1 Corinthians 11:17-34 ESV: The Importance of Communion
The Problem of Divisions (17-22)
In 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, the apostle Paul addresses a problem that has arisen in the Corinthian church. The believers have been gathering to participate in the Lord's Supper, but they have been doing so in a way that is dishonoring to the Lord. Paul writes, "When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk" (v. 20-21). The Corinthians have turned the Lord's Supper into a time of gluttony and drunkenness, rather than a time of reverence and remembrance.
The Institution of the Lord's Supper (23-26)
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the true meaning and significance of the Lord's Supper. He writes, "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me'" (vv. 23-24). The Lord's Supper is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.
Examine Yourselves (27-34)
Paul warns the Corinthians that if they do not examine themselves before participating in the Lord's Supper, they will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. He writes, "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself" (vv. 27-29). Paul emphasizes the importance of self-examination and reverence in approaching the Lord's Supper.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Paul emphasizes the importance of approaching the Lord's Supper with reverence and self-examination. The Corinthians had turned the Lord's Supper into a time of gluttony and drunkenness, but Paul reminds them of the true meaning and significance of the ordinance. As believers, we must approach the Lord's Supper with a humble and reverent heart, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and examining ourselves to ensure that we are participating in a worthy manner.
