1 Corinthians Chapter 11 — Order and the Lord's Supper
Paul provides guidance on communal worship customs and addresses the improper conduct of the Corinthian church during the observance of the Lord's Supper.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
1 Corinthians 11:1
“Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
This verse serves as a foundational call for believers to follow the example of leadership that is modeled after Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:23-24
“For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread. When he had given thanks, he broke it...”
This passage provides a primary historical and liturgical account of the institution of the Lord's Supper.
1 Corinthians 11:28
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
This highlights the personal responsibility and spiritual preparation required before participating in communion.
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul addresses specific traditions and practices within the assembly. He begins by discussing the hierarchy of authority and the customs regarding head coverings for men and women during prayer and prophecy, emphasizing that while there are distinctions, men and women are interdependent in the Lord. The second half of the chapter focuses on the Lord’s Supper. Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their divisions and selfish behavior during the meal, where some went hungry while others overindulged. He recounts the night Jesus was betrayed, explaining the significance of the bread and the cup as the new covenant. Paul warns that participating in an unworthy manner brings judgment and urges self-examination, reminding the believers to wait for one another and honor the sanctity of the gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul discusses cultural customs of the time where men prayed with heads uncovered and women with heads covered to show respect for authority. He notes that while these traditions matter, men and women remain interdependent in the Lord.
The Corinthians were showing favoritism and division, with some eating their own meals first and others going hungry. Paul corrected them by stating that such selfish behavior despised God's assembly and failed to honor the purpose of the meal.
It refers to recognizing the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the unity of the believers as one body. Failure to do so while taking the bread and cup can lead to judgment according to the text.
Study Note
The reference to 'because of the angels' in verse 10 is a rare phrase that highlights the cosmic or spiritual significance Paul attributed to the order of human worship.
Related Chapters
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.