Understanding 1 Corinthians 11:20
Verse: "When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat."
This verse comes from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthians, addressing significant issues regarding the conduct of the church, particularly during communal meals and the Lord's Supper.
Contextual Analysis
To grasp the meaning of this verse, it is essential to consider its context within 1 Corinthians 11. Paul is responding to reports of divisions and disorders among believers during their gatherings, particularly regarding their observance of the Lord's Supper.
Historical Context
During the time of Paul, early Christians would often gather to share a common meal, which included the Lord's Supper. This meal was meant to manifest unity and fellowship among believers, marking remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. However, the Corinthians had distorted this practice into a source of division, rather than unity.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry emphasizes that the Lord's Supper was intended to promote the communion of the saints. He critiques the Corinthians for their selfishness and for treating the sacred ordinance with contempt, noting that their gatherings had turned into occasions for excess rather than solemn remembrance.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes points out that this statement of Paul is one of strong reprimand. He highlights that what the Corinthians were partaking in could not be considered the true Lord's Supper because their conduct was contrary to its foundational principles of love and unity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke discusses the concept of the "Lord's Supper" as a significant sacrament meant to celebrate Christ's death. He suggests that the behavior of the Corinthians—prioritizing their interests and indulging in gluttony—defeated the purpose of this spiritual meal, thus indicating that they were not observing it in a manner consistent with its intended sacredness.
Key Themes and Applications
- Unity vs. Division: The passage underscores the necessity of unity among believers during communal worship.
- Reverence for the Sacraments: It emphasizes the importance of approaching the Lord's Supper with reverence, reflecting on its significance rather than treating it as a mere meal.
- Self-Examination: Believers are called to examine their attitudes and behaviors during communal gatherings, ensuring they align with the spirit of love and sacrifice that the practice entails.
Cross References
- Luke 22:19-20: Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16-17: The communal aspect of participating in the body and blood of Christ.
- John 13:34-35: The commandment to love one another as a principle of Christian fellowship.
- Acts 2:42: The early church's devotion to fellowship and the breaking of bread.
- Galatians 5:13-15: The warning against using freedom for selfishness, pertinent to the Corinthian issues.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 11:20 serves as a critical reminder of the theological and communal significance of the Lord's Supper within the Christian faith. Understanding Scripture in this way not only deepens our Bible verse meanings but also influences how we engage with one another in the context of worship. The careful analysis of Paul’s admonition encourages believers to pursue unity and reverence, embodying the true spirit of the sacrament.
In a broader Bible study context, this verse invites groups and individuals to explore the historical context and applications of the Lord's Supper through various Bible study tools and Bible study resources, ensuring a rich engagement with Scripture that enhances our Bible verse interpretations and fosters growth in faith.
