What does 1 Corinthians 11:22 speak about?

1 Corinthians 11:22 does not forbid food in a church building, but rather exposes selfishness and the humiliation of the poor during the gathering of the congregation. The apostle Paul teaches that the Lord’s Supper and all church fellowship should reflect the sacrificial love of Christ, rather than social inequality.

Historical Context: The Shared Meal and the Lord’s Supper

In the first century, Christians often gathered in homes. Their worship could include a shared fellowship meal, after which or within the context of which the Lord’s Supper was observed. This was intended to be a sign of unity: the wealthier shared with those who had less, and everyone together remembered the death and resurrection of Jesus.

However, in Corinth, this practice had become distorted. Wealthier believers apparently arrived earlier, brought their own food, and began eating without waiting for the poorer members of the congregation. Some even became drunk, while others—especially slaves or day laborers who could not arrive early—remained hungry.

“For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. … Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.” 1 Cor 11:18–21

Thus, the problem was not the mere act of eating. The problem was that a meal intended to express brotherhood had become a display of the abundance of some and the lack of others.

What Does It Mean: “Do You Not Have Houses?”

Paul’s question sounds sharp, but its meaning is clear: if a person simply wants to satisfy their own appetite without regard for others, they can do so at home. The church gathering must not become a place where someone acts as if the congregation exists solely for their personal comfort.

“What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.” 1 Cor 11:22

The words “despise the church of God” reveal the seriousness of the situation. The church is not merely a building, nor is it a private club for like-minded individuals. It is God’s family, redeemed by the blood of Christ. To humiliate a needy brother or sister is to despise Christ Himself, who identifies with His people.

Therefore, this text cannot honestly be used as an absolute ban on church potlucks, fellowship teas, or charitable meals. If food serves hospitality, fellowship, and caring for others, it does not contradict Paul’s principle. But if it breeds wastefulness, division, arrogance, or the neglect of the needy, then the spirit of this passage is violated.

The Lord’s Supper: Proclaiming Christ’s Sacrifice

Following his rebuke, Paul directs the Corinthians back to what the Lord instituted. The bread and the cup are not ordinary food: they remind us of the body of Christ given for us and His blood of the New Covenant. Participating in the Supper is also a proclamation of hope in the Savior’s return.

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” 1 Cor 11:26

It is impossible to genuinely proclaim the love of the crucified Christ while simultaneously demeaning the one for whom He died. This is why the apostle speaks of the need for spiritual self-examination. He is not demanding sinlessness as a prerequisite for participation—no one is worthy by their own merit. Rather, Paul condemns an unrepentant, selfish, and disrespectful attitude toward the Lord and His body, the church.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Cor 11:28

“Discerning the Body” Means Seeing Christ and His People

When Paul speaks of not discerning the body, he primarily refers to the sacred meaning of Christ’s sacrifice. Yet throughout the chapter, the concept of the congregation as the body of Christ is also prominent. The Corinthians were not behaving like one family: their practice drove a wedge between the full and the hungry, the influential and the overlooked.

“For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Cor 11:29

Elsewhere, Paul explains God’s design for the church: the various members should have the same care for one another. Christian unity does not mean everyone has identical wealth, talents, or social standing. It means that no one is left neglected.

“that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” 1 Cor 12:25

Ellen White emphasized that the ordinance of foot-washing, which in Adventist practice precedes the Lord’s Supper, is intended to break down pride, alienation, and class barriers. It prepares the heart for humility and reconciliation with brothers and sisters in Christ.

A Principle for the Contemporary Church

This passage speaks to every congregation. We can repeat Corinth’s mistake not only around a dining table. It happens whenever prominent individuals are honored more than quiet ones; when someone with few means feels ashamed because of their clothing or circumstances; when a newcomer is left standing alone; or when church resources are spent on the comfort of a few while the needs of the vulnerable are overlooked.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 11:22 is a call to mutual respect, equality, and sacrificial love within the church of God. Paul is not waging war against food; he is confronting the selfishness that destroys fellowship and distorts the true meaning of the Lord’s Supper. The practical application is simple: before your next worship service, shared meal, or communion, ask yourself: “Am I noticing those who might feel lonely, impoverished, or overlooked? What can I do to help them feel Christ’s love?”