1 Corinthians 11:17-22 – Avoid selfish attitude

Unlike in verse 2 where Paul began by praising the Corinthians, here in verse 17 he told them that they deserved no praise because their meeting did more harm than good.  He went on later to show why they did not deserve any praise.

 

He was informed that there were division among the believers in Corinth when they came together in worship and to partake the Lord’s Supper. To some extent Paul believed what he had heard. Although they were those that were not factious, there were many who engaged in showing disparity. Paul was not suggesting that there should be faction in the church in verse 19. What he was saying was that in the heart of division, the truly God-approved mature people somehow emerged.

 

It appears that at that point, the Lord’s Supper was often held as a portion of a regular meal. The believers both rich and poor, people of higher status and people of no status brought food to share in the meal. They ate each other’s food freely. And as they shared the meal together they would also be partaking of the Lord’s Supper as a reminder that they were united in Christ.

 

Something went awry in the meal. The people partook of the meal without consideration. Late comers would have no food to eat, favorite food were eaten up without consideration for others, the rich refusing to touch some food brought by the poor. Others would be drinking so excessively till they were drunk, etc. All their minds were occupied thinking about the meals without focusing on the Lord’s Supper, which was the central point of the whole meal. It was such a farce to partake of the Lord’s Supper in such a setting. There were apparent disjointedness and disunity and faction. They reflected the very opposite of the purpose of showing unity in Christ in the Lord’s Supper.  

Paul highlighted their disunity. He said that some of them would go ahead and eat, without waiting for anyone else. Others had over-eaten and were drunk, while others remain hungry and empty, especially those who came in late. If they were hungry, Paul suggested that they could get a bite at home first. The meal with the Lord’s Supper as its focal point was a demonstration of unity regardless of class or status. By being inconsiderate, they have despised the church of God, the fellowship of believers and have embarrassed the poor. Sarcastically Paul asked “What shall I say?” “Shall I praise you?” Certainly not, for their ill conduct they deserved no praise.    

 

Where do we stand when it comes to being considerate? Allow Paul’s words in Romans 13:9-11 to guide us in our relationship. He said,” Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in the spirit, serving the Lord.”