Meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:17

This verse, 1 Corinthians 11:17, indicates that the Apostle Paul is addressing a serious deficiency in the Corinthian church's gatherings. Despite their enthusiasm for meeting, the manner in which they conducted these assemblies was not only failing to edify them but was actively causing spiritual and communal harm. The phrase "no praise for you" is a stark condemnation, signaling that their conduct had fallen short of God's expectations and was undermining the very purpose of Christian fellowship. The problem was not the act of gathering itself, but the way they were gathering, leading to division, disrespect, and a perversion of the Lord's Supper.

Context and Background

The Corinthian church was a vibrant but deeply flawed community, marked by internal divisions, pride, and a struggle with various social and moral issues. Paul's letter to them addresses numerous problems, and chapter 11 specifically tackles issues related to worship, particularly the observance of the Lord's Supper and the conduct of men and women during their meetings. The divisions mentioned earlier in the chapter (1 Cor 11:18-19) likely contributed to the disorderly and harmful nature of their gatherings. It seems that social distinctions and perhaps even economic disparities were being exacerbated rather than overcome within the church setting, turning what should have been a unifying event into a source of shame and discord.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes here are order, unity, and the proper observance of sacred rites. Paul emphasizes that Christian gatherings are intended to build up the body of Christ, fostering mutual respect and love. When these gatherings become characterized by disunity, disrespect, or a failure to recognize the spiritual significance of the occasion, they become detrimental. The verse highlights the critical importance of how believers conduct themselves in corporate worship, suggesting that outward forms and attitudes are intrinsically linked to the spiritual health of the community. The message is clear: the intent behind the gathering (worship and fellowship) must be reflected in the practice of the gathering.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in the understanding that the church's corporate life is a tangible expression of its faith. When believers gather, they are representing Christ to each other and to the world. Disruptive or self-serving behavior in such settings dishonors God and damages the witness of the church. For contemporary believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder to examine the nature of their own church meetings. Are they characterized by genuine love, humility, and mutual edification, or by division, pride, and neglect of spiritual discipline? The application is to strive for gatherings that are not only well-attended but also spiritually healthy, where the presence of Christ is honored and the community is strengthened in faith and love.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage fits within the broader biblical narrative of God's people striving for holiness and unity in their communal life. From the Old Testament tabernacle and temple worship, which demanded specific protocols and attitudes, to the New Testament emphasis on the church as the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 3:16), God has always been concerned with the proper worship and conduct of His people. Jesus' teachings on love for neighbor and the unity of believers (John 13:34-35, John 17:20-23) are directly contravened by the disunity Paul addresses in Corinth. The New Testament epistles consistently call for order and love within the church, reflecting God's desire for a redeemed community that lives in harmony.

Analogies

Imagine a family reunion where, instead of celebrating their shared heritage and love, family members are constantly arguing, belittling each other, and hoarding food. The gathering, meant to strengthen bonds, ends up creating deeper rifts and leaving everyone feeling resentful and unfulfilled. Similarly, a sports team that comes together for practice but spends the time bickering, refusing to pass the ball, and undermining the coach, will not improve and will likely lose their next game. Their practice is counterproductive, doing more harm than good.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with several other biblical passages:

• 1 Corinthians 11:18-19: Paul explicitly states, "For in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And to some extent I believe it. For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." This directly links the divisions to the harmful nature of their meetings.
• 1 Corinthians 14:26: Paul offers a positive counterpoint: "What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up." This verse outlines the ideal purpose of church gatherings – edification.
• Romans 12:4-5: "For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same purpose, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." This emphasizes the unity and interdependence that should characterize the church.
• Ephesians 4:1-3: Paul exhorts believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." This describes the attitude necessary for harmonious fellowship.