1 Corinthians 11:28 – “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Paul instructs believers to examine themselves before taking part in the Lord’s Supper. He is not saying that people must be perfect before they take communion, but rather that they should approach it with the right heart and attitude.

The phrase “examine themselves” means to take an honest look at one’s life, actions, and relationship with God. This self-examination is not meant to bring shame or guilt, but rather to ensure that a believer is taking communion in a worthy manner—recognizing its significance and not treating it casually.

Paul had just warned the Corinthians in the previous verse (1 Corinthians 11:27) that taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner was a serious sin. Now, he gives the solution: examine yourself. Instead of mindlessly participating, believers should pause and reflect before eating the bread and drinking from the cup.

This verse teaches that communion is a time for spiritual reflection, repentance, and recommitment to following Jesus. It is a reminder that worship should come from a sincere heart.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was struggling with division and selfishness during the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-22). Instead of treating communion as a holy act of worship, they were using it as an opportunity to indulge themselves. Some were overeating while others went hungry, and the sense of unity and reverence for Christ was being lost.

Paul was calling them to slow down and take communion seriously. The Lord’s Supper was not just another meal; it was a sacred practice given by Jesus Himself. Self-examination was necessary to make sure they were approaching it with humility and understanding.

In Jewish tradition, self-examination was common before acts of worship. For example, before the Passover meal, people were expected to remove all leaven (symbolizing sin) from their homes (Exodus 12:15). This same idea applies to communion—believers should remove sin from their hearts before partaking in the Lord’s Supper.

Theological Implications

1. Self-Examination Is a Necessary Part of Worship – God desires believers to approach Him with sincere hearts, not just go through the motions.
2. Communion Is a Time for Repentance – If there is sin, it should be confessed before taking part in the Lord’s Supper (1 John 1:9).
3. God Calls for Personal Responsibility – Every believer is responsible for examining their own heart before participating in communion.
4. Taking Communion Lightly Is Dangerous – Paul later warns that those who take it carelessly bring judgment on themselves (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

This verse highlights the importance of spiritual self-awareness. Before partaking in communion, believers should pause and reflect on their walk with Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is simple but powerful:

• “Everyone ought to examine themselves” – The command applies to all believers. No one is exempt from self-reflection.
• “Before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup” – The timing matters. Self-examination should happen before taking communion, not after.
• The structure – Paul first gives a warning (1 Corinthians 11:27), then offers the solution (self-examination), and later explains the consequences of taking communion carelessly (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

This verse serves as a personal checkpoint, urging believers to slow down and consider their spiritual condition before participating in the Lord’s Supper.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 139:23-24 – A prayer for God to search the heart and reveal any sin.
• Lamentations 3:40 – A call to examine our ways and return to the Lord.
• Matthew 5:23-24 – Jesus teaches that if someone has unresolved conflict, they should reconcile before offering worship.
• 1 John 1:9 – God promises to forgive those who confess their sins.
• Hebrews 10:22 – Believers should draw near to God with sincere hearts and clean consciences.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that communion should not be taken casually. It is an opportunity to:

• Reflect on one’s relationship with Christ – Are you walking in obedience to Him?
• Confess sin and seek forgiveness – Have you repented of any unconfessed sin?
• Reconcile broken relationships – Are you harboring resentment or bitterness against someone?
• Approach communion with gratitude – Do you truly appreciate what Jesus did for you?

Taking communion without self-examination can lead to empty ritualism. Paul encourages believers to take the time to prepare their hearts so that communion is meaningful and honoring to God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He wants believers to approach Him with sincerity. He does not want people to participate in worship thoughtlessly or hypocritically. Instead, He invites them to examine their hearts so that they can experience true closeness with Him.

This verse is not meant to create fear but to encourage believers to come before God with honesty. He is always ready to forgive and restore those who come to Him with a humble heart (James 4:8).

God’s love is also seen in the fact that He provides a way for people to be cleansed. Through Jesus, believers can confess their sins and be made right with God before taking communion.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse because communion is all about remembering His sacrifice. Self-examination before communion ensures that believers:

• Honor Jesus’ sacrifice – Recognizing that He gave His life for their salvation (Luke 22:19-20).
• Live in obedience to Him – Reflecting on whether they are truly following His teachings (John 14:15).
• Draw closer to Him – Removing any barriers of sin that might be distancing them from Him (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Jesus wants His followers to come to the Lord’s Supper with hearts that are fully devoted to Him. This verse reminds them to pause and make sure they are approaching it in the right way.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How often do you take time to examine your heart before participating in communion?
2. Are there any unconfessed sins or unresolved conflicts that you need to address before taking the Lord’s Supper?
3. How does self-examination before communion help you grow in your relationship with Christ?
4. What steps can you take to ensure that communion remains a meaningful part of your worship?
5. How does this verse challenge you to take a more serious approach to worship and self-reflection?