1Cor 11:17-34 | Abbott | STEP | Not for the better; in such a manner that no good results.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Not for the better; in such a manner that no good results.

And I partly believe it. This disposition of the apostle to abate something from the evil of the reports which he heard against his brethren, is an example to us all. Instead of reluctantly admitting, such evidence, and believing only a part, men generally believe a little more than is told them.

When ye come together; in your religious assemblies.—This is not, &c.; is not honestly and truly.

Every one taketh, &c.; that is, in disorder and confusion.—Is drunken. Some persons, unwilling to admit that intoxicating drink was used by the early Christians at the Lord's supper, understand this expression to mean is surfeited. Others, however, contend that there is no sufficient ground for deviating from the proper signification of the original term, which is well represented by the English phrase as it stands. Still we are not to suppose that absolute intoxication is intended. It is strange that the solemn ceremony of the Lord's supper should be perverted so soon to any such excesses; but the temptation to such a sin was probably greatly increased among these converts, by the idolatrous revellings which prevailed around them, and to which they had themselves, perhaps, been accustomed.

Unworthily; in an unworthy manner; that is, in the irreverent and disorderly manner condemned above.—Guilty of the body and blood, &c.; guilty of treating them with profane disrespect.

Not discerning the Lord's body; not discerning the spiritual character and import of the ceremony; that is, he makes no distinction between the Lord's supper and an ordinary festival.

Weak and sickly; in their spiritual condition.—Sleep; are in a state of spiritual slumber; so this expression is used in other places. (See 1 Thess. 5:6.) Many commentators understand this language to refer to bodily diseases and death, sent among these offenders in judgment for their sins.

If we would judge ourselves; examine ourselves, and correct what is wrong.—Be judged; be condemned and punished by God.