1 Corinthians 11:22
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)
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Paul isn't just calling out the Corinthians for being rude; he's pointing out the stark contrast between their private homes and their behavior in the Lord's Supper. He highlights that their actions reveal a deep disrespect for both the church as God's community and for those within it who are less fortunate, essentially asking if they’d rather eat at home than practice genuine hospitality.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of division and disrespect within the Corinthian church, specifically how they are handling the Lord's Supper. In the verses leading up to this, he's been calling out their behavior, where wealthier members were essentially eating and drinking without the others, creating a clear social and spiritual divide. This passage directly follows his rebuke of their selfish actions, highlighting the humiliation and shame it brings to those who have less, urging them to reconsider their priorities.
Imagine showing up to a sacred meal expecting spiritual nourishment, only to find cliques and hunger. That's what was happening in Corinth. What was intended for unity was becoming a source of division.
Paul is addressing a serious issue at the Lord's Supper in Corinth. This wasn't just a casual meal; it was a sacred observance of Christ's death.
A Meal of Division
Instead of a communal meal where everyone shared and felt included, the Corinthian church turned it into a display of social status. The wealthier members brought their own food and ate it quickly, often before the poorer members arrived or could partake. This created a stark contrast: some were feasting, while others were left hungry and humiliated.
Despising God's Church
Paul's question, "Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?" cuts to the heart of the matter. Their actions weren't just rude; they were actively dishonoring God and demeaning their fellow believers. The Lord's Supper, meant to proclaim unity in Christ, was instead revealing deep-seated social inequalities and a lack of Christ-like love.
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Paul doesn't hold back when God's people are being wronged. He moves from rhetorical questions to a clear, firm stance, showing us how to address sin within the community.
After laying out the problem with sharp questions, Paul concludes this section with a decisive statement.
No Commendation Here
He asks, 'What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.' This is Paul's way of saying, 'There is absolutely nothing commendable about this behavior.' He refuses to offer praise where it's clearly not deserved. His silence on commendation speaks volumes.
A Call to Repentance
This firm refusal to praise is not just an accusation; it's a call to repentance. Paul expects the Corinthians to recognize the gravity of their actions and to change. His approach is pastoral – he loves them enough to confront their sin, aiming for their restoration and the health of the church.
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 Corinthians were wealthy and socially divided, and their gatherings often highlighted these divisions, prompting Paul to correct their behavior and remind them of the church's true purpose.
c. AD 48
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes the church in Corinth during his missionary journeys, facing a complex social and religious environment.
c. AD 50-52
Growth and Challenges in Corinth
The Corinthian church grows but struggles with internal divisions, immorality, and social stratification, reflecting the city's own challenges.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian believers from Ephesus to address various issues plaguing the church, including the topic of their gatherings.
c. AD 56
Reforms and Unity
The church begins to implement the corrective measures Paul outlined, working towards greater unity and proper practice in worship.
This passage highlights Jesus' warning against greed and the importance of not hoarding possessions, contrasting with the Corinthians' apparent excess and disregard for the poor.
1 Corinthians 10:24Paul directly advises believers to seek the good of others, not just their own advantage, a principle that is clearly being violated by the behavior described in 1 Corinthians 11:22.
James 2:1-4James condemns favoritism and class distinctions within the church, directly addressing the kind of social hierarchy and humiliation that Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for.
Philippians 2:3-4This passage calls for humility and looking to the interests of others above one's own, offering a powerful counterpoint to the self-serving actions of the Corinthians.
Paul isn't just calling out the Corinthians for being rude; he's pointing out the stark contrast between their private homes and their behavior in the Lord's Supper. He highlights that their actions reveal a deep disrespect for both the church as God's community and for those within it who are less fortunate, essentially asking if they’d rather eat at home than practice genuine hospitality.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of division and disrespect within the Corinthian church, specifically how they are handling the Lord's Supper. In the verses leading up to this, he's been calling out their behavior, where wealthier members were essentially eating and drinking without the others, creating a clear social and spiritual divide. This passage directly follows his rebuke of their selfish actions, highlighting the humiliation and shame it brings to those who have less, urging them to reconsider their priorities.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of division and disrespect within the Corinthian church, specifically how they are handling the Lord's Supper. In the verses leading up to this, he's been calling out their behavior, where wealthier members were essentially eating and drinking without the others, creating a clear social and spiritual divide. This passage directly follows his rebuke of their selfish actions, highlighting the humiliation and shame it brings to those who have less, urging them to reconsider their priorities.
"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 isn't just calling out the Corinthians for being rude; he's pointing out the stark contrast between their private homes and their behavior in the Lord's Supper. He highlights that their actions…
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