1 Corinthians 11:28-29
Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just say "examine yourselves"; he emphasizes self-examination, pointing us inward before turning to the sacred meal. This means we're not to focus on others' flaws or church politics, but on our own heart's condition and worthiness. It's a personal, private moment of honesty with God before participating in this profound act of remembrance.
Paul is addressing a serious issue in the Corinthian church: their communion gatherings had become chaotic, with some people acting selfishly and disrespectfully, essentially looking down on their poorer brothers and sisters. This verse, coming right after his description of the proper way to observe the Lord's Supper, calls for self-reflection before partaking, ensuring everyone approaches it with the reverence and unity it deserves.
Before we approach the sacred meal, there's a crucial step we're called to take. It's not just about showing up, but about preparing our hearts.
Paul doesn't mince words here: "Let a person examine himself." This isn't a suggestion; it's a directive for every follower of Christ. This examination is about honestly assessing our spiritual condition. Are we walking in step with God? Have we confessed any known sin? Are we in right relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ? This isn't about earning our way to the table, but about approaching it with sincerity and reverence, recognizing the profound significance of what we're commemorating.
Does 'examine himself' mean we have to be perfect to take communion? Absolutely not! Let's unpack what 'worthiness' truly means in this context.
It's easy to misunderstand this call to self-examination and think we must be sinless to be 'worthy.' But that's not the Gospel! Our worthiness doesn't come from our own perfect performance. Instead, Paul is pointing us to the sacrifice of Jesus. We approach the table as 'unworthy' sinners who have been made 'worthy' by Christ's atoning death. The examination is about recognizing our dependence on His grace, confessing our ongoing need for Him, and ensuring we aren't engaging in blatant, unrepentant sin that would disqualify us from the community and the meaning of the meal.
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.
diakrinō · Greek Verb
To distinguish, judge, or differentiate between things; in this context, it refers to the spiritual ability to recognize the sacred nature of the Church as the Body of Christ in the context of the ordinance.
krima · Greek Noun
A legal or divine verdict, often implying the consequences of one's actions, whether disciplinary or retributive, coming from God.
The Corinthians were dividing the church during their sacred meal. Paul's instruction to 'examine himself' was a direct call to introspect, to check their hearts and motives, ensuring they approached the Lord's Supper with humility and unity, not with the pride or exclusion that had caused such trouble.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Founds the Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spends about 18 months establishing the Christian community in this major Roman port city, facing significant opposition.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus
Receiving reports of deep divisions and various problems within the Corinthian church, Paul pens this letter to address them.
c. AD 55— this verse
Report of Disorderly Lord's Supper
Paul hears that the Corinthians are misusing the Lord's Supper, turning a sacred meal into a chaotic social gathering with social and spiritual divisions.
c. AD 55
Paul's Teaching on the Lord's Supper
In response to the reports, Paul reminds them of the Supper's true meaning, its connection to Christ's sacrifice, and the need for unity.
This passage echoes the need for self-reflection before partaking in a sacred meal, emphasizing the communion aspect and its connection to Christ's body and blood.
2 Corinthians 13:5Paul directly challenges believers to 'test yourselves' and 'examine yourselves,' directly aligning with the theme of self-scrutiny before spiritual engagement.
Psalm 26:2This psalm reveals a heart earnestly desiring God's examination, mirroring the internal scrutiny called for in 1 Corinthians 11:28, but from the perspective of seeking God's approval.
Lamentations 3:40This verse calls for a deep, internal 'examination' and 'probes' of one's ways, highlighting the importance of honest self-assessment in the spiritual life, much like preparing for communion.
Paul doesn't just say "examine yourselves"; he emphasizes self-examination, pointing us inward before turning to the sacred meal. This means we're not to focus on others' flaws or church politics, but on our own heart's condition and worthiness. It's a personal, private moment of honesty with God before participating in this profound act of remembrance.
Paul is addressing a serious issue in the Corinthian church: their communion gatherings had become chaotic, with some people acting selfishly and disrespectfully, essentially looking down on their poorer brothers and sisters. This verse, coming right after his description of the proper way to observe the Lord's Supper, calls for self-reflection before partaking, ensuring everyone approaches it with the reverence and unity it deserves.
Paul is addressing a serious issue in the Corinthian church: their communion gatherings had become chaotic, with some people acting selfishly and disrespectfully, essentially looking down on their poorer brothers and sisters. This verse, coming right after his description of the proper way to observe the Lord's Supper, calls for self-reflection before partaking, ensuring everyone approaches it with the reverence and unity it deserves.
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"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." — Paul doesn't just say "examine yourselves"; he emphasizes self-examination, pointing us inward before turning to the sacred meal. This means we're not to focus on others' flaws or church politics,…
