1 Corinthians 11:21

For in eating, euery one taketh before other, his owne supper: and one is hungry, and an other is drunken. 1 Corinthians 11:21 (KJV)

Paul’s discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 11 addresses the improper conduct of the Corinthian believers during the communal meal that accompanied the Lord’s Supper.

The believers were dividing themselves: some ate greedily, taking their own supper before others, while others went without food, and some became drunk.

These attitudes were contrary to the purpose of the Lord’s Supper, which is to commemorate Christ’s sacrifice and to foster love, unity, and self‑lessness among the body of Christ.

Paul rebukes this selfishness, reminding the church to wait for one another and to partake of the meal in a manner that shows respect, unity, and consideration for those who are hungry.

He points to the deeper significance of the bread and cup as representations of Christ’s body and blood, urging believers to approach the table with reverence.

The passage serves as a timeless reminder that our conduct within the church and during worship matters. It calls each of us to examine our attitudes, to avoid focusing only on personal desire, and to be considerate of others.

In practicing the Lord’s Supper today, we are encouraged to embody love, unity, and self‑lessness, remembering the sacrifice of Christ and honoring one another in fellowship. Thus the Lord’s Supper becomes a true expression of Christ’s love when we practice it with humility and mutual care.

When the community behaves in this way it becomes a reproach, betraying the testimony of the gospel.