1 Corinthians 11:23-36: The Lord's Supper
In the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 23-36, the apostle Paul writes about the institution of the Lord's Supper. This passage is a crucial part of Christian theology, as it explains the significance of the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples before he was betrayed.
The Institution of the Lord's Supper
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 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 this passage, Paul recounts the events of the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, saying "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." This act symbolized the sacrifice he was about to make on the cross, where he would give his body for the salvation of humanity.
25 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.”
Jesus then took the cup, symbolizing the new covenant in his blood. This new covenant would be ratified by his death and resurrection, paving the way for humanity's salvation.
The Purpose of the Lord's Supper
26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The Lord's Supper is not just a memorial of Jesus' death, but also a proclamation of his sacrifice until he returns. As believers participate in the Lord's Supper, they are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for them and are called to proclaim his death until he comes again.
27 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. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of the Lord eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Paul emphasizes the importance of examining oneself before participating in the Lord's Supper. Those who participate in an unworthy manner, without recognizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, bring judgment upon themselves.
30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves accurately, we would not come under judgment. 32 But when we are judged in this life by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
Paul attributes the physical ailments and even death among the Corinthian believers to their failure to examine themselves before participating in the Lord's Supper. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination, so that believers may avoid judgment and instead receive discipline from the Lord.
33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 If anyone is hungry, they should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not be to judge one another. When I come, I will give you instructions about everything.
Paul concludes this passage by emphasizing the importance of unity and consideration among believers. He encourages them to wait for one another, ensuring that no one is left out or judged. He promises to provide further instructions when he visits them.
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Supper, reminding believers of Jesus' sacrifice and the importance of self-examination before participating in the Lord's Supper.
