CHRYSOSTOM). Good food is profaned when offered to idols (CYRIL OF JERUSALEM).

1 Cor