Getting Drunk at Communion

The church in Corinth had numerous problems, including, doctrinal error, sharp divisions, snobbish elitism, spiritual pride, gross immorality, lawsuits against one another, and even getting drunk at their Communion love feasts.  Paul declares that the Lord's Supper had been desecrated by selfishness, pride, and over indulgence at the expense of those we might call the last and the least.  He was none too happy.  He states further that many have become ill and died because of their irreverent practices, for partaking of the bread and cup in an unworthy manner.  Paul found their divisive arrogance the antithesis of the immeasurable sacrifice and love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross--all of which the Lord's Supper means to commemorate.  Paul follows with a strong exhortation for self-examination and repentance.  1 Corinthians 11:23-26 sets us all straight: "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." (ESV)