Holy Week · Holy (Maundy) Thursday
1 Corinthians 11:23-32
The Lord’s Supper
April 2, 2026
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.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reads Paul's words of institution and the call to discern the body.
1 Corinthians 11 Commentary: Conduct at the Lord's Supper Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik covers the tradition Paul received and the warning about unworthy eating.
1 Corinthians 11 Commentary Precept Austin
A study hub of Greek notes and commentators on remembrance and self-examination.
1 Corinthians 11:23 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on the night he was betrayed and the do this in remembrance of me.
Background & Word Study
1 Corinthians - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's overview sets the Corinthian table disputes behind the institution words.
1 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
An animated summary of Paul's letter and its call to unity at the Lord's table.
1 Corinthians 11:23 Interlinear BibleHub
The Greek interlinear shows the words for received, handed on, and remembrance.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Paul hand on about the Lord's Supper?
Paul passes on the words of institution received from the Lord: the bread that is his body and the cup that is the new covenant in his blood, proclaimed until he comes.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 13:1-15 (34-35)
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.