1 Corinthians 11:23
"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:"
This week we continue exploring God’s presence with us. Yesterday we looked at John 3:16–17, the famous gospel summary with its “But wait, there’s more!” follow-up.
Today we turn to 1 Corinthians 11. Notice Paul’s careful wording: “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you.” The teaching on the Lord’s Supper is not mere human tradition—it comes by direct divine revelation. Though Paul was not present at the Last Supper, he insists Christ revealed this truth to him personally, giving the ordinance full apostolic and divine authority. (Let that sink in.)
Paul deliberately notes the solemn setting: “the night He was betrayed,” just hours before the crucifixion. This timing highlights Jesus’ love and deliberate foresight in establishing a memorial of His sacrifice amid impending suffering. The reference to betrayal also carries a sober warning against hypocrisy and misuse of the Supper—the very problems plaguing the Corinthian church.
Paul then recounts Jesus’ actions: He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and declared it His body. In this moment, a Passover meal became the new-covenant ritual, pointing directly to His sacrificial death. Through this ordinance, believers are called to remember and proclaim His death until He comes.
Comments
Post a Comment