Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 11:34

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:34

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:34

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come." — 1 Corinthians 11:34 (ASV)

And if any man hunger, etc. The Lord's Supper is not a common feast; it is not designed as a place where anyone may gratify their appetite. It is designed as a simple commemoration, and not as a feast. This remark was intended to correct their views of the Supper and to show them that it was to be distinguished from the ordinary idea of a feast or festival.

That you come not together to condemnation. This means that the effect of your coming together for the observance of the Lord's Supper should not be to produce condemnation (see 1 Corinthians 11:29).

And the rest I will set in order, etc. Paul probably refers here to other matters on which he had been consulted, or other things which he knew required adjustment.

The other matters pertaining to the order and discipline of the church he would defer until he could come among them and personally arrange them. It is evident from this that Paul, at this time, intended to go to Corinth soon (see 2 Corinthians 1:15–16). It was doubtless true that there might be many things desirable to adjust in the church there, which could not be done as well by letter.

Therefore, the main things that were necessary to correct immediately, he had discussed in this letter; the other matters he reserved to be arranged by himself when he would go among them. Paul was disappointed in his expectations of returning to them as soon as he had intended (see 2 Corinthians 1:17), and because of this disappointment, he sent them another epistle.

If all Christians would implicitly follow his directions here regarding the Lord's Supper, it would be an ordinance full of comfort. May all understand its nature and partake of it in such a way that they will meet the approval of their Lord, and so that it may be the means of saving grace to their souls.