1 Corinthians 11:26 Commentary
Introduction
In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul writes, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." This verse is part of a larger passage (11:23-34) where Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's abuse of the Lord's Supper. In this commentary, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this verse.
Context
The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions, immorality, and a general disregard for the sacred nature of the Lord's Supper. Paul had received reports that when the believers gathered to celebrate the Lord's Supper, some were eating and drinking without waiting for others, while others were going hungry. This behavior was not only hurtful to those who were marginalized but also showed a blatant disregard for the sacred nature of the supper.
The Verse Explained
In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul emphasizes the true significance of the Lord's Supper. The phrase "as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup" refers to the regular celebration of the Lord's Supper, which was a common practice in the early Christian communities.
The phrase "you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" is a powerful declaration of the gospel. When believers gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper, they are proclaiming the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, where he died for the sins of humanity. This proclamation is not limited to the past event of the crucifixion but looks forward to the future, "until he comes."
The phrase "until he comes" is a reference to the Second Coming of Christ, when he will return to judge the living and the dead. This adds an eschatological dimension to the Lord's Supper, highlighting the connection between the sacrifice of Christ and his future return.
Theological Significance
This verse emphasizes the importance of the Lord's Supper as a means of proclaiming the gospel. The celebration of the Lord's Supper is not just a ritual or a tradition, but a powerful declaration of the sacrifice of Christ and a reminder of his promise to return.
Furthermore, this verse highlights the connection between the cross and the resurrection. The Lord's Supper is a celebration of the finished work of Christ on the cross, and at the same time, it looks forward to the future hope of his return.
Application
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 11:26 serves as a reminder of the significance of the Lord's Supper. When we gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper, we are not just participating in a ritual, but we are proclaiming the gospel to ourselves and to the world.
As we take the bread and the cup, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and his promise to return. This should fill us with gratitude, humility, and a sense of anticipation for the future.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 11:26 is a powerful reminder of the significance of the Lord's Supper. As believers, we must approach the Lord's Supper with reverence and gratitude, remembering the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and looking forward to his return.
