1 Corinthians 11:22
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Paul is challenging the Corinthians' behavior, not just about where they eat, but how they're treating the most vulnerable among them. The question about having houses to eat in isn't just about etiquette; it's a sharp reminder that the church gatherings were meant to be spaces of radical generosity, not displays of wealth and exclusion.
What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a deeply problematic issue in the Corinthian church: the way some wealthy members were acting during the Lord's Supper. Instead of a communal meal showing unity, they were showing up early, eating their own food, and leaving the poorer members with nothing, essentially creating a class divide even in worship. This passage immediately follows Paul's instructions about proper conduct and head coverings, and it sets the stage for his more detailed explanation of the Lord's Supper's meaning and proper practice.
Paul is calling out some serious behavior at worship gatherings. It seems like some people were showing off their wealth, making others feel small.
The Scandal of Snobbery
Paul uses a rhetorical question that's almost sarcastic: "Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?"
He’s pointing out the absurdity of treating God’s gathering place like a private dining club. The church is meant to be a place where everyone, regardless of social status or financial standing, feels welcome and valued. Acting like a wealthy host at your own dinner party, instead of a humble guest at God’s table, is completely out of line. It shows a deep disrespect for both God and His people.
Imagine showing up to church and feeling worse about yourself because of how others act. That's exactly what was happening.
The Weight of Shame
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Paul doesn't pull punches. He asks if their actions are meant to 'humiliate those who have nothing.' This is a powerful indictment.
Instead of building people up, their selfish actions were tearing them down, specifically targeting those with fewer resources. This kind of behavior creates a spirit of shame and exclusion, which is poison to the body of Christ. True Christian fellowship should lift up the vulnerable, not crush them underfoot.
Paul ends this section with a clear, sharp rejection of praise. He's not impressed, and neither should we be.
No Praise for Pride
Paul's final questions, 'What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not,' are devastating.
He's essentially saying, 'There is absolutely nothing commendable about this behavior.' He refuses to offer any praise because the actions described are contrary to the very essence of Christian community. This isn't a gentle correction; it's a firm rebuke intended to shock the Corinthians into recognizing the severity of their sin. It’s a reminder that our actions within the church have eternal significance and are subject to God's judgment.
Understand the original words
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
The assembly of believers, the body of Christ, or a specific local gathering of Christians; it refers to the people of God called out for His purpose.
kataischynete · Greek Verb
A state of being dishonored, shamed, or treated with contempt; often used in Scripture to describe the degradation of the poor or the violation of social/spiritual obligations.
The Corinthian church was meeting in wealthy patrons' homes for communal meals, where the rich likely ate and drank well while the poor were left with little. Paul's sharp rebuke in this verse highlights how their behavior undermined the very nature of the church as a community called to unity and care for one another.
c. AD 44-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and into Europe, establishing churches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. He preaches the gospel and forms new communities of believers.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends about 18 months in Corinth, a wealthy and cosmopolitan Roman port city. He ministers to Jews and Gentiles, founding the church there and facing significant opposition.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches he established, strengthening them. He spends a significant amount of time in Ephesus, receiving reports from various congregations.
c. AD 55— this verse
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus in response to troubling reports from the Corinthian church. Issues include divisions, sexual immorality, and questions about worship practices.
c. AD 55
Problems with Church Gatherings
Reports reach Paul about disorder in the Corinthian church's communal meals and worship services, including divisions between the rich and the poor.
This verse sets up the 'why' behind Paul's instructions: everything should be done for God's glory, which is directly contrasted with the Corinthians' selfish behavior in worship.
1 Corinthians 11:17-21This passage immediately precedes the verse in question and details the specific abuses Paul is addressing, showing the Corinthians were creating divisions and showing favoritism during the Lord's Supper.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26Following this rebuke, Paul reiterates the institution of the Lord's Supper, grounding his corrective instructions in the very words of Jesus about remembrance and sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27This section speaks powerfully about the unity of the body of Christ, highlighting that every member is essential and should be treated with equal honor, a stark contrast to the Corinthians' disregard for the poor.
James 2:1-4The letter of James directly confronts the same issue of favoritism and class distinction within the worshiping community, warning against showing partiality and honoring the rich over the poor.
Paul is challenging the Corinthians' behavior, not just about where they eat, but how they're treating the most vulnerable among them. The question about having houses to eat in isn't just about etiquette; it's a sharp reminder that the church gatherings were meant to be spaces of radical generosity, not displays of wealth and exclusion.
Paul is addressing a deeply problematic issue in the Corinthian church: the way some wealthy members were acting during the Lord's Supper. Instead of a communal meal showing unity, they were showing up early, eating their own food, and leaving the poorer members with nothing, essentially creating a class divide even in worship. This passage immediately follows Paul's instructions about proper conduct and head coverings, and it sets the stage for his more detailed explanation of the Lord's Supper's meaning and proper practice.
Paul is addressing a deeply problematic issue in the Corinthian church: the way some wealthy members were acting during the Lord's Supper. Instead of a communal meal showing unity, they were showing up early, eating their own food, and leaving the poorer members with nothing, essentially creating a class divide even in worship. This passage immediately follows Paul's instructions about proper conduct and head coverings, and it sets the stage for his more detailed explanation of the Lord's Supper's meaning and proper practice.
"What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not." — Paul is challenging the Corinthians' behavior, not just about where they eat, but how they're treating the most vulnerable among them. The question about having houses to eat in isn't just about…
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Last reviewed October 2026
