1 Corinthians 11:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 11:20
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 11 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 11:20
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
Analysis
When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper—Stinging indictment. Συνερχομένων οὖν ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό (when you come together into one place)—the phrase epi to auto recalls Acts 2:44, 47 (believers gathered 'together'). Church assembly is meant for unity, but Corinthian practice contradicted this.
This is not to eat the Lord's supper (οὐκ ἔστιν κυριακὸν δεῖπνον φαγεῖν)—kyriakon deipnon (Lord's supper) appears here first in Scripture. Paul coins the term to distinguish the sacred meal from ordinary eating. Their gatherings looked like the Lord's Supper but weren't—divisions, gluttony, and drunkenness evacuated the meal of its covenantal meaning. Form without substance, ritual without reality. This anticipates vv. 27-29: unworthy participation brings judgment. The Lord's Supper belongs to the Lord and must reflect His character (self-giving love) and His body (unity in diversity).
Historical Context
The agape feast combined fellowship meal with Eucharist. Believers brought food to share—a countercultural practice in Greco-Roman society where meals were stratified by class. But Corinthians perverted this: wealthy members arrived early, consumed their lavish food and wine, and left nothing for poorer members arriving late from work. The resulting meal mimicked pagan banquets (hierarchical, gluttonous) rather than embodying Christ's self-sacrifice. Paul's shock is palpable—how dare they call this "the Lord's Supper"?
Reflection
- How can religious rituals be formally correct but spiritually empty?
- What does it mean for a meal (or worship practice) to 'belong to the Lord'—how does ownership shape practice?
- How might modern communion practices subtly undermine the Table's meaning through individualism or formalism?