My earlier post concluded that 1 Corinthians 10:23-31 ultimately encourages those with a deeper understanding of God to forgo certain freedoms in specific situations. This sacrifice isn’t primarily for the benefit of another person’s conscience, however, but to promote harmony, prevent discord, and avoid unnecessary conflicts among God’s people.
Thus, Paul’s focus isn’t on protecting someone’s “weak conscience” to prevent them from sinning; instead, he appears to highlight how varying levels of understanding can lead to church division—a key issue he confronts with the Corinthians throughout this letter.
This explains his detailed instructions: not to exalt one messenger’s teachings above another’s (1 Cor. 1:10-13), to stay within the bounds of what is written (1 Cor. 4:6), and to avoid arrogance if one possesses a more profound understanding of God’s truths than others (1 Cor. 8:1; 10:23-31). These areas could all be sources of conflict that lead to separations.
The church, being unified under God and Christ, should not be divided over trivial matters. Consequently, the message of the letter thus far, clearly underscores the necessity of unity and agreement within the church community, and the need to actively pursue the betterment of others and God’s kingdom rather than solely focusing on one’s own satisfaction or benefit.
This post will further our examination of 1 Corinthians, setting the stage for an in-depth look at 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, a passage frequently referenced in discussions about ‘male headship.’ We will now turn our attention to 1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1.
1 Corinthians 10:32
In 1 Corinthians 10:32, we continue Paul’s discussion from the previous section (verses 10:23-31). Verse 32 serves as the conclusion to his thought on self-denial for the sake of peace. In the NIV, verse 32 reads as follows:
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—
Who is Paul talking to and what is he talking about? It should first be noted that he is not commanding a specific action such as “do not cause anyone to stumble,” but rather he is guiding the Corinthians on how to conduct their lives, essentially urging them to embody a particular character. As I mentioned in my previous post, Young’s Literal Translation translates the verse most faithfully as:
become offenceless, both to Jews and Greeks, and to the assembly of God; —1 Corinthians 10:32 YLT
It is also important to note that the Greek word translated as ‘stumble’ elsewhere in Scripture is distinct from the word used here. While traditionally translated as “Do not give offense” or “Do not cause anyone to stumble,” often interpreted as “do not hurt anyone’s feelings or cause others to sin,” the Greek words aproskopoi ginesthe (απροσκοποι γινεσθε) in verse 32, likely suggest a different meaning.
My previous post provides a more detailed examination of the term aproskopos. To summarize, aproskopoi ginesthe is a general, non-religious phrase that translates directly to “Become non-striking against…”
This likely instructs believers to refrain from conducting themselves in a manner that is grudge-bearing, vengeful, or combative toward others, whether in word or action, in particular, when it comes to the potential areas of conflict outlined above. Within a Christian framework, this kind of conduct can severely damage and split the church.
We should also acknowledge that within themselves, the words aproskopoi ginesthe do not refer to sin. The reference to sin as well as renderings such as, “Do not cause anyone to stumble” are not direct translations but rather elaborate interpretations of the original text.
While these interpretations are well-considered, we’ll maintain simplicity here and adhere to the literal wording, which appears to be the most logical and understandable approach.
So, with this understanding of aproskopos, as “non-striking against,” and aproskopoi ginesthe as “become non-striking against,” we can proceed to define it in verse 32. Then, we can better understand the verse’s overall meaning and consider how it relates to subsequent passages.
A Plausible Meaning of 1 Corinthians 10:32
In 1 Corinthians 10:32, Paul instructs the believers to become non-striking-against—to be non-confrontational, non-combative, and non-contentious in their communication and actions when engaging with Jews, Greeks (Gentiles), and the broader assembly of God as, inevitably, disagreements would result from differences in customs, beliefs, and understandings among these groups and individuals.
Ultimately, Paul’s message is for them to be unified in mind and spirit concerning the truth. Elsewhere, however, there is freedom. Nevertheless, they are to refrain from contention or strife with each other arising from disagreements about traditions, personal beliefs, or cultural practices that do not contradict God’s teachings.
Even when such contradictions exist, issues should be resolved civilly and without aggression, as the opposite approach can certainly cause friction, hindering the peaceful dialogue necessary for knowledge, truth, and correction.
In the church today, there are numerous individuals whose actions can be described as ‘striking against’ their own community. They create division and spread negativity over trivial matters, such as what people wear or the songs chosen for worship.
The digital age has likely emboldened this behavior, allowing those who would normally avoid direct confrontation to voice their foolish and unkind opinions online for everyone to see at an unprecedented rate.
I admit to having acted this way in the past. Unfortunately, I’m not immune to ignorance. But thankfully, we learn and grow, and if we’re truly seeking understanding, God opens our eyes to view the light of truth beyond the walls of our church traditions. Once we know better, we should do better and encourage our peers to do the same.
Ultimately, this sort of divisive conduct, rooted in ego and personal preference, is entirely pointless and does not belong in the church of God. Oftentimes, this negative behavior seems to just leave the other person—the one who may be sincere but less knowledgeable—feeling ashamed or distant.
As a result, they may move further away from God’s people, his teachings, and finally maybe the Lord himself, preventing them from being saved, or rather from being “preserved” or “kept” within the assembly of God. (This doesn’t directly pertain to eternal salvation but to one remaining within the actual community of believers–consider the context!)
A person who approaches others in a “striking-against” manner would be responsible for such consequences. In essence, a “strike against” (proskopto) would likely cause “damage” or “separation” (proskomma) within the assembly of God. For this reason, Paul encourages them to be “non-striking-against” (aproskopos) to avoid inflicting harm or creating divisions within the church. This action aims to preserve (“save”) people within the assembly, preventing their ostracization or voluntary departure (v. 33).
So, as It appears, there isn’t a complex spiritual meaning here tied to sin, causing sin, or securing eternal salvation; instead, these are practical instructions on fostering peaceful relationships and living together, reflecting their communal lifestyle which differs from contemporary church models.
To be clear, Paul isn’t suggesting a complete absence of disagreements, as they are bound to happen. Instead, he advises against hostile actions such as in his warning to the Galatians.
If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. —Gal. 5:15 NIV
In order to prevent damage and either physical or spiritual splits within the church, they must address differences maturely, in a respectful manner, and from a place of love. This stance embodies a form of self-sacrifice, effectively putting into practice the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Lev. 19:18; Mark 12:30-31).
This overarching theme extends into the next portion of the letter, starting with NIV verse 33, and continuing into the following chapter.
1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1
The following is the NIV version of 1 Corinthians 10:33 through 1 Corinthians 11:1.
33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
The NIV version (and other translations) displays verse 33 as the end of the thought that begins at verse 32. However, it seems more likely that verse 33 begins a new thought which is completed by verse 1 of the next chapter. Below is my most literal translation of this section followed by a brief interpretation.
Just as I reconcile (aresko αρεσκω) all in all, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of many so that they might be preserved—become my imitators, all of you, just as also I (am an imitator) of Christ.
Here’s where I depart from the NIV translation. First, the passage doesn’t mention anyone ‘trying’ to do anything. Second, I find the translation with the word ‘please’ inappropriate. Scripture never instructs us to attempt to please—that is, to provide pleasure or satisfaction—to everyone in every manner. Yet this is the impression many English Bibles give through this common translation. Paul definitely didn’t try to please everyone; his position on this is evident in Galatians 1:10:
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. (Gal. 1:10 NKJV)
Paul’s focus was on pleasing God, which should also be our objective. So, what exactly could he be communicating here?
Consistent with the letter’s central idea, I think he intends to say that regarding disagreements and clashing interests, just as Paul assesses everything—the complete picture with an emphasis on what benefits the many rather than himself, the Corinthians ought to mimic his behavior.
Simply put, put self aside and consider everything and everyone to determine which course of action is most vital to building and strengthening God’s church. Putting this into practice could avoid unnecessary disputes. Additionally, it could restore peace and unity amidst strife, allowing others to be saved or ‘retained’ within the community.
Paul’s life was characterized by self-sacrifice and a commitment to aligning his actions with God’s teachings—the very doctrines he suffered to spread throughout every church (1 Cor. 4:17; 2 Cor. 11:25). He prioritized the welfare of others over his own personal gain and security, aiming for the spiritual healing and preservation of many within God’s assembly (Rom. 11:14; 1 Cor. 9:22).
In doing so, he mirrored Christ’s example, who gave up his life to reconcile humanity with God. Scripture explains that while we were without strength—in our sinful, sickly state—Christ died for us, the ungodly (Rom. 5:6).
Jesus’s sacrifice involved one person giving his life for the benefit of many, to restore harmony between God and humankind. Paul imitated Jesus’ sacrifice in his own life and interactions, and now advises the Corinthians to do likewise in their dealings with one another. And so, my final rendering of 1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1 is as follows:
Become non-striking-against both toward Jews and Greeks and the assembly of God.
Just as I reconcile all in all, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of many so that they might be preserved—become my imitators, all of you, just as also I, (am an imitator) of Christ.
And this concludes this particular section as Paul begins a new thought beginning with 1 Corinthians 11:2, which we’ll explore in the next post.
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