Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
Read it in contextDivisions at the supper
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 11:17 (1 Corinthians 11:17 to 1 Corinthians 11:22).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The Corinthians' treatment of one another contradicts the purpose of gathering to eat the Lord's supper.
11:17Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
11:18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
11:19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
11:20When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
11:21For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
11:22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 11:1–14:40): Paul instructs the Corinthian congregation about worship, the Lord's supper, spiritual gifts, love, and orderly participation in the assembly. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Divisions at the supper. Read 1 Corinthians 11:17 through 1 Corinthians 11:22 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The Corinthians' treatment of one another contradicts the purpose of gathering to eat the Lord's supper. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Divisions at the supper (1 Corinthians 11:17 to 1 Corinthians 11:22).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 11:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 11
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul addresses the church's practice of praying and prophesying through a discussion of headship, honour, and distinctions within the gathered setting.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the received account of the supper and calls for discernment and waiting for one another, joining remembrance with responsible conduct.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.