1 Corinthians 11:33 Commentary and Bible Study

This is the point of all that Paul has said as he has corrected the church on this significant problem. In doing so, he has to remind them of the deep significance of the Lord’s Supper in a passage which is often read at the Lord’s Table and is precious to the churches as they come together for this ordinance. They must wait for one another, because it is a symbolic meal that should be eaten together. It represents the same benefit of salvation which all receive from the Lord, and all need equally, and therefore it is fitting that they wait for one another. But the symbolism is also destroyed if they come only to satisfy their hunger. Therefore they should eat at home before they come together to worship and can focus on the meaning of this symbolic meal without distraction.His warning is given to prevent the judgment of God going ahead, but if they will not heed it, he will judge them. The Lord does not want to have to judge his people, especially in this severe way, but it must be corrected, either by them judging themselves, or by God judging them.There are other matters which need attention, but they can wait until Paul is present with them. The term ‘set in order’ is a term of strong apostolic authority. It means command, arrange, ordain. It is similar to the verse earlier in the chapter at the end of the section about head coverings, which also indicates that the apostolic direction was binding on the churches (1 Corinthians 11:16).