Understanding 1 Corinthians 11:28 in Context

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:28, instructs believers regarding participation in the Lord's Supper: "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup" ^[1]. This verse is part of a larger discourse (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) where Paul addresses abuses and misunderstandings concerning the celebration of the Eucharist within the Corinthian church.

Literary Context

Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:28 are situated within a section of his letter that deals with order and conduct in worship. Prior to this passage, Paul discusses head coverings for men and women during prayer and prophecy (1 Corinthians 11:2-16), a topic that touches on creation order and gender roles, noting that "man is made in God’s image" ^[3]. He then transitions to the Lord's Supper, criticizing the Corinthians for their divisive and self-serving practices during their communal meals, which preceded the Supper itself. He recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing its significance as a remembrance of Christ's body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Immediately preceding verse 28, Paul warns against partaking "unworthily," stating that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be "guilty concerning the body and the blood of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:27). This sets the stage for the call to self-examination in verse 28. Following this verse, Paul elaborates on the consequences of not discerning the body, including sickness and death among the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:29-30), and concludes with an exhortation to judge themselves so they might not be judged by the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:31-32) ^[1].

Historical Setting

The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, a prominent Roman colony in Greece. Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its trade and diverse population, but also for its moral laxity and various philosophical and religious influences. The church in Corinth faced numerous internal problems, including divisions, ethical issues, and theological misunderstandings, which Paul addresses throughout the letter. The specific issues surrounding the Lord's Supper stemmed from social stratification within the church, where wealthier members were eating their fill while poorer members went hungry, thereby shaming them and undermining the communal nature of the meal ^[1]. Paul's teaching aims to correct these abuses and restore the sacred meaning and proper observance of the Supper.

Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions

The central command in 1 Corinthians 11:28 is "let a man examine himself" (δοκιμαζέτω ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτόν). The Greek verb dokimazetō means "to test, examine, prove, scrutinize." It implies a process of careful evaluation to determine genuineness or fitness ^[1]. This self-examination is not merely a superficial check but a thorough introspection of one's spiritual state and attitude toward the Lord's Supper.

The phrase "and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup" (καὶ οὕτως ἐκ τοῦ ἄρτου ἐσθιέτω καὶ ἐκ τοῦ ποτηρίου πινέτω) indicates that the self-examination is a prerequisite for worthy participation. The "so" (οὕτως) links the examination directly to the act of partaking, implying that one should only proceed after a proper self-assessment ^[1].

A significant interpretive decision in this passage concerns the meaning of "discerning the body" in the subsequent verse (1 Corinthians 11:29). While some interpret "the body of Christ" in this context as referring to the church, the Tyndale House commentary suggests that in light of 1 Corinthians 11:27, it "is probably to be understood here as a reference to the death of Christ" ^[6]. This interpretation emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ's body broken for believers. However, the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary notes that "Most of the oldest manuscripts omit 'Lord's'" in 1 Corinthians 11:27, which could influence the interpretation of "the body" in verse 29 ^[5].

Range of Interpretations

The call to self-examination in 1 Corinthians 11:28 has been a cornerstone of Christian teaching on the Lord's Supper across various traditions.

One common interpretation, as articulated by the Tyndale House commentary, is that Christians should "confess their sins and consider what the bread and the cup signify (11:26)" before partaking ^[2]. This view emphasizes personal repentance and a conscious understanding of the theological meaning of the sacrament. The self-examination is thus a moment for individuals to reflect on their spiritual condition, confess any known sins, and reaffirm their faith in Christ's atoning work.

The consequences of failing to examine oneself and partaking unworthily are highlighted in the verses immediately following 1 Corinthians 11:28. Paul states that those who eat and drink without discerning the body eat and drink judgment upon themselves, leading to physical weakness, sickness, and even death among the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:29-30) ^[1]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary clarifies that the term often translated as "damnation" in 1 Corinthians 11:29 is better rendered as "judgment," referring to temporal consequences rather than eternal condemnation ^[5]. The Tyndale House commentary concurs, noting that such judgment "may be expressed in infirmities, sickness, and even death" ^[6]. This understanding underscores the seriousness with which Paul viewed the Lord's Supper and the importance of approaching it with reverence and a right attitude.

The nature of the "unworthy" participation is often understood in light of the specific abuses Paul addresses in Corinth. The Corinthians were coming together not for a unified meal but for a fragmented one, where some ate to excess while others went hungry, thereby failing to recognize their unity as the body of Christ and dishonoring the poor among them ^[1]. Therefore, self-examination would involve assessing one's attitude toward fellow believers and ensuring that one is not contributing to division or disrespect within the community. While the Tyndale House commentary leans towards "the death of Christ" as the primary meaning of "the body of Christ" in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30, it acknowledges that "some interpret it that way" as referring to the church ^[6]. This broader understanding of "discerning the body" would encompass both a theological understanding of Christ's sacrifice and a practical recognition of the unity of believers as Christ's body on earth.

Adam Clarke, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians, cross-references 1 Corinthians 11:32 with 1 Corinthians 11:29, indicating a connection between being judged and the consequences of unworthy participation ^[4]. This reinforces the idea that the self-examination is a preventative measure to avoid divine judgment.

Function in Tradition

The instruction in 1 Corinthians 11:28 has profoundly influenced the practice and theology of the Lord's Supper across Christian denominations. It has led to the widespread practice of self-examination, often encouraged through pastoral teaching, devotional guides, and liturgical practices that include moments for confession and reflection before communion.

In many traditions, this verse serves as a basis for requiring communicants to be baptized members of the church and to be in good standing, implying a level of spiritual maturity and commitment necessary for proper self-examination. It also undergirds the practice of closed communion in some churches, where participation is restricted to those who have publicly professed faith and been admitted to membership, ensuring that participants are capable of the required self-discernment.

The emphasis on self-examination also highlights the individual's responsibility in approaching sacred rites. While the Lord's Supper is a communal meal, 1 Corinthians 11:28 places a significant burden on each individual to prepare their heart and mind. This personal accountability is balanced with the communal aspect of the Supper, where believers gather as one body to remember Christ's sacrifice and anticipate his return. The passage thus functions to maintain both the sanctity of the sacrament and the spiritual health of the individual participant.