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HomeBible Commentary1 CorinthiansChapter 111 Corinthians 11:19

1 Corinthians 11:19 meaning

In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses serious issues of discord and disorder within the Corinthian church, particularly concerning the practices at the Lord's Supper. When believers gathered to partake, divisions arose, primarily due to social stratification where the wealthy indulged while the poor went hungry. This behavior contradicted the very essence of the Lord's Supper, which was meant to foster unity and love among members of the body of Christ. Instead of a sacred meal reflecting shared faith and communion, it devolved into a spectacle of indulgence, undermining the intended spiritual purpose.

Paul articulates that these factions and disputes serve as a necessary backdrop for revealing whom God approves among the congregation. He emphasizes that such behavior reflects poorly on the church and warrants admonition, not praise. The underlying message is that proper observance of the Lord's Supper necessitates love, selflessness, and mutual respect among believers as they remember Christ's sacrifice. Without this, participation in the meal becomes not just a formality but a deeper violation of what the communion represents.

In essence, Paul underscores the importance of self-examination and communal love, ensuring that the Lord's table is honored through unity rather than discord, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 11:19.

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:1-6 meaning. In 2 Corinthians 11:1-6, Paul builds up to the direct defense of his apostleship. He declares that the need to compare himself to the false apostles is “foolishness.” He wishes the Corinthians would be centered on simply following Christ, not the boastings of teachers. Paul compares the Corinthians to Eve, that they have been tricked, and are tolerating false teaching. Although Paul’s enemies have slandered him as a poor public speaker, Paul asserts that he is not inferior to them. He reminds his readers that he is knowledgeable and that they have seen it through his teaching.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 meaning. 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 clarifies that Paul is not trying to cut the Corinthians down, he is trying to wake them up out of their arrogance and show them the healthy way to live. He appeals to the fact that he is their “father in the faith,” the one who first taught them the gospel and built up their church, and hopes that they will copy his example instead of being led astray by false teaching. Paul has sent this letter with Timothy to prepare the Corinthians for Paul’s visit; Timothy will remind the Corinthians of the basics of Christianity and of what Paul teaches. Those who are arrogant act like Paul won’t come and hold them accountable, but Paul is surely coming. He will sort out those who are proud and teaching lies. He offers the Corinthians a choice to repent now so that Paul’s visit can be pleasant, or the choice to persist in their arrogance and receive Paul’s correction in person.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:19-21 meaning. In 2 Corinthians 12:19-21, Paul reveals how he has not really been defending himself to the Corinthians. When engaging in the “foolish boasting” to show his superiority to the false apostles, Paul was not boosting himself up. He was redirecting the Corinthians to the truth of Christ so that they might grow spiritually. Paul worries that when he visits, he will find the Corinthian believers engaged in all manner of sin. He fears that he will have to discipline those who have not repented of sin by the time he arrives.