1 Corinthians 11:30 – The best medicine

For he who is eating and drinking unworthily is eating and drinking judgement to himself, not discriminating the body of the Lord. Therefore many among you are infirm an ailing, and a considerable number are reposing.

Paul sees a direct relationship between the weak condition of the believers in Corinth and their ‘not discriminating of the body’. Many in the Corinthian community were weak or sickly and the number of people who had reposed was remarkably high. The connection that Paul makes between missing spiritual insight and physical condition is sensitive. Of course, the proposition cannot be reversed either: weak, sickly (or even worse), is no proof of poor mental discernment.

But still … this reservation does not affect the fact that spiritual insight and view have healing effect. Proverbs 17:22 says: “A rejoicing heart does good as a cure, Yet a despondent spirit dries up the ribs” Certainly, a happy heart is no guarantee for a healthy constitution. Just as a defeated spirit does not necessarily make you sick. But still, “a good report confers richness on the bones” (Proverbs 15:30). Would that certainly not apply to the Good Message ?! And the meaning of bread and cup? There is no better medicine! The Corinthians had forgotten that to their own damage …

Delen: