Why did Paul condemn the wealthier Corinthians for their meals?
Paul condemned the wealthier Corinthians because they abused the church potluck meals by gluttony and drunkenness. They flaunted expensive gourmet food before poorer members at slave level who could not afford it, shaming them and despising the Church of God. Paul told them if they could not do it rightly, they should eat at home.
Les explains that there is nothing wrong with fellowship meals in themselves, just as their own classes enjoy coffee breaks and cookies. But the Corinthians were abusing it. They were coming in and being gluttonous at the food, and they were actually drinking so much that they became drunk. Paul was shocked and upset, asking, "Have you not houses to eat and to drink in?" Les points out Paul was not talking about the elements of the Lord's table but about their potluck dinners. Paul said if they could not do it right, they should eat at home and not bring that into the church environment. He asked, "Do you despise the Church of God? And shame them who have not?" This was especially directed to the wealthier people, who were flaunting their wealth by bringing expensive gourmet food while others at slave level could not afford such things. So Paul says, "Cut it out. Quit it." He says, "I praise you not," gently condemning them because this was not the way it should be done.
What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
More Questions
Who was Paul especially rebuking in 1 Corinthians 11:22, and why?
Paul especially directed his rebuke to the wealthier people because they were flaunting their wealth by bringing expensive gourmet food while others at slave level could not afford such things.
Who was Paul especially rebuking in 1 Corinthians 11:22 for despising the church?
Paul's rebuke in 1 Corinthians 11:22 was especially directed at wealthier Corinthians who flaunted their wealth by bringing expensive gourmet food while poorer believers at slave level could not afford such things.
What does 1 Corinthians 11:22 show the rich Corinthians were saying to the poor at the meal?
As Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 11:22, the wealthier Corinthians separated themselves at the meal and refused to share their good food and wine, telling the others to go have their own table.
What did Paul tell the Corinthians about eating and drinking before the Lord's Supper?
Paul upbraided the Corinthians and told them to do their eating and drinking at home, because when you come to the Lord's house for the Lord's Supper it is a solemn occasion.