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Holy Week · Maundy Thursday · Year A

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

The Lord’s Supper

April 2, 2026

Communion of the Apostles, Justus van Gent (Joos van Wassenhove)
Communion of the Apostles, Justus van Gent (Joos van Wassenhove), 1473–1474Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, Urbino
A Netherlandish painter working for the Duke of Urbino, who put the duke himself into the picture as a spectator alongside a Persian ambassador.For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you: the reading is Paul's account of this, and the painting is the apostles receiving it.Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, UrbinoThe ducal palace at Urbino, one of the most admired buildings of the Renaissance, now holding the region's collection.Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, Urbino
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelMatt. 26:17-30Mt 26:17-30Alt. GospelJohn 13:1-17, 31b-35Jn 13:1-17, 31b-35
EpistleHeb. 9:11-22Heb 9:11-22Alt. Epistle1 Cor. 11:23-321 Cor 11:23-32
Old TestamentExod. 24:3-11Ex 24:3-11Alt. OTExod. 12:1-14Ex 12:1-14
PsalterPs. 116:12-19Ps 116:12-19

Overview & Insights

“Do this in remembrance of me… For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)

The danger of an amalgamation between pagan and Christian worship loomed in the Corinthian setting. After pointing out how clothing (veiling) blurred what should have been a clear distinction between pagan and Christian worship practices (11:2–16), Paul now turns to the issue of the Lord’s Supper itself. The very rooms in homes that used to host pagan worship in the setting of a private dinner were now the space for Christian worship, including the Christian meal called the Lord’s Supper (see the “Additional Insights” following this unit). A mere change of liturgy, prayers, and readings is insufficient—Christian worship requires a form that expresses the content of Christ’s gospel. Interpretive Insight 11:17 In the following directives I have no praise for you. Striking a sterner tone, Paul contrasts his commendation in 11:2 with the opposite statement here.

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Take it further: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26Commentary on 1 Cor 11:23-26 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary's Maundy Thursday commentary on Paul's account of the institution of the Supper.

1 Corinthians 11 Commentary1 Cor 11 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse by verse commentary covering the Lord's Supper section of the chapter.

1 Corinthians 11 Commentary: Concerning Women1 Cor 11 Commentary: Concerning Women Enduring Word

David Guzik's commentary works through Paul's instructions on the Supper and self-examination.

Background & Word Study

What Is the Sacrament of the Altar? CTSFW (Hermann Sasse)

A classic Lutheran theological essay on the real presence rooted in this Corinthians text.

The Church Fathers

1 Corinthians 111 Cor 11 Catena Bible

Patristic comment collected verse by verse across the institution narrative.

Sermons & Reflections

Holy Week Helps: Maundy Thursday 1517.org

Preaching helps for the Maundy Thursday epistle centered on the new covenant in the Supper.

Worship & Prayers

The Sacrament of the Altar Book of Concord (Large Catechism)

Luther's own exposition of this text as the confessional basis for the Lutheran doctrine of the Supper.

Podcast

The Lord's Supper, Part 1 - Dr. John KleinigThe Lord's Supper, Part 1 - Dr. Jn Kleinig Issues, Etc.

A Lutheran radio conversation on the theology of the Supper grounded in this text.

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