1 Corinthians 11:23 – “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Paul begins his teaching on the meaning of the Lord’s Supper by reminding the Corinthians where he got his authority. He did not make up this teaching—it came directly from Jesus. He says, “I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you,” emphasizing that the instructions about communion were not his personal opinions but divine truth given by Christ Himself.

Paul is about to explain the sacred meaning of the Lord’s Supper, but first, he sets the stage by pointing to the night it was instituted: “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread.” This refers to the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples just before His arrest and crucifixion (Matthew 26:26-29, Luke 22:14-20).

This moment is crucial because it connects the Lord’s Supper to Jesus’ sacrifice. It was not just another meal—it was a moment filled with deep spiritual meaning. Jesus knew He was about to suffer and die, yet He took the time to establish this sacred practice for His followers. Paul is calling the Corinthians back to the true purpose of the Lord’s Supper: remembering Christ’s sacrifice, not indulging in selfish feasting.

Historical Context

The Lord’s Supper was established by Jesus during the Jewish Passover meal. Passover was a significant event in Jewish history, commemorating how God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-30). During Passover, a sacrificial lamb was eaten, symbolizing God’s deliverance.

Jesus used this setting to introduce a new covenant. Instead of a lamb, He presented Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. He took the bread and the cup and gave them new meaning, pointing to His own body and blood, which would be given for the forgiveness of sins.

Paul was writing to a church that had lost sight of this sacred meaning. The Corinthians were treating the Lord’s Supper as an ordinary meal, even allowing division and selfishness to take over. By reminding them of Jesus’ words, Paul was calling them to return to the true purpose of communion—honoring Christ’s sacrifice and maintaining unity in the body of believers.

Theological Implications

1. The Lord’s Supper Comes From Christ – Paul makes it clear that this practice was instituted by Jesus Himself, not by human tradition.
2. Communion Is a Sacred Act of Remembrance – It is not just a meal; it is a way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and proclaim His death.
3. Jesus’ Betrayal Was Part of God’s Plan – The mention of His betrayal shows that even in suffering, Jesus was carrying out God’s will for salvation.
4. The Lord’s Supper Is for All Believers – Paul “passed on” what he received, showing that this is meant for every generation of Christians.

Paul is emphasizing that the Lord’s Supper is a divine institution. It is not about social status, indulgence, or tradition—it is about remembering and proclaiming the work of Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is intentional and carries deep meaning.

• “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you” – This highlights the authority of Paul’s teaching. He is not creating something new; he is faithfully transmitting what Jesus established.
• “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed” – This reminds the reader of the weight of that moment. Jesus was about to suffer, yet He was focused on preparing His disciples for what was to come.
• “Took bread” – The simplicity of this act underscores its significance. Bread, a common staple, becomes a powerful symbol of Christ’s body, broken for us.

Paul’s structure here shifts from rebuke (in the earlier verses) to instruction. He is resetting their understanding of communion by bringing them back to Jesus’ example.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 22:19-20 – Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper at the Last Supper.
• Matthew 26:26-28 – Jesus declares the bread as His body and the cup as His blood.
• Exodus 12:1-30 – The first Passover, foreshadowing Jesus as the true sacrificial Lamb.
• John 6:53-58 – Jesus teaches that His followers must partake of Him to have eternal life.
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – Paul explains that the Lord’s Supper symbolizes our unity in Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians that communion is not just a religious tradition; it is a sacred act established by Jesus Himself. When believers participate in the Lord’s Supper, they are joining in a practice that has been passed down since the time of Christ.

For today’s Christian, this verse challenges us to:

• Approach communion with reverence and gratitude.
• Remember that Jesus willingly suffered for our salvation.
• Examine our hearts before taking part in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
• Recognize the unity of the church in Christ.

It is easy to become routine about religious practices, but Paul’s words remind believers to treat the Lord’s Supper with the deep significance it deserves.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He planned salvation through Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus established the Lord’s Supper on the night He was betrayed shows His deep love and commitment to redeeming His people. Even in His darkest moment, Jesus was thinking of His followers, giving them a way to remember His sacrifice.

God’s love is also seen in the way He desires believers to be unified. The Lord’s Supper is a family meal—it is a time to come together as one body, united in Christ’s love. God’s heart is for His people to be one, just as He and His Son are one (John 17:20-23).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse. The Lord’s Supper is His institution, His body, His blood, and His command.

• John 10:11 – Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.
• Romans 5:8 – God shows His love in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – We were redeemed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ.
• Hebrews 9:22 – Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

Jesus willingly went to the cross, and He left His followers with a way to remember His sacrifice and proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you approach the Lord’s Supper with the reverence and gratitude it deserves?
2. How does remembering Jesus’ betrayal and sacrifice impact your faith?
3. What does it mean to you that Jesus established this practice just before His suffering?
4. How can you ensure that communion remains a meaningful part of your worship, not just a routine?
5. How does this verse challenge you to grow in your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice?

Paul’s reminder in this verse calls every believer to take communion seriously. The Lord’s Supper is not about tradition—it is about Jesus. It is a moment to remember His love, His sacrifice, and His promise to return. Every time Christians take the bread and the cup, they proclaim the death of their Savior, holding on to the hope of His glorious return.