1 Corinthians 11:28
Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul doesn't just say to examine yourself; the Greek actually emphasizes self-examination as the action preceding the meal. This means the point isn't just having a general sense of your spiritual state, but making a conscious, deliberate assessment before you partake in communion. It's a call to intentionality, ensuring we approach this sacred meal with hearts right before God.
Paul is addressing serious problems in the Corinthian church's practice of the Lord's Supper, where divisions and a lack of regard for one another have turned a sacred meal into something shameful. He’s guiding them on how to approach this holy meal with reverence and unity, by first looking inward to ensure their hearts are right before partaking in communion. This instruction to self-examination is a direct lead-in to how they should approach the bread and the cup with a proper mindset, remembering Jesus' sacrifice.
Communion is more than just a meal; it's a sacred moment. Before partaking, there's a specific action God calls us to. What is it, and why is it so crucial?
A Vital Pause
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, is addressing serious issues of division and disrespect surrounding their communion gatherings. Amidst this context, he inserts this powerful command: "Let a person examine himself." This isn't a suggestion; it's a direct instruction for every believer.
Why Examine?
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Corinthians 11:28 is available in the Sola app.
The verse links examination directly to the act of eating and drinking. What does this 'then' reveal about genuine participation in the Lord's Supper?
From Reflection to Remembrance
Paul doesn't just tell us to examine ourselves; he tells us when and how that examination should lead us: "then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup." The word 'then' is key.
The Flow of Communion
This sequence prevents communion from becoming a thoughtless ritual. It ensures our participation is rooted in a conscious awareness of Christ's body broken and His blood shed for us.
Understand the original words
dokimazō · Greek Verb
To test, scrutinize, or put to the proof; in a spiritual sense, it refers to self-reflection and inner assessment of one's relationship with God and the body of believers.
The command to 'examine oneself' before partaking in the Lord's Supper directly addresses the deep divisions and disrespectful behavior plaguing the Corinthian church, urging individuals to ensure their hearts are aligned with Christ and His body before participating in this sacred meal.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes a church in the bustling, cosmopolitan Roman city of Corinth during his second missionary journey.
c. AD 53-57
Paul Writes from Ephesus
While serving in Ephesus, Paul receives troubling reports about divisions and disturbances within the Corinthian church.
c. AD 55— this verse
Divisions Plague Corinthian Church
Factions have formed within the church, with some aligning with Paul, others with Apollos, and still others with Peter. This is causing disorder, particularly during their worship gatherings.
c. AD 55
Disrespect at the Lord's Supper
The wealthy members of the church are arriving early and feasting lavishly, leaving little or nothing for the poorer members, leading to shame and spiritual disunity.
c. AD 55
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul addresses the various issues, including the misuse of spiritual gifts, immorality, and the chaotic Lord's Supper, urging them toward unity and order.
This passage reminds us that whatever we do, including partaking in communion, should be done for God's glory, setting the stage for self-examination before participating.
2 Corinthians 13:5Paul directly challenges believers to test themselves and examine whether they are truly in the faith, reinforcing the importance of honest self-assessment before spiritual practices.
Psalm 139:23-24This prayer to God for deep examination of one's heart and ways mirrors the call in Corinthians to look inward, seeking out any hidden sin that might hinder fellowship.
1 Corinthians 5:8Paul uses the imagery of unleavened bread during the Passover to explain that the church should live with sincerity and truth, free from the 'yeast' of sin, which directly relates to the need for purity when approaching the Lord's Table.
Paul doesn't just say to examine yourself; the Greek actually emphasizes self-examination as the action preceding the meal. This means the point isn't just having a general sense of your spiritual state, but making a conscious, deliberate assessment before you partake in communion. It's a call to intentionality, ensuring we approach this sacred meal with hearts right before God.
Paul is addressing serious problems in the Corinthian church's practice of the Lord's Supper, where divisions and a lack of regard for one another have turned a sacred meal into something shameful. He’s guiding them on how to approach this holy meal with reverence and unity, by first looking inward to ensure their hearts are right before partaking in communion. This instruction to self-examination is a direct lead-in to how they should approach the bread and the cup with a proper mindset, remembering Jesus' sacrifice.
Paul is addressing serious problems in the Corinthian church's practice of the Lord's Supper, where divisions and a lack of regard for one another have turned a sacred meal into something shameful. He’s guiding them on how to approach this holy meal with reverence and unity, by first looking inward to ensure their hearts are right before partaking in communion. This instruction to self-examination is a direct lead-in to how they should approach the bread and the cup with a proper mindset, remembering Jesus' sacrifice.
"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup." — Paul doesn't just say to examine yourself; the Greek actually emphasizes self-examination as the action preceding the meal. This means the point isn't just having a general sense of your spiritua…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
