1 Corinthians 11:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 11:28
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 11 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, prayer, fellowship. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 11:28
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Analysis
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup—The solution to unworthy eating: self-examination. Δοκιμαζέτω δὲ ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτόν (let a man examine himself)—dokimazō means to test, prove, scrutinize (metallurgical term, testing metals for purity). This isn't morbid introspection but honest self-assessment before God. The examination focuses on: attitudes toward others (divisions, v. 18), treatment of the poor (v. 22), and discernment of Christ's body (v. 29).
And so let him eat (καὶ οὕτως... ἐσθιέτω)—after examination, participate. The goal isn't to scare believers away from the Table but to prepare them to approach worthily. Self-examination should produce repentance, reconciliation, and faith—then eat. The Table is for sinners who know they're sinners, not for the self-righteous. Calvin called this "fencing the Table"—protecting it from profanation while welcoming the penitent.
Historical Context
Jewish Passover preparation included searching homes for leaven (symbol of sin, Exodus 12:15). Paul spiritualizes this: search your heart for sin before the Christian Passover. Early church liturgies included confession of sin and mutual reconciliation before communion (Matthew 5:23-24, Didache 14:1-2). The church father Chrysostom preached that unreconciled Christians should abstain from the Table until they reconcile. This self-examination wasn't individualistic but communal—assessing how one's attitudes and actions affected the body of Christ.
Reflection
- What should self-examination before the Lord's Supper focus on—personal sins, attitudes toward others, or both?
- How can churches practice corporate self-examination without becoming legalistic or introspective?
- What role should church leaders play in helping members examine themselves—pastoral counsel, fencing the Table, liturgical preparation?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 11:31, Lamentations 3:40, Haggai 1:5, 1:7, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Galatians 6:4