1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Commentary
Introduction
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, the Apostle Paul addresses a serious issue within the Corinthian church. The church was engaging in the Lord's Supper in a manner that was dishonoring to the Lord. Paul corrects their behavior and provides guidelines for the proper observance of the Lord's Supper.
The Institution of the Lord's Supper (23-26)
"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.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" (23-25)
Paul reminds the Corinthian church that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus Himself on the night He was betrayed. Jesus took bread and wine, giving thanks and breaking the bread, symbolizing His body given for the benefit of His people. He then took the cup, representing the new covenant in His blood.
The Warning (27-32)
"So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of the Lord eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." (27-30)
Paul issues a stern warning to the Corinthian church: those who participate in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper, lest they eat and drink judgment upon themselves. This is why many among them were weak, sick, and even dying.
The Correction (33-34)
"So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, they should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not be to judgment. And when I come to you, I will give you further instructions." (33-34)
Paul corrects the Corinthian church's behavior, instructing them to wait for each other and to eat at home if they are hungry. This way, when they come together, it will not be to judgment. Paul promises to give them further instructions when he visits them.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, Paul addresses the Corinthian church's misbehavior regarding the Lord's Supper. He reminds them of the institution of the Lord's Supper, warns them of the importance of self-examination, and corrects their behavior. This passage serves as a reminder to all believers to approach the Lord's Supper with reverence, humility, and self-awareness.
