1 Corinthians 11:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 11:22
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 11 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, hope, faith. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 11:22
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
Analysis
What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?—Paul's rhetorical questions intensify. Μὴ γὰρ οἰκίας οὐκ ἔχετε (have you not houses?)—if you want to gorge yourselves, do it at home! The church gathering is for mutual edification, not private consumption. Ironically, the wealthy do have houses; the poor don't—making the rich's behavior doubly offensive.
Or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?—Καταφρονεῖτε (kataphroneite, despise) is strong—treating with contempt. Τῆς ἐκκλησίας τοῦ θεοῦ (the church of God) emphasizes whose assembly this is. To divide the church by class is to despise God Himself. Καταισχύνετε (kataischynete, put to shame) means to humiliate publicly. The poor weren't just hungry; they were shamed before the congregation. Paul's pastoral indignation mirrors Jesus's woes against the Pharisees—religious leaders who 'devour widows' houses' (Mark 12:40). Economic injustice masquerading as worship is hypocrisy.
Historical Context
In Roman patron-client society, wealthy patrons displayed generosity publicly to gain honor, but actual resource distribution was unequal. Corinthian wealthy Christians apparently saw church gatherings as opportunities for social display rather than gospel embodiment. By hosting in their homes but not truly sharing resources, they maintained social hierarchy under the guise of Christian fellowship. Paul's rebuke dismantles this: the church of God operates by different economics—radical generosity and equality, reflecting Christ who 'became poor that we might become rich' (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Reflection
- How do modern churches unwittingly 'despise the church of God' through economic or social stratification?
- What does it mean practically to ensure no one is 'shamed' in church gatherings?
- How should wealthy Christians use their resources in church contexts to reflect gospel values rather than worldly honor-seeking?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Corinthians 10:32, Acts 20:28
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 17:5