Meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:28

This verse from 1 Corinthians 11:28, "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup," directly instructs believers to engage in a period of self-reflection and introspection prior to participating in the Lord's Supper. Paul is addressing the Corinthians, who were experiencing significant division and disorder within their church, particularly during their communal meals that included the observance of the Supper. This self-examination is not a ritualistic or guilt-laden exercise, but rather a sober assessment of one's spiritual state, ensuring that participation is done in a manner that honors God and reflects the unity of the body of Christ, rather than in a way that exacerbates existing divisions or demonstrates a lack of understanding of the significance of the meal.

Context and Background

The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, a city known for its wealth, paganism, and social stratification. The Corinthian believers were struggling with various issues, including divisions within the church, pride, sexual immorality, and disputes over spiritual gifts. The specific context for this verse is Paul's correction of their practice of the Lord's Supper. It appears that their communal meals, which incorporated the Lord's Supper, had devolved into occasions of selfish indulgence and social distinction, where the poor were shamed and the sacred meal was treated with irreverence. Paul emphasizes that the Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a symbol of unity, and their current practices were undermining both.

Key Themes and Messages

• Self-Examination: The core command is to "examine themselves." This implies a personal, introspective process of evaluating one's heart, motives, and spiritual condition.
• Worthiness: While not about earning salvation, the examination is about discerning if one is approaching the Supper in a worthy manner, meaning with a right heart, repentance, and an understanding of its significance.
• Discernment of the Lord's Body: Paul links this examination to "discerning the Lord's body" (1 Cor. 11:29). This refers both to the literal body of Christ broken for us and the metaphorical body of Christ, which is the church. A disunited and unloving church cannot properly partake in a meal that signifies unity.
• Avoiding Judgment: The consequence of not examining oneself is eating and drinking "judgment" upon oneself, meaning facing God's discipline or condemnation for treating the sacred meal with contempt (1 Cor. 11:29-30).

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of this verse lies in its call to intentional discipleship and mindful worship. Participating in the Lord's Supper is not a mere formality but a profound act of remembrance, communion, and identification with Christ and His body. Self-examination allows believers to approach the table with humility, repentance for sins, and a renewed commitment to Christ. It is an opportunity to confess known sins, seek forgiveness, and realign one's heart with God's will. This practice fosters spiritual growth, strengthens one's relationship with God, and promotes unity within the church by encouraging individuals to address any relational issues that might hinder their fellowship.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is integral to the New Testament's teaching on the sacraments and the nature of Christian community. The Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus Himself (Luke 22:19-20), is a central act of Christian worship, meant to be a perpetual memorial of His atoning sacrifice. Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 11 builds upon this foundation, providing practical guidance for its proper observance. The emphasis on self-examination and unity resonates with the broader biblical narrative of redemption, where humanity is called to repentance and reconciliation with God, and subsequently, with one another, as the people of God. The concept of the "body of Christ" as a unified entity is a recurring theme in Paul's letters (e.g., Romans 12:4-5, Ephesians 4:11-16), underscoring the importance of healthy community for the flourishing of believers.

Analogies

Consider the analogy of preparing for a significant meeting with a respected dignitary. One would ensure their attire is appropriate, their presentation is well-researched, and their demeanor is respectful. Similarly, before partaking in the Lord's Supper, a believer is called to "prepare the way of the Lord" within their own hearts, ensuring their spirit is aligned with the solemnity and joy of the occasion. Another analogy is that of a soldier preparing for battle; they would check their equipment, ensure their readiness, and be aware of their comrades. The self-examination is a spiritual readiness check, ensuring one is equipped to engage in this spiritual warfare and communion with fellow soldiers in Christ.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Corinthians 11:27: This verse directly precedes 11:28 and states, "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." This highlights the seriousness of approaching the Supper without proper consideration.
• 1 Corinthians 11:29-30: These verses immediately follow, explaining the consequences of unworthy participation: "For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and ill, and a number sleep." This further emphasizes the need for discernment.
• 1 Corinthians 10:16: "Is not the cup of thanksgiving that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" This verse explains the symbolic and spiritual reality of communion.
• 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" This verse offers a broader exhortation to examine one's fundamental faith, which is a prerequisite for proper participation in any aspect of Christian life, including the Supper.
• Matthew 5:23-24: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." This teaching of Jesus underscores the priority of relational reconciliation before approaching God in worship, a principle deeply embedded in the self-examination for the Lord's Supper.