“Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.”– 1 Corinthians 11:17 (KJV)
“But in the following instructions, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together.”– 1 Corinthians 11:17 (NLT)
“The first thing I have to say is that I’m not pleased with you. Your meetings do more harm than good.”– 1 Corinthians 11:17 (MSG)
What Does 1 Corinthians 11:17 Mean?
When we consider the words of 1 Corinthians 11:17, we can see that Paul is addressing the church in Corinth about their gatherings and how their actions affect the body of Christ. He begins with a strong statement, stating that he cannot praise them for their meetings. This is a stark contrast, as often in letters, a writer begins with positive remarks. Why did Paul take this approach? The answer lies in the issues that the Corinthian church was facing. They were meant to come together in unity and bonding, yet their actions created divisions, conflicts, and were harmful instead of beneficial.
This verse points to a deeper problem within the community of believers. It indicates that their intentions and behaviors during these gatherings did not reflect the teachings of Christ. When we gather as a church, the goal is to uplift one another, to build the body of Christ, and to strengthen our faith. However, the Corinthian church was instead causing damage to their fellowship—an important reminder for us when we come together. Are we building each other up, or are we allowing conflicts and divisions to creep in?
1 Corinthians 11:17 Explanation and Commentary
In our exploration of this verse, we must consider the cultural and situational context in which Paul was writing. The Corinthian church was experiencing significant divisions. Some members of the church were behaving in a way that was disruptive and disorderly. Instead of coming together with a spirit of harmony and love, their gatherings were marked by quarrels and selfishness. Whether it was concerning the Lord’s Supper or simply how they treated one another, their actions betrayed the message of love that Paul preached.
We can use this verse as a mirror for ourselves. In our own church family or community, do we gather with love and compassion? Are we seeking to understand our differences and work toward solutions in unity? Paul shows that indifference and lack of appreciation for the communal aspect of faith can lead to disastrous outcomes. When we are gathered together, we should focus on our shared beliefs instead of our disagreements. We are called to come together, to gear our hearts towards fostering understanding, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
This also brings up the importance of intentions. When we come together for worship, fellowship, or breaking bread, the goal should be to glorify God and strengthen our relationship with Him and with each other. Paul’s concern illustrates that our gatherings should serve the purpose of building us up in faith, not tearing us apart. It is our responsibility to take a step back and evaluate whether our actions during community events align with the core of our faith—the love of Christ.
Context of 1 Corinthians 11:17
The context surrounding 1 Corinthians 11:17 is crucial to understanding what Paul is trying to convey. The Corinthian church was dealing with a multitude of issues at this historical point. Located in a diverse city filled with differing cultural influences, the church was struggling with unity. Paul had previously given them direction regarding spiritual gifts, but they were grappling with various misunderstandings about their identities within the body of Christ.
The social and economic disparity among the members of this church led to a lack of respect and kindness toward one another. These differences were magnified during the communal meals where wealthier members would eat to their fill while poorer members went hungry. This disparity painted a shameful picture of division instead of unity. By addressing these issues, Paul was not condemning the whole church; rather, he was calling them to self-examination. He aimed for them to realize that their actions not only reflected poorly on them but also on the message they were trying to convey to the world about Jesus.
To clarify, Paul is not against gathering itself, but he emphasizes how it should be done in a way that builds relationship—a reflection of Christ’s love. By setting them on the right path, he encourages them to reassess their behavior and find joy and positivity in being a community of believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 11:17
The phrase “I cannot praise you” serves as a heart-wrenching moment in this verse. What do we take from this sentiment? Paul clearly identifies that praise is not warranted when the outcome of these gatherings leads to more harm than good. This brings to light our personal conduct in communal setups.
When we gather for church events, the overarching outcome should be strengthening our bonds. It forces us to reconsider our motives in actions we take within our communities. Are we genuinely seeking the welfare of all members, or do we have a tendency to prioritize our interests above the group’s well-being? Each gathering should act as a reminder, bringing us back to the basics of love, unity, and support for one another.
Furthermore, the phrase “do more harm than good” really drives the message home. It signifies that our actions have consequences, and we need to take responsibility for how we treat each other. When we prioritize our agendas over compassion, unity can suffer tremendously. This can create a ripple effect that influences countless individuals within the body of Christ. As we process this, we should actively pursue reconciliation and love in our gatherings.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Corinthians 11:17
From Paul’s remarks, we can derive essential lessons on how we interact within the community of faith. Firstly, our gatherings should promote a sense of belonging. We come to experience love, encouragement, and hope. When advising against harmful behavior, Paul is not just calling out wrongdoing; he is also redirecting focus back toward the fundamental nature of Christian fellowship, which is rooted in love.
We also learn the importance of self-examination. Paul calls for the Corinthian believers to evaluate their actions within the congregation. This invites us to reflect on how we contribute to our church environments. Are we uplifting others and being respectful, or are we inadvertently creating division? It is essential to assess our conduct regularly, ensuring that it aligns with God’s love and character.
Finally, we recognize the value of fostering unity. Unity is a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus and throughout the New Testament. When Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, He recognized how it exemplifies God’s love to the world. By putting aside our differences and focusing on what we have in common—our faith in Christ—we can overcome divisive behaviors.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 11:17 reminds us of the significance of our gatherings as a community of believers. Though we may face challenges, it is vital that we approach each event with a spirit of love and unity. We must continuously aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued and cherished.
Let us strive to learn from Paul’s letter, reflecting on our interactions and ensuring that they contribute positively to the body of Christ. By being mindful of how we come together, we can create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can encounter God’s love and grow in their faith. If you would like to explore more topics, check out these related resources: Joshua 10:15, Joshua 10:19, Acts 14:19.