1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (ESV) – Summary and Key Points

In this passage, Paul addresses problems in the Corinthians' worship gatherings, focusing on the Lord's Supper. He rebukes their practices, explains the true meaning of the meal, and urges worthy participation. He also emphasizes humility, discernment, and self-examination before partaking.

Key points.

Rebuke of their gatherings (v.17):** Their meetings are not to celebrate the Lord’s supper; rather, they reveal divisions and inadequacies in love and unity.

Divisions at the Lord's Supper (vv.18-22):** When they come together, they show partiality and unequal treatment, especially toward the poor and marginalized.

Institution of the Lord’s Supper (vv.23-26):** Paul recounts Jesus’ words at the institution of the meal: take, eat, drink in remembrance of Christ’s body broken and blood shed for many.

Self-examination required (vv.27-29):** Partaking in an unworthy manner brings judgment; discern the body and worthy participation.

Consequences of unworthy participation (vv.29-32):** Experiencing weakness, sickness, or even death as divine judgment; the Lord disciplines believers to restore them.

Call to proper discernment and preparation (vv.33-34):** When gathered, wait for one another; prepare properly so everyone can partake in a fitting manner.

Scripture (ESV)

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (English Standard Version)

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, and I partly believe it.

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 only seek the church's presence?

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.

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.

28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.

31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.

32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—

34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About other things I will give directions when I come.