What Does 1 Corinthians 10:15 Mean?

I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say—Paul appeals to Corinthian self-perception as phronimoi (φρόνιμοι, "wise/intelligent/sensible"). They prided themselves on wisdom and knowledge (1:18-25, 8:1). Rather than reject their self-assessment, Paul co-opts it: if you're truly wise, you'll recognize truth when you hear it. Judge ye (krinate hymeis, κρίνατε ὑμεῖς) invites them to evaluate his argument using their vaunted reasoning ability.

This rhetorical strategy is both respectful and challenging. Paul doesn't dictate mindless obedience but appeals to Spirit-illumined reason. True wisdom recognizes apostolic teaching as divine truth. The Corinthians claimed sophistication—Paul says, "Then be sophisticated enough to see that participation in idol-temple meals contradicts communion with Christ."

The invitation to judge what follows (vv. 16-22) implies Paul's argument is compelling to anyone reasoning rightly. He's not being arbitrary or authoritarian—the theology of the Lord's Supper makes temple-meal participation logically and spiritually impossible. If they're genuinely wise, they'll see this. If they don't, their supposed wisdom is revealed as folly.