What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:23? For I received from the Lord • Paul insists that the source of his teaching is Christ Himself, not second-hand hearsay or human invention. • This direct revelation places the instruction on the highest authority, the same level as the words Jesus spoke in the Gospels (compare Galatians 1:11-12; Acts 22:14-15). • Because the Lord personally entrusted Paul with this truth, believers can receive it with absolute confidence and shape their worship accordingly. what I also passed on to you • Truth that comes from the Lord is never meant to stay private; it must be delivered intact to the next hearers. • Paul models faithful stewardship—receiving, guarding, and transmitting without alteration (see 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Timothy 2:2). • The unbroken chain from Christ to Paul to the Corinthians reminds every generation of Christians to keep the same ordinance undiluted. The Lord Jesus • Paul deliberately repeats the full title “the Lord Jesus,” focusing attention on the sovereign, saving Person at the heart of the ordinance. • The bread and cup are not empty rituals; they draw us to the living Lord who rules His church (Philippians 2:11; John 13:13). • Fellowship at the Table is fellowship with Him—reverent, joyful, and personal. on the night He was betrayed • The timing is precise: the very evening when Judas handed Him over (Matthew 26:20-25; John 13:21-27). • Even in the shadow of treachery and impending suffering, Jesus served His followers, giving them a lasting memorial of His sacrifice. • This contrast—faithless betrayal versus faithful love—highlights the grace extended to undeserving sinners at every Communion service. took bread • A simple act packed with meaning: “Jesus took bread” (Matthew 26:26; Luke 22:19). • By choosing everyday bread, He identified with our humanity and provided a tangible picture of His body given for us. • The physical act invites the church to remember, proclaim, and participate in the benefits of His literal, historical cross-work. summary Paul roots the Lord’s Supper in direct revelation from Christ, faithfully hands it to the church, centers it on the person of the Lord Jesus, frames it against the dark backdrop of betrayal, and focuses it on the simple, powerful sign of bread. Every time believers gather at the Table, they stand in that same gospel storyline, receiving and declaring the once-for-all sacrifice of their Lord with confidence, gratitude, and hope. |
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