1 Corinthians 11:20

“When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.”

Context:is crucial for understanding any verse in the Bible, so let’s examine the surrounding verses to gain a better understanding of the message conveyed.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first epistle to the Corinthians, addressing various issues and concerns within the Corinthian church. In this particular section of the letter (1 Corinthians 11:17-34), Paul discusses the proper observance of the Lord’s Supper or communion.

1 Corinthians 11:17-19 sets the stage for verse 20. Paul expresses his displeasure with the Corinthian church because of their behaviour during the Lord’s Supper. He mentions divisions and factions among them, stating that their gatherings do more harm than good. Some were engaging in self-indulgence, while others went hungry and were humiliated. This situation was contrary to the purpose of the Lord’s Supper, which is meant to be a commemoration of Jesus’ sacrifice and a symbol of unity among believers.

Now, let’s focus on verse 20 itself. Paul emphasises that when the Corinthians come together as a community, it is not for the purpose of merely satisfying their physical hunger by eating a meal. The phrase “this is not to eat the Lord’s supper” suggests that their actions had deviated from the intended meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper. Rather than approaching it with reverence and unity, they were treating it as a common meal, lacking the recognition of Christ’s sacrifice and the unity it symbolises among believers.

It’s important to note that the Lord’s Supper, also known as communion or the Eucharist, is a significant sacrament in Christianity. It was instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper, where He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He also took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).