When Communion Becomes Dangerous. (1 Corinthians 11: 17-34)

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast.

Today we’re exploring one of the most sobering of teachings found in the New Testament—Paul’s shocking warning about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11.

You may have heard these verses read many times during Communion, but Paul didn’t write them for tradition—he wrote them in response to a crisis. A broken church had turned the Lord’s Table into a place of division and pride.

Paul’s words remind us that this simple act—bread and wine—is a proclamation of the Gospel. And how we come to the Table either honours or denies what Jesus has done.

So let’s slow down, open our hearts, and remember: this Table is holy ground.

Episode Notes:

Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:17–34

Summary:
Paul confronts the Corinthians over how they were treating the Lord’s Supper—and his warning is both intense and deeply pastoral. In this episode, we unpack:

• Why their gatherings were doing “more harm than good”
• How selfishness at the Table contradicted the Gospel
• What it means to eat and drink “in an unworthy manner”
• Why self-examination, humility, and unity are vital at Communion
• How this sacred meal continues to shape our faith and our fellowship

Key Verses:

“Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Cor 11:27)
 “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Cor 11:24–25)

Takeaway:
The Lord’s Table isn’t just a symbol—it’s a proclamation of Christ’s death, a call to unity, and a moment to realign our hearts. This passage reminds us: the Table is for sinners, not the perfect, but not for the careless. So come. Examine yourself. Remember Jesus. Honour His people. And keep proclaiming His death—until He comes.

Leadership Lessons From The Great Books
Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Follow and support me on Patreon.

Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon

To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:

Jeremy McCandless | Substack

Check out my other Podcasts.

The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:

Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update