1 corinthians 11:20 - When therefore you assemble yourselves together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.
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What does "1 corinthians 11:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 11:20 is part of Paul's rebuke of the Corinthian church regarding their practices during the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or Eucharist). He's not saying they aren't technically eating bread and drinking wine, but rather that their behavior is so far removed from the intended spirit and purpose of the Lord's Supper that it doesn't actually qualify as the Lord's Supper.
Here's a breakdown of what Paul is likely criticizing:
Disunity and Selfishness: The context of the chapter (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) indicates that the Corinthian Christians were turning the communal meal associated with the Lord's Supper into a chaotic, self-serving affair.
Divisions: There were likely social divisions within the church, possibly based on wealth or status. Some were eating their meals before others arrived, or in separate groups.
Selfish Consumption: Those who arrived early, or were wealthier, were eating and drinking to excess, while others (likely poorer members) were left hungry and possibly humiliated.
Disrespect for the Poor: Those who didn't have much food to bring were likely being shamed or excluded. This violated the principle of equality and love that should characterize the Christian community.
Disregard for the Meaning of the Lord's Supper: The Lord's Supper is meant to be a time of remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice, a symbol of unity in Christ, and a proclamation of his death until he comes again. The Corinthians' behavior completely undermined these purposes. They were focusing on satisfying their own hunger and thirst, rather than on commemorating Christ's sacrifice and showing love for one another.
In essence, Paul is saying:
"When you come together and treat the Lord's Supper as an opportunity for individual indulgence and social division, you are completely missing the point. You're not truly partaking in the Lord's Supper as it was intended. Your actions are a mockery of the sacrifice of Christ and a betrayal of the unity you should share as believers."
Therefore, the verse is a strong condemnation of their unspiritual and divisive practices, urging them to examine their hearts and behaviors and to celebrate the Lord's Supper in a way that truly honors Christ and reflects Christian unity and love. He calls them to remember the meaning of the practice, to examine themselves before partaking, and to wait for one another so that everyone may participate.
1 corinthians 11:20 - When therefore you assemble yourselves together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.
What does "1 corinthians 11:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 11:20 is part of Paul's rebuke of the Corinthian church regarding their practices during the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or Eucharist). He's not saying they aren't technically eating bread and drinking wine, but rather that their behavior is so far removed from the intended spirit and purpose of the Lord's Supper that it doesn't actually qualify as the Lord's Supper.
Here's a breakdown of what Paul is likely criticizing:
Disunity and Selfishness: The context of the chapter (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) indicates that the Corinthian Christians were turning the communal meal associated with the Lord's Supper into a chaotic, self-serving affair.
Divisions: There were likely social divisions within the church, possibly based on wealth or status. Some were eating their meals before others arrived, or in separate groups.
Selfish Consumption: Those who arrived early, or were wealthier, were eating and drinking to excess, while others (likely poorer members) were left hungry and possibly humiliated.
Disrespect for the Poor: Those who didn't have much food to bring were likely being shamed or excluded. This violated the principle of equality and love that should characterize the Christian community.
Disregard for the Meaning of the Lord's Supper: The Lord's Supper is meant to be a time of remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice, a symbol of unity in Christ, and a proclamation of his death until he comes again. The Corinthians' behavior completely undermined these purposes. They were focusing on satisfying their own hunger and thirst, rather than on commemorating Christ's sacrifice and showing love for one another.
In essence, Paul is saying:
"When you come together and treat the Lord's Supper as an opportunity for individual indulgence and social division, you are completely missing the point. You're not truly partaking in the Lord's Supper as it was intended. Your actions are a mockery of the sacrifice of Christ and a betrayal of the unity you should share as believers."
Therefore, the verse is a strong condemnation of their unspiritual and divisive practices, urging them to examine their hearts and behaviors and to celebrate the Lord's Supper in a way that truly honors Christ and reflects Christian unity and love. He calls them to remember the meaning of the practice, to examine themselves before partaking, and to wait for one another so that everyone may participate.