1 Corinthians 11:22

In 1 Corinthians 11:22, the Apostle Paul issues a sharp rebuke to the Corinthian church concerning their behavior during their communal meals, specifically in relation to the Lord's Supper. This verse highlights a severe problem of social division and disrespect for the sacred purpose of Christian assembly.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in 1 Corinthians 11 regarding proper conduct during worship, particularly around the observance of the Lord's Supper. The Corinthian church was experiencing significant social stratification. Wealthier members, who could afford to bring ample food, would often eat their fill before or during the communal meal (likely an agape or "love feast" preceding the Supper itself), leaving little or nothing for the poorer members who might arrive later or have less to contribute. Paul's rhetorical questions ("have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?") underscore their failure to distinguish between a private meal and a sacred gathering meant for fellowship and unity. This behavior was not merely impolite but actively undermined the spiritual significance of their assembly and the very nature of Christian love, leading to a profound abuse of the early church practices.

Key Themes

• Social Justice and Equality: Paul condemns the rich for shaming the poor and creating divisions within the body of Christ. The church, by its very nature, should transcend social distinctions, as emphasized by the unity in Christ. This addresses the "shaming them that have not" aspect directly.
• Reverence for the Church Assembly: The phrase "despise ye the church of God" reveals the gravity of their offense. Their self-serving actions demonstrated a profound disrespect for the communal gathering, which is the visible manifestation of God's people. This speaks to the sacredness of the Christian assembly.
• The Purpose of the Lord's Supper: The abuses at Corinth distorted the Supper's true meaning as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a symbol of unity. Paul later clarifies its proper observance in 1 Corinthians 11:26, emphasizing its communal and reverent nature.
• Paul's Apostolic Authority and Rebuke: Paul's blunt "What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise [you] not" highlights his strong disapproval and his role in correcting serious doctrinal and behavioral errors within the early church, particularly regarding Christian conduct and fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "despise ye the church of God" translates from the Greek ekklēsia tou theou (ἐκκλησία τοῦ Θεοῦ). Ekklēsia refers to a called-out assembly or congregation, emphasizing the community of believers, not just a building. Paul's accusation means they were treating this sacred assembly, the very people of God, with contempt through their selfish actions, particularly by shaming those who "have not" (οὐκ ἔχοντας, meaning "those who do not have" or "are poor"). This highlights the deep offense caused by their lack of Christian charity and unity, leading to Corinthian church problems that required a strong apostolic warning.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against allowing social distinctions, selfishness, or a lack of consideration for others to disrupt Christian fellowship and worship. It reminds believers of the importance of:

• Humility and Selflessness: Prioritizing the needs of others, especially the less fortunate, within the church community, echoing the principle of "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves". This directly counters the behavior that led to the "shaming the poor."
• Reverence in Worship: Approaching communal worship and sacraments with seriousness and respect for their spiritual significance and for fellow believers. The church assembly is a sacred space.
• Unity and Inclusivity: Actively working to ensure that the church remains a place where all are welcomed, valued, and where social or economic differences are transcended by the love of Christ. The church is called to be a visible demonstration of God's impartiality and love for all people, reflecting the love that identifies Christ's disciples.