For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Ver. 30. Many are weak] The mortality at Corinth began at God's house, and that for unworthy communicating. God will be sanctified of all that draw near to him. He loves to be acquainted with men in the walks of their obedience, and yet he takes state upon him in his ordinances, and will be served like himself, or we shall hear from him. What manner of men therefore ought we to be that come so near to God in this holy ordinance? Nadab and Abihu can tell you that the flames of jealousy are hottest about the altar. Uzzah and the Bethshemites, though dead, do yet tell you that justice as well as mercy is most active about the ark. Judgment begins at God's own house, 1 Peter 4:17; and the destroying angel begins at the sanctuary, Ezekiel 9:6 .