1 Corinthians 11:22

“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.”

Context:To better understand a Bible verse, it’s essential to examine its context. In 1 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul addresses various issues concerning the conduct of the Corinthian church during their gatherings, specifically focusing on the Lord’s Supper or communion.

Verse Analysis:Let’s read 1 Corinthians 11:22 (KJV) together: “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.”

Message and Meaning:a. Rebuke for Disunity: The verse begins with Paul’s astonished response to the Corinthians’ behavior during the Lord’s Supper. He questions why they couldn’t eat and drink in their homes instead of showing disrespect and disregard for the church gathering. This indicates that the Corinthians were not treating the Lord’s Supper with reverence and were behaving in a divisive manner.

b. Despising the Church of God: By asking if the Corinthians despised the church of God, Paul highlights the seriousness of their actions. He implies that their behavior not only dishonors the church but also shows a lack of respect for the sacredness of the gathering.

c. Shaming the Less Fortunate: Paul further admonishes the Corinthians for shaming those who were less privileged and lacked the means to bring their own food for the communal meal. This suggests that the wealthy members of the church were indulging themselves while disregarding the needs and feelings of their fellow believers.

d. Paul’s Disapproval: In the latter part of the verse, Paul expresses his disapproval of their conduct. He makes it clear that he cannot commend or praise them for their actions.

Application:

• Reverence in Worship:As believers, we are called to approach the gathering of the church with reverence and respect. This applies not only to the Lord’s Supper but to all aspects of our worship. We should be mindful of our attitudes and actions, considering how they may affect others and the corporate worship experience.
• Unity and Care for Others:The Corinthian church’s behavior serves as a reminder to us to prioritize unity and the well-being of our fellow believers. We should avoid actions that may cause division or hurt others. Instead, let us be considerate and demonstrate Christ’s love by caring for those who are less fortunate or in need.
• Honoring the Church:The church is the body of Christ, and we should treat it with respect and honor. Our conduct within the church should reflect the values and teachings of the Gospel, bringing glory to God rather than causing shame or dishonor.

Remember, studying a single verse is valuable, but it is essential to consider the broader context of the passage and the entire Bible to gain a more comprehensive understanding.