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Holy Week · Maundy Thursday · Year A

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Lord’s Supper

April 2, 2026

The Last Supper, Juan de Juanes
The Last Supper, Juan de Juanes, c. 1562Museo del Prado, Madrid
A Valencian altarpiece where the host is held up at the centre and the apostles' names are written in their haloes, so it functions as a diagram as well as a scene.For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you: Paul's account of this night is the oldest written one there is.Juan de JuanesThe leading painter of Renaissance Valencia, whose devotional images were so admired locally that he was spoken of as having painted from vision.Museo del Prado, MadridSpain's national collection, formed from what the Spanish crown had bought over three centuries, which is why its Titians and Rubenses are unmatched.Museo del Prado, Madrid
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelJohn 13:1-17, 31b-35Jn 13:1-17, 31b-35
Epistle1 Cor. 11:23-261 Cor 11:23-26
Old TestamentExod. 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14Ex 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
PsalterPs. 116:1-2, 12-19Ps 116:1-2, 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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Commentary

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

A commentary on Paul's tradition of the Lord's Supper.

1 Corinthians 11, Conduct at the Lord's Supper1 Cor 11, Conduct at the Lord's Supper Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the whole chapter.

Classic commentaries on 1 Corinthians 11Classic commentaries on 1 Cor 11 BibleHub

Classic commentators verse by verse on the words of institution.

1 Corinthians 11 Commentary1 Cor 11 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed word studies and cross-references on the passage.

Background & Word Study

Overview: 1 CorinthiansOverview: 1 Cor BibleProject

An animated overview of Paul's letter and its concern for unity at the table.

Theme: Sacrifice and Atonement BibleProject

A theme video tracing the sacrifice and covenant-meal ideas behind the Supper.

The Church Fathers

1 Corinthians 11, patristic commentary1 Cor 11, patristic commentary Catena

Patristic comments on Paul's account of the Lord's Supper.

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