1 Corinthians 11:17-26 is about the importance of unity and equality among believers during the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing the need to partake in a manner that honors and remembers Christ’s sacrifice, while also warning against division and selfishness within the community.
17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.
18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you.
19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.
21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.
22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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.”
25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Setting the Scene for 1 Corinthians 11:17-26
In 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding their behavior during the Lord’s Supper. The scene is set in a large gathering hall within the city of Corinth. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow over the faces of the attendees. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the faint scent of wine.
Around the table sit members of the Corinthian church, including both men and women from various backgrounds. They have come together to partake in the Lord’s Supper, a sacred ritual instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper. However, instead of coming together in unity and reverence, Paul admonishes them for their divisions and selfish behavior during this holy sacrament.
As Paul speaks, the room falls silent, and a sense of conviction settles over the congregation. He reminds them of the significance of the bread and wine, symbols of Christ’s body and blood given for their salvation. Through his words, Paul urges the Corinthians to examine their hearts, repent of their sins, and approach the table with humility and reverence, honoring the sacrifice of Christ on their behalf.
What is 1 Corinthians 11:17-26 about?
The apostle Paul is reminding the Corinthian church about the significance of the Lord’s Supper in this verse. He is instructing them on how to partake in this sacred meal that symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. The Lord’s Supper is a solemn and yet joyous occasion where believers come together to remember Christ’s love and sacrifice for them. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and unity as a community of faith.
When we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we are not only remembering what Christ has done for us in the past but also looking forward to His return in the future. It serves as a powerful reminder of our hope in Christ and the promise of His second coming. We proclaim our faith in Christ’s death, resurrection, and ultimate victory over sin and death as we partake in the bread and the cup. It is a time of anticipation and readiness for the glorious return of our Lord and Savior.
So, as you participate in the Lord’s Supper, remember the depth of Christ’s love for you, the significance of His sacrifice, and the hope of His return. Let this observance be a time of personal reflection, spiritual renewal, and a recommitment to live in light of Christ’s redemptive work. May this sacred meal strengthen your faith, unite you with fellow believers, and fill your heart with gratitude and hope.
Understanding what 1 Corinthians 11:17-26 really means
The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:17-26 carry a weighty message for the Corinthian church, addressing their conduct during the Lord’s Supper. In a context where division and selfishness were prevalent, Paul’s purpose was clear: to correct improper behavior and remind them of the profound significance of the Lord’s Supper. When he admonishes them, “When you come together, it is not for the better but for the worse,” he highlights the destructive nature of their actions, emphasizing the need for unity and selflessness in communal gatherings.
Jesus’ command, “Do this in remembrance of me,” echoes through the ages, underscoring the importance of remembering His sacrificial love. The act of taking communion becomes a tangible way for believers to reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the depth of His love for humanity. Additionally, the directive to “Proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” serves as a reminder of the hope believers have in Christ’s return, emphasizing the forward-looking nature of the Christian faith.
Drawing from related biblical passages such as Luke 22:19-20, Acts 2:42, and John 6:53-58, we see a consistent theme of communal fellowship, remembrance, and spiritual sustenance. These passages provide a foundation for understanding the significance of the Lord’s Supper and its role in the life of the early church. Today, the call for unity and community within the church remains as relevant as ever, serving as a beacon of hope in a world often marked by division and discord.
Participating in the Lord’s Supper offers believers a chance to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, renew their faith, and proclaim their allegiance to Christ. Just as a family meal can either breed conflict or foster unity, the Lord’s Supper serves as a symbol of the unity and love that believers are called to embody within the body of Christ. Personal stories of how communion has brought peace, unity, or renewed faith can serve as powerful illustrations of the transformative impact of this practice in the lives of believers.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 11:17-26 stands as a poignant reminder of the essential elements of unity, selflessness, and remembrance within the Christian faith. By partaking in the Lord’s Supper with a heart of reflection and proclamation, believers honor Christ’s sacrifice and contribute to the strengthening of the community of faith. As we look to the example set by the early church and the teachings of Paul, may we approach the Lord’s Supper with reverence, gratitude, and a deep sense of unity with our fellow believers.
Are we participating in the Lord’s Supper worthily?
The worthiness of our participation in the Lord’s Supper is closely tied to our understanding and attitude towards the significance of this observance. When we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes. This act is a solemn reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross, and it is a time for us to reflect on the new covenant that was established through His blood.
To participate in the Lord’s Supper worthily means to approach it with reverence, gratitude, and humility. We should examine ourselves and confess any sins or attitudes that may hinder our fellowship with God and with others. It is a time for self-reflection and repentance, as well as a celebration of the unity we have in Christ as members of His body. We acknowledge our dependence on Christ for salvation and our need for His ongoing work of sanctification in our lives by recognizing the significance of the bread and the cup.
Our participation in the Lord’s Supper should be characterized by faith and a deep appreciation for the grace and love that God has shown us through Christ. Let us remember the sacrifice and let it lead us to a deeper commitment to following and serving Him as we partake in this sacred meal. May our participation in the Lord’s Supper be a joyous and reverent occasion that strengthens our faith and renews our devotion to the Lord.
Application
As you read 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, think about the importance of approaching the Lord’s Supper with reverence and unity. Picture it as a family dinner, where each member should come with a humble and grateful heart for the sacrifices made. Use this moment to check your own heart and prepare to take part with the right mindset. Let the scripture remind you to focus on love and harmony within the body of Christ as you remember His sacrifice. Will you commit to approaching communion with a heart centered on Christ and a spirit of unity with fellow believers?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.