As we move into a direct study of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, it would seem prudent to identify what motivated this discussion. What problem existed in the church in Corinth? Why did Paul feel the need to give instructions on the Lord’s Supper?

Fortunately, Paul makes it pretty clear. At the beginning of the discussion he states the problem: “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.” (1 Corinthians 11:20-21) The problem was that the Corinthians were not waiting on one another. This division in the church probably reflected the social divisions that were present. The wealthy could come to the assembly at any time, while slaves were at the disposition of their masters. The richer members would arrive early and eat the food they had, leaving the poorer Christians to try and make do with the little food they could bring. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. [Someone asked how they could get drunk with those tiny communion cups!]

In case we have any doubts about the pertinence of this problem to the teaching that Paul gives, we can look at the final instructions he gives. “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” (1 Corinthians 11:33) Paul begins the discussion by saying that they weren’t waiting for one another. He ends the discussion by telling them to wait for one another. What was the problem? They weren’t waiting for one another.

So what, you say (or not, if you’re more polite than I). Well, here’s the problem: people tend to rip verses out of context from within this chapter without even considering how they relate to the problem at hand! Paul wasn’t writing just to write. He was writing to correct a problem. Everything said in these verses relates to this problem in some way. If our interpretations can’t fit into that context, they’re not right!

To my way of thinking, this setting helps us understand much of what is said here and helps us to see other parts in a new light. In tomorrow’s post, we will take a closer look at verses 17-22 of 1 Corinthians 11. Wait for it!