ACC ~ 1 Corinthians 10 v5

UNWORTHY RECIPIENTS OF THE FREE GIFT. ORIGEN: Paul wants to remind us that we are not saved merely because we happen to have been the recipients of God’s free grace. We have to demonstrate that we are willing recipients of that free gift. The children of Israel received it, but they proved to be unworthy of it, and so they were not saved. COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 4.45.2-5.

OVERTHROWN IN THE WILDERNESS. CHRYSOSTOM: The Israelites were not in the land of promise when God did these things to them. Thus it was that he visited them with a double vengeance, because he did not allow them to see the land which had been promised to them, and he punished them severely as well. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 23.4.

LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE 1 CORINTHIANS 10:6-13

OVERVIEW: Baptism and holy Communion were prefigured in ancient prophecy (CHRYSOSTOM). Christians can learn from Israel’s experience in the desert. We are being warned and chastised (ORIGEN, AMBROSIASTER) through our gluttony, idolatry, fornication (CHRYSOSTOM) and immorality (PELAGIUS). We are called to endure the suffering that leads to the crown (CHRYSOSTOM), not to grumble over receiving lesser gifts (THEODORET OF CYR) as did Judas (AMBROSIASTER). Beware. The penalties that come in the last day will not have a time limit but will be eternal (CHRYSOSTOM). Do not be proud of your standing, but pay attention so that you will not fall (CHRYSOSTOM, AMBROSIASTER). Providence permits temptations to strengthen the will (SEVERIAN OF GABALA). The ability to bear temptations comes by grace (CHRYSOSTOM, AUGUSTINE). In temptation God gives us not the certainty that we shall bear it but the gift that we shall be made able to bear it (ORIGEN).

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