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1 Corinthians 10:21 – which table?

29-07-2019 - Posted by Andre Piet

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot be partaking of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

With “you cannot” Paul does not mean that I would not be physically possible. On the contrary, Paul notices it because some readers did. They took part in the meal in the ecclesia and at the same time they took part in the meals in the temples for social reasons. But that is terribly inconsistent: you can’t do that!

When we come together as believers, we share “the table of the Lord”. The word “table” symbolizes unity and community. Around His table He provides us with spiritual food, His word. And our physical meals express that. Thus the wine refers to Christ who conquered death. And the bread that we eat speaks of the one Body that we form.

Well, how is it possible to participate in the “cup” and “table” of the Lord and the demons at the same time? Religion of humans, no matter how devout, is incompatible with what the Lord is sharing at his table.

Delen: