Our studies have explored some verses in 1 Corinthians in which the word ekklesia, translated “church,” is employed, and lessons have been applied to present-day assembly situations. This second to last article highlights a little cluster of usages in chapter 11.
Symbols
Chapter 11 is a chapter of symbols. The first half of the chapter deals with the symbols of headship in the assembly, the uncovered heads of the men and the covered heads of the women. A previous article mentioned that the apostles were never opposed to that practice, and neither were the churches of God (v16). It appears, then, that the tokens of headship were in place among assemblies generally and only Corinth was out of step. I appeal to you to keep these biblical traditions in place. We want to make outsiders who come in to our halls as comfortable as possible, but it is possible to be welcoming and warm without violating biblical principles in order to accommodate their nervous feelings about entering what may seem to them an alien environment.
Further symbolism relates to the loaf and the cup, the symbols of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus. In introducing the subject, Paul addresses the problem of inappropriate behavior at the Lord’s Supper, and it is in that section that he twice uses the word “church” (vv18,22).
Having praised them for their adherence to various traditions (v2), he now commences his paragraph of censure with “I praise you not” (v17).1
What was praiseworthy was spoiled by unbefitting conduct in another area. God wants consistency among His people. “O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always!” (Deu 5:29). That consistency was lacking at Corinth, and as ever, we have to make application to our own lives. Are we firm about some aspects of Bible teaching and careless about others? Let us endeavor to emulate the Philippians, of whom Paul said, “Ye have always obeyed” (Php 2:12).
Coming Together
Paul highlighted that their coming together was “not for the better, but for the worse” (1Co 11:17). What should have been honoring to the Lord had been turned into a self-gratifying event. What should have been for the edifying of the saints left some of them embarrassed and ashamed. What should have been the Lord’s Supper had degenerated into a social affair with over-indulgent overtones. How could they call such a gathering “the Lord’s Supper” when things had become so decadent? It is unlikely that readers today will have experienced anything quite like that, but we need to be on guard lest circumstances arise which would render a gathering “not for the better, but for the worse.” Any unpleasantness which leaves the saints on edge rather than in the enjoyment of the divine presence should be avoided. It is tragic if believers return home feeling depressed rather than uplifted.
When the KJV speaks about their coming together “in the church” (v18), it almost gives credence to the idea that the building is the church. However, most translations express it as coming together “as a church,” or coming together “in assembly.” Here, the gathering in question is for the breaking of bread, and Paul’s main concern is that while gathering together, there was no togetherness! He sees a secondary significance in the loaf as being an expression of the unity of the body of Christ (10:17). That unity was being denied in practical terms at Corinth so he highlights that fact “first of all” (11:18). The matter of disunity is top priority; it must be addressed and corrected.
Social Divisions
News of divisions and “heresies” (factions, most translations) had reached him, and even allowing for exaggeration, their previous history made him inclined to believe it. People can guess what to expect of us by our previous record. It was expected that Ahimaaz would carry “good tidings” because he was a “good man” (2Sa 18:27). When David saw Doeg the Edomite at Nob, the alarm bells rang, and after Doeg slaughtered the priests, he said, “I knew it that day …” (1Sa 22:22). Let us create such a track record as will encourage people to have high expectations of us rather than to prepare themselves for disappointment.
Not everyone at Corinth was contentious. There were those who would have no part with the cliques and did not participate in the infighting. The general disarray threw into relief the fact that there were those who were godly, those who were “approved” (1Co 11:19). I take it that the approval is divine approval. For sure, the general condition of the assembly did not invite approval, for among the things that the Lord hates is “he that soweth discord among brethren” (Pro 6:19). By contrast, those who were approved could claim the Lord’s promise, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Mat 5:9); by being peaceable they were exhibiting “the wisdom that is from above” (Jas 3:17). Again, we must apply, and ask ourselves the question, into which of these categories do we fit? Do we disturb the peace of the assembly or are we “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3)?
The discord in chapter 11 is somewhat different from what is highlighted in the first four chapters. There they were championing the qualities of various preachers, and their perceived loyalty to these preachers created tension between the different factions. Here, the issue is the social gulf between assembly members; there were the “haves” and the “have nots” (v22). The holy occasions for remembering the Lord had been turned into social gatherings with everyone bringing their own provisions. Some flaunted their wealth and indulged to the extent of intoxication. The poor went hungry, and it seems that they were left to be hungry, and in neglecting them, the pompous were guilty of “despising” the church of God (v22). The fact that these sensitive souls were ignored and despised because they were on the bottom rung of the social ladder was putting them to shame.
These precise circumstances might not be replicated today, but there is a danger that saints with limited resources could be overlooked and regarded as unimportant, or, to use the word in the verse, “despised.” “A proud look” is another of the things that the Lord hates (Pro 6:17). Never look down your nose at anyone, especially if that individual is part of “the church of God.” An assembly of God should never reflect the snobbery of a middle-class social club. Every believer should be valued and nurtured.
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV.
