And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation—Final instruction. Εἴ τις πεινᾷ (if anyone is hungry)—if your primary purpose is satisfying physical hunger, eat at home. The church gathering isn't for gluttony but worship. This distinguishes agape feast (fellowship meal) from the Lord's Supper proper (sacramental meal). Over time, the church separated these—communion became distinct from common meals.
That ye come not together unto condemnation (ἵνα μὴ εἰς κρίμα συνέρχησθε)—the stakes are high. Church assemblies should edify, not incur judgment (v. 17: 'not for the better, but for the worse'). Paul's concern is pastoral: he wants the Corinthians' gatherings to bless, not curse them. And the rest will I set in order when I come (τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ ὡς ἂν ἔλθω διατάξομαι)—other issues await Paul's visit, but these needed immediate written correction. This hints at ongoing problems in Corinth (see 2 Corinthians) and Paul's apostolic authority to set church order.
Historical Context
The early church's agape feast combined fellowship meal with Eucharist. By the second century, they were separated—communion became liturgical, while communal meals continued separately. Paul's instruction here may have prompted this development. The distinction protected the Table's sacredness while maintaining Christian fellowship meals. Ignatius, Pliny's letter to Trajan, and Justin Martyr's writings show this evolution. Paul's teaching shaped Christian worship: the Table is sacred, not casual, and church gatherings are for mutual edification, not selfish consumption.
Questions for Reflection
What is the proper relationship between fellowship meals and the Lord's Supper—should they be combined or separate?
How can churches ensure their gatherings are 'for the better' (edifying) rather than 'for the worse' (incurring judgment)?
What does Paul's promise to 'set in order' other things teach about apostolic authority and church governance?
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Analysis & Commentary
And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation—Final instruction. Εἴ τις πεινᾷ (if anyone is hungry)—if your primary purpose is satisfying physical hunger, eat at home. The church gathering isn't for gluttony but worship. This distinguishes agape feast (fellowship meal) from the Lord's Supper proper (sacramental meal). Over time, the church separated these—communion became distinct from common meals.
That ye come not together unto condemnation (ἵνα μὴ εἰς κρίμα συνέρχησθε)—the stakes are high. Church assemblies should edify, not incur judgment (v. 17: 'not for the better, but for the worse'). Paul's concern is pastoral: he wants the Corinthians' gatherings to bless, not curse them. And the rest will I set in order when I come (τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ ὡς ἂν ἔλθω διατάξομαι)—other issues await Paul's visit, but these needed immediate written correction. This hints at ongoing problems in Corinth (see 2 Corinthians) and Paul's apostolic authority to set church order.