Holy Week · Maundy Thursday · Year C
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The Lord’s Supper
April 13, 2028
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 11:23-26 Working Preacher
A commentary on Paul's tradition of the Lord's Supper.
1 Corinthians 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 11 BibleHub
Classic commentators verse by verse on the words of institution.
1 Corinthians 11 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed word studies and cross-references on the passage.
Background & Word Study
Overview: 1 Corinthians 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.
1 Corinthians, book overview Enter the Bible
A background summary of the letter's setting and themes.
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.
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