What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:17? In the following instructions – Paul signals that he is moving into a new topic, distinct from the earlier praise he expressed in 1 Corinthians 11:2. – By saying “instructions,” he frames what follows as authoritative apostolic teaching, not mere advice (see 1 Corinthians 4:17; 7:17). – The context: public worship. From 11:17 through 14:40 Paul addresses problems that surface “when you come together as a church” (11:18; cf. Acts 2:42, 46; Hebrews 10:24-25). – The phrase reminds readers that worship practices matter to God; they are part of walking “in step with the truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:14). I have no praise to offer – Earlier Paul could commend the Corinthians for holding fast to apostolic traditions (11:2). Here, however, he withholds commendation entirely, stressing the seriousness of their error (compare 1 Corinthians 4:14-15). – The absence of praise highlights that good intentions or giftedness do not excuse disobedience (see Revelation 2:2-4). – It also foreshadows corrective discipline: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (Revelation 3:19). Because your gatherings – “Gatherings” refers to the whole church meeting in one place, typically on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). – God designed these assemblies for edification, fellowship, and proclamation of Christ’s death (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:26). – The plural “gatherings” hints that the problem is habitual, not a one-time misstep (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:5-6). – The line draws attention to corporate responsibility: every believer affects the health of the body (Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:16). Do more harm than good – Instead of strengthening faith, their meetings are spiritually damaging. Division at the Lord’s Table (11:18-22) is one example. – Harm can include: • Wounding weaker brothers (8:11-12) • Eroding unity (1:10-13) • Inviting God’s discipline, even physical illness or death (11:29-30) – Scripture warns that misuse of sacred things provokes judgment (Leviticus 10:1-2; 1 Corinthians 3:17). – Positive gatherings should produce love and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13; Hebrews 10:24). When they fail, they reverse God’s intent. summary 1 Corinthians 11:17 confronts a church whose worship has drifted so far from God’s design that their meetings damage rather than build up. Paul’s blunt rebuke shows that the Lord takes corporate worship seriously: apostolic instructions must guide it, true unity must mark it, and spiritual benefit must flow from it. Where those elements are missing, praise is impossible until repentance restores gatherings that honor Christ and edify His people. |
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