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Why does Paul cite Exodus 32:6?

Claim:

Paul cites Exodus 32:6 in this passage to the Corinthians. Why does he quote this passage?

Response:

The context for the Corinthian church was a brand new group of believers who had just recently met Christ. Almost immediately after meeting Christ, they were falling into idolatry and Paganism (v.14). Later, Paul mentions that God is physically disciplining Christian believers, because of this idolatry (1 Cor. 11:27). In the same way, in Exodus 32, the Jews had just recently met God. Immediately after meeting God in a personal relationship, they fell into idolatry, worshipping a Golden Calf. As a result, God struck down several thousand believers (v.8). Paul is noting the current Corinthian context, and he was drawing a very similar biblical parallel.

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.