This verse is the beginning of Paul's instruction on the proper observance of the Lord's Supper (Communion) in the Corinthian church. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"For I received from the Lord...": This highlights the authority of Paul's teaching. He's not just sharing his own opinion, but conveying something he directly received from the Lord Jesus. While some debate how Paul received this information (whether through direct revelation or from early Christian tradition passed down), the key point is that he presents it as having divine origin.
"...that which also I delivered to you...": This emphasizes that Paul had already taught the Corinthians about the Lord's Supper during his initial ministry there. He's not introducing something new, but reminding them of something they already know but seem to have misunderstood or mishandled.
"...that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread...": This is the core of the instruction, and it initiates the narrative of the Last Supper. It establishes the historical context: the night Jesus was betrayed. The act of taking bread is the first step in Jesus instituting the ritual of communion.
In essence, the verse means:
"I am reminding you of what I already taught you, which came from the Lord Himself: that on the night Jesus was betrayed, He took bread..."
Why is this important?
Establishes Authority: Paul establishes his authority by claiming a direct link to the Lord's instruction. This is crucial for correcting the Corinthians' improper practices.
Highlights Historical Context: It anchors the Lord's Supper in the specific event of Jesus's betrayal, connecting the ritual to the suffering and sacrifice of Christ.
Introduces the Narrative: This verse serves as the opening line to the story of the Last Supper, which will then be elaborated on with the actions and words of Jesus regarding the bread and the cup.
Corrects Abuses: The Corinthians were engaging in practices that were disrespectful and divisive during their communal meals that included the Lord's Supper. Paul's intention is to remind them of the true meaning and purpose of the Lord's Supper to correct these abuses and foster unity.
In short, 1 Corinthians 11:23 is the foundational statement that introduces Paul's instruction on the Lord's Supper, emphasizing its divine origin, historical grounding, and importance for Christian practice and unity.
This verse is the beginning of Paul's instruction on the proper observance of the Lord's Supper (Communion) in the Corinthian church. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"For I received from the Lord...": This highlights the authority of Paul's teaching. He's not just sharing his own opinion, but conveying something he directly received from the Lord Jesus. While some debate how Paul received this information (whether through direct revelation or from early Christian tradition passed down), the key point is that he presents it as having divine origin.
"...that which also I delivered to you...": This emphasizes that Paul had already taught the Corinthians about the Lord's Supper during his initial ministry there. He's not introducing something new, but reminding them of something they already know but seem to have misunderstood or mishandled.
"...that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread...": This is the core of the instruction, and it initiates the narrative of the Last Supper. It establishes the historical context: the night Jesus was betrayed. The act of taking bread is the first step in Jesus instituting the ritual of communion.
In essence, the verse means:
"I am reminding you of what I already taught you, which came from the Lord Himself: that on the night Jesus was betrayed, He took bread..."
Why is this important?
Establishes Authority: Paul establishes his authority by claiming a direct link to the Lord's instruction. This is crucial for correcting the Corinthians' improper practices.
Highlights Historical Context: It anchors the Lord's Supper in the specific event of Jesus's betrayal, connecting the ritual to the suffering and sacrifice of Christ.
Introduces the Narrative: This verse serves as the opening line to the story of the Last Supper, which will then be elaborated on with the actions and words of Jesus regarding the bread and the cup.
Corrects Abuses: The Corinthians were engaging in practices that were disrespectful and divisive during their communal meals that included the Lord's Supper. Paul's intention is to remind them of the true meaning and purpose of the Lord's Supper to correct these abuses and foster unity.
In short, 1 Corinthians 11:23 is the foundational statement that introduces Paul's instruction on the Lord's Supper, emphasizing its divine origin, historical grounding, and importance for Christian practice and unity.
