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.
1 Corinthians 11:22 (KJV)
Context
In 1 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul addresses disorders in the Corinthian church’s gatherings, especially the Lord’s Supper. The surrounding passage (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) shows that their meetings were doing more harm than good, with divisions among them and some going hungry while others became drunk (1 Corinthians 11:21). Verse 22 is Paul’s sharp rebuke of this behavior.
Meaning
Paul’s opening question, “What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?” makes clear that the church assembly is not the place for ordinary meals or feasting. Believers have homes for such purposes; the gathering of the church is set apart for sacred purposes, especially the remembrance of the Lord’s death. By eating their own suppers in the assembly, the Corinthians were despising the church of God—the called-out people of God—and shaming those who had nothing. The word “church” (Greek: ekklesia) refers to the assembly of God’s people, and to treat it with contempt was a serious offense.
Paul’s closing question, “shall I praise you in this? I praise you not,” is a firm disapproval. He cannot commend conduct that dishonors the church and humiliates the poor. The rebuke is not merely about etiquette but about the heart: their selfishness revealed a lack of reverence for the sacredness of the gathering and a lack of love for fellow believers.
Biblical connections
This verse connects directly to the institution of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where Paul reminds the church that the supper proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes. The Corinthians’ divisive behavior contradicted the very meaning of the ordinance, which is to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to express unity in His body.
Application
Reverence in worship: We are called to approach the gathering of the church with reverence and respect, not only at the Lord’s Supper but in all aspects of worship. Our attitudes and actions should honor God and build up others.
Unity and care for others: The Corinthian church’s failure reminds us to prioritize unity and the well-being of fellow believers. We should avoid actions that cause division or shame, and instead demonstrate Christ’s love by caring for those who are less fortunate.
Honoring the church: The church is the body of Christ, and our conduct within it should reflect the values of the Gospel, bringing glory to God rather than dishonor.
Reflection
Paul’s question challenges us to examine how we treat fellow believers, especially the poor, in our gatherings. Do we use the church for our own comfort, or do we honor God by serving others? The Lord’s Supper is a sacred ordinance, and its observance must be marked by reverence, unity, and care for one another.
