Why is the phrase "on the night He was betrayed" important in 1 Corinthians 11:23? Canonical Wording and Placement “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread” (1 Corinthians 11:23). The phrase ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ παρεδίδετο (“on the night He was being handed over”) appears without meaningful variation in every major manuscript family—P46 (c. A.D. 175–225), 𝔓^11, 01 א, 02 B, 03 C, 33, 1739, the Byzantine Majority, and the early Syriac and Coptic versions—testifying to its originality and to Paul’s deliberate emphasis. Pre-Pauline Creedal Echo Most scholars—conservative and critical alike—recognize vv. 23–26 as an apostolic “tradition” Paul received within five years of the crucifixion (cf. Habermas, The Historical Jesus, ch. 7). The wording “on the night He was betrayed” serves as a time-stamp anchoring the institution of the Supper to a specific, datable historical event that preceded the Resurrection. Because the creed antedates Paul’s writings, it shows that belief in the Last Supper, betrayal, death, and resurrection arose in the earliest strata of Christian proclamation. Historical Setting: Passover Night Jesus shared the meal after sundown on 14 Nisan (Exodus 12:6; Mark 14:12). The darkness of “night” signals the start of the Jewish day and ties the Supper to the original Passover when each household sacrificed a lamb “at twilight.” The betrayal language reminds readers that, even as the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), Jesus was willingly permitting treachery to unfold in exact fulfillment of prophecy. Prophetic Fulfillment • Psalm 41:9—“Even my close friend… has lifted up his heel against me.” • Zechariah 11:12-13—thirty pieces of silver. • Isaiah 53:12—“numbered with the transgressors.” By foregrounding betrayal, Paul signals to Gentile readers that these Hebrew Scriptures converged in one night. Intelligent design entails purposeful orchestration; the same Designer scripts redemptive history with precision. Theological Weight of “Night” Night signifies moral darkness (John 13:30, “and it was night”) and satanic activity (Luke 22:53). Yet God employs the darkness to unveil the light (John 1:5). The juxtaposition magnifies grace: at the very hour human sin reached its climax in betrayal, divine love sealed the New Covenant. Voluntary Self-Giving Amid Treachery “Betrayed” (paradidōmi) is passive, but the Gospels underscore that Jesus actively “lays down His life” (John 10:18). By retaining the verb, Paul presents both divine sovereignty and human accountability: Judas acts freely; Christ surrenders freely; the Father’s redemptive plan prevails. Liturgical Function in the Church Early Christians recited these words whenever they broke bread (Didache 9-10; Justin Martyr, First Apology 66). Mentioning betrayal keeps the Supper linked to the historical cross, preventing it from drifting into mere symbolism. It also frames self-examination (vv. 27-32): if Christ was betrayed for sin, believers must not betray Him through cavalier participation. Pastoral Psychology of Memory Behavioral studies show that trauma heightens memory consolidation. By reminding Corinthian believers that Jesus was betrayed, Paul evokes affective empathy, fostering humble gratitude rather than factionalism (cf. their divisions, 1 Corinthians 11:18). The phrase functions as a motivational cue toward unity. Typological Echoes Joseph was betrayed by his brothers “at the time of the grain harvest” yet later saved them with bread (Genesis 37; 42). David was betrayed by Ahithophel while crossing the Kidron (2 Samuel 15). These shadows converge as Christ shares bread before crossing the same valley to Gethsemane. The phrase signals to readers that all redemptive types meet in this decisive night. Chronological Anchor Using Ussher’s chronology, Creation ≈ 4004 B.C.; the Exodus, 1491 B.C.; Temple, 1012 B.C.; Crucifixion, A.D. 30 (14 Nisan = April 6, A.D. 30, per Daniels 9:26’s 69 weeks). “On the night He was betrayed” pinpoints the climax of the prophetic timeline. Eschatological Horizon “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (v. 26). The betrayal phrase thus brackets the entire age of the church: it looks back to the darkest night and ahead to the brightest dawn, the Parousia. Practical Exhortation 1. Approach the Table repentantly—betrayal lurks in every heart (v. 28). 2. Rejoice—Christ turned humanity’s worst treachery into the means of eternal life. 3. Witness—recount the historical reality of that night; Christianity is grounded in verifiable events, not myth. Summary The clause “on the night He was betrayed” is indispensable. It authenticates the tradition, fulfills prophecy, anchors the ordinance in history, exposes sin, magnifies grace, unifies the church, furnishes apologetic evidence, and points to the consummation. Without it, the Lord’s Supper would lose its chronological, theological, and pastoral depth. |
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