How does 1 Corinthians 11:27 relate to the practice of Communion? Historical Context of Corinthian Communion The church in Corinth met in homes (Romans 16:23) where the Lord’s Supper was celebrated as a covenant meal. Socio-economic factions had erupted (1 Corinthians 11:18-22), with wealthy believers eating first and leaving little for the poor. Paul therefore warns, “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27). The verse addresses communal disorder, personal irreverence, and theological ignorance simultaneously. Theological Significance: Body and Blood of Christ Paul has just cited Jesus’ institution words (11:23-25), rooting Communion in the historical, bodily resurrection attested by over five hundred eyewitnesses (15:3-8). Participation therefore engages objective realities—the incarnate, crucified, risen Lord—rather than mere symbolism. The warning protects the sanctity of that reality. Old Testament Background • Passover: Eating in haste yet with consecration (Exodus 12:11,43-49) prefigures worthy participation. • Covenant meals: Exodus 24:8-11 links shed blood to communal fellowship with God; casual approach invited death (Leviticus 10:1-3). Paul imports this covenant logic. Self-Examination and Repentance (v.28) “Each one must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat…” (11:28). The command is not to abstain permanently but to repent and then partake. Genuine faith plus obedience to Christ’s ethic of reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24) satisfies the requirement. Consequences of Irreverence “For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep” (11:30). Paul interprets observable illnesses and deaths as divine discipline, corroborating modern documented healings when repentance follows (cf. medically attested case studies in Craig Keener, Miracles, vol. 2). Communion as Proclamation of Resurrection “For whenever you eat… you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (11:26). The meal testifies that Christ is alive and returning. Early extrabiblical sources (Didache 9-10; Justin Martyr, Apology I.67) treat the Eucharist as resurrection proclamation, reinforcing apostolic continuity. Unity of the Body Eating “unworthily” includes despising fellow believers (11:22). Paul later stresses, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body” (10:17). Communion expresses intelligent design in corporate human relationships reflecting the triune community. Pastoral Application Today 1. Announce the Gospel before distribution. 2. Provide silent confession or corporate prayer of repentance. 3. Promote reconciliation within the congregation. 4. Guard the Table through clear invitation to baptized believers walking in faith. Archaeological Corroboration of Early Eucharistic Practice The Megiddo church mosaic (A.D. 230s) records “The God Jesus Christ,” demonstrating worship of the risen Lord in structured gatherings roughly contemporaneous with P46. The 1st-century “cubicula of the sacraments” in the Catacomb of St. Priscilla depict bread and fish in Communion contexts, matching Pauline chronology. Eschatological Horizon “Until He comes” (11:26) situates Communion within a young-earth, linear view of history culminating in the bodily return of Christ and new creation (Revelation 22:20-21). Worthy participation foreshadows wedding-supper joy (Revelation 19:9). Covenantal Summary 1 Cor 11:27 teaches that Communion is covenant renewal. An unworthy manner breaches covenant, attracts discipline, and misrepresents the Gospel. A worthy manner—faith, repentance, unity, hope—glorifies God, edifies the church, and proclaims the risen Christ to the watching world. |
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