1 Corinthians 11:20 – A Lordly dinner?

Then, at your coming together in the same place, it is not to be eating the Lord’s dinner.

The ecclesia at Corinth came together not only to hear the Word but also to eat together (: 33). That seems like two very different things, but on closer inspection one is a representation of the other. Both eating and drinking refer to the ingestion of the Word of God. “A man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God” (Mat.4: 4). At one ‘table’ you share what is put forward. It is therefore also a representation of unity and community.

But Paul could not call the meal as the Corinthians took part in it together ‘Lordly’ Lordly may sound a bit strange, but it does well reflect what it means to say. ‘Lordly’ is the adjective form of ‘Lord’, as ‘masterly’ is the adjective form of ‘master’.

In Corinth, one took part in the meal being drunk and another being hungry. That is not “Lordlike.” It is wonderful to be together and to be determined by bread and wine with Him who has conquered death!

Delen: