Useful Bible Studies > 1 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 11
When there is a serious problem with people’s behaviour at church meetings, sometimes simple changes can deal with the problem.
In Corinth, church members were behaving in an unholy manner when they shared the bread and wine (11:20-22). First, Paul reminded them what Jesus had taught about this matter (11:23-26). Then, he urged them to examine their own thoughts and attitudes (11:27-32).
Finally, Paul told the church leaders to make two simple changes to that meeting:
(1) Formerly, people had brought their own food to the meeting. At the meeting, they ate as much as they wanted. But now the church members must eat their food at home. At the meeting, they would just share a little bread and wine, to remember Jesus’ death.
(2) Formerly, people began to eat their food as soon as they arrived. This made the meeting like a party, except that each person brought his own food. But now anyone who arrived early would have to wait for the other members. So the meeting would begin at its proper time, probably with prayer. That would make the meeting a more serious occasion, and people would respect its importance.
Paul adds that he wants to make some other arrangements, too. There are other things to deal with, but they do not need immediate attention. It would be better for Paul to explain these things to them himself, rather than to send a letter. Perhaps these words end Paul’s reply to the letter that he mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:1. However, Paul has not finished the Book of 1 Corinthians. There are some more important subjects that God wanted him to teach the Christians in Corinth.
Next part: How the Holy Spirit works among Christians (1 Corinthians 12:1)
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© 2014, Keith Simons.