Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Charity

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 13:1-7 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing. Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

‘Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.’ Paul here shows the possibility of exercising gifts in a backslidden condition (13:1-3), as Solomon did (Eccl. 2:9).

‘Tongues of men and of angels’ – This suggests that those who speak with tongues could be using earthly and angelic languages.

‘Charity’ [Greek: agape] spontaneous and divine love, the unconditional love that God has for us. It is more eternal than gifts. Nine ingredients of divine love: Patience- love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things (13:4, 7). Kindness- love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (13:4). Generosity- love in competition: not envious or jealous (13:4). Humility- love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires (13:4). Courtesy- love in society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (13:5). Unselfishness- love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge (13:5). Good temper- love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful (13:5). Righteousness- love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (13:6-7). Sincerity- love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present.

Members in Particular Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

‘Governments’ [Greek: kubernesis] steering; piloting; guiding. Used only here and refers to all the means of guidance God has set for Christians. It has no reference to the power to rule, but to men of extraordinary wisdom, knowledge, and discernment to guide individuals in all their problems, when they chose to turn to God. The gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of spirits are all involved in this ability of guidance.

‘Diversities of tongues’ This is simply the supernatural ability to interpret in the native tongue what is uttered in other languages not known by the one who interprets by the Spirit (12:10; 14:5, 13-15, 27-28). Be aware for those who try and teach you to speak in another language or teaches you a specific phrase that you must repeat over and over – it must come to the individual through the Holy Spirit; other canals are human interference that is not from God.

‘Do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?’ These questions reveal that all believers are not apostles (they were the New Testament writers and preachers of Christ’s gospel; chosen by Christ in person, Luke 6:13; 1Corinthians 15:9; 2Corinthians 11:13; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5), prophets (Old Testament writers and preachers of prophecy; called by the Father in person, Hebrew 1:1; Matthew 11:13 and Luke 16:16), teachers, and all do not have all the gifts of 1Corinthians 12:8-10. This does not mean that believers cannot attain to any and all these if they desire to glorify God in all areas.

‘But covet earnestly the best gifts’ – Here is a command for all believers to covet earnestly the gifts (14:1).

‘Covet’ [Greek: zeloo] eager rivalry; strong passion for a thing.

‘Best’ [Greek: kreitton] stronger; better; greater; superior. All the gifts are necessary for the proper and complete operation of the body of Christ (12:12-28).

Members in Particular Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

‘You are the body of Christ, and members in particular.’ You and all in Christ as you make up the true Congregation or the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:19-22; 4:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘First apostles’ [Greek: apostolos] a delegate, one sent with full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). The apostles were sent as representatives of Jesus Christ and His ministry to complete the writing of the New Testament. The last apostle chosen by Christ was Paul and the apostle that wrote the last books were John who wrote the gospel John, 1, 2 and 3 John (90 A.D.) and Revelation (96 A.D.).

‘Prophets’ – The Old Testament was written by prophets (Heb. 1:1) and the last writing prophet was John the Baptist (Matt. 11:12-13; Luke 16:16).

‘Miracles’ [Greek: semeion] a sign or token by which something is known; a token of confirmation of a divine work or call. It is translated sign 50 times; miracle 23 times; wonder 3 times; and token once. Generally used of miracles and wonders done by people to confirm their call and mission from God (Matt. 12:38; 16:1-4; Mark 8:11; 16:17-20; Luke 11:16, 29; 23:8; John 2:11, 18, 23; 3:2; 4:54; 6:2, 14, 26, 30; 7:31; 9:16; 10:41; 11:47; 12:18, 37; 20:30; Acts 2:22, 43; 8:6; 1Cor. 1:22; Rom. 15:19). It is also used of the power by which false teachers seek to confirm their fallacies to be of God (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:13-18; 16:14; 19:20). The last scriptures above refer to the satanic powers in these last days to cause men to accept false teaching and be lost. Christians were promised power over all satanic forces (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).

‘Gifts of healings’ This is supernatural power to heal all manner of sickness without human aid or medicine (12:9; Mark 16:18; John 14:12).

‘Helps’ [Greek: antilempsis] a support; help; succourer; an aid. Only in 1Corinthians 12:28 and refers to every kind of help God sets for Christians. It does not refer to persons only, but to the various spiritual gifts which fill people with power to help. It is mentioned in the midst of references to certain gifts. Gifts will always be something through which God is glorified and never to put individuals in the spotlight or bring us any form of glory or followers. To be continued…

One Member

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:18-26 But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 

‘But now has God set the members every one of them in the body’ – The first of two times here (12:18, 28).

‘Pleased him’ – If Christians would seek to please God in whatever part they are to have in the congregation or body of Christ there would be no confusion or strife about any office.

‘Those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.’ The apostle no doubt refers to the inward parts, as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, and other ungraceful parts of the body, which seem to us to be more delicate and feeble. Hence, these parts are not only covered, but are surrounded and protected by the outward parts upon which we openly bestow much honour. Upon the proper performance of these inward parts life itself depends.

‘We think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour.’ Those members of the body which we think are not so honourable, we bestow special care upon, and those members of the body that are unpresentable we treat with greater care and attention than we do our features which do not require as much attention.

‘Uncomely’ [Greek: aschemon] shapeless; unseemly; shameful. Upon these parts of the body we bestow more abundant elegance and grace.

‘Comely’ [Greek: euschemon] members of good bearing; the graceful ones; the beautiful parts that have no special need of honour or attention.

‘But God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.’ God has mingled and compounded the body together, giving more special dignity to the inferior parts; that there should be no independent and unnecessary part to the body, and that every part should function perfectly for the good of the whole (1Cor. 12:24-26).

Many Members

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:12-17 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 

‘So also is Christ’ – Here the congregation is called “Christ” and is compared to a human body with its many members (12:12-28).

‘By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.’ This shows how the body of Christ is constituted. The Spirit is the agent that brings one into the body of Christ by the new birth. This is not a baptism into the Spirit, but into the body of Christ. The body here is the element one is baptized into. The Spirit is the agent that does the baptizing into the body. The believer is the candidate. If it were the Spirit baptism, Christ would be the agent and the Holy Spirit would be the element baptized into.

‘Jews or Gentiles’ Jews and Gentiles are in the same body, the congregation (Eph. 2:11-18; 3:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘Drink into one Spirit’ – Drinking of the Spirit is the same as partaking of His power. One can partake of Him in sonship without being baptized in the Spirit (Rom. 8:15). Different measures of the Spirit: The Mosaic portion (Num. 11:17, 25); the Mosaic portion divided into 71 portions (Num. 11:16-17, 25-29); Elijah’s portion (2Kin. 2:9); double portion (2Kin. 2:9-10); Elijah’s portion on John the Baptist (Luke 1:15-17); earnest of the Spirit (2Cor. 1:22; 5:5; 1Jn. 4:13; Php. 1:19) and the Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:38); Spirit baptism or baptismal measure (Matt. 3:11; 20:22-23; Luke 3:16; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-21; 8:15-24; 10:44-48; 11:14-18; 15:7-11; 19:1-7; Gal. 3:14); the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19; Rom. 15:29); the rivers of living water (John 7:37-39); and the full anointing of the Spirit and enduement of power from on high (Luke 24:49; John 14:12-15)

‘If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? … And if they were all one member, where were the body?’ ‘ All these questions are self-answered. All of 1Corinthians 12:14-26 illustrates the fact that as the human body is one and has many members who have been born again and who live godly consecrated lives (12:27-28; Rom. 12:3-5; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:1-6; 4:1-13; Col. 1:18, 24). Our lives must be living doctrines that produce life upon obedience to the Word.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 

‘The word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge…’ The classification and definition of the gifts:

[1] Gifts of revelation – the mind gifts: (1) The word of wisdom. This is a supernatural revelation or insight into the divine will and purpose, showing how to solve any problem that may arise (1Kin. 3:16-28; Matt. 2:20; Luke 22:10-12; John 2:22-24; 4:16-19; Acts 26:16; 27:21-25; 1Cor. 5:1-13). (2) The word of knowledge. That is a supernatural revelation of divine knowledge, or insight in the divine mind, will, or plan; and also the plans of others that man could not know of himself (Gen. 1:1-2:25; 1Sam. 3:7-15; 2Kin. 6:8-12; Matt. 16:16; John 1:1-3; Acts 5:3-4; 9:11-12; 21:11; Eph. 3:1-21). (3) Discerning of spirits. This is a supernatural revelation or insight into the realm of spirits to detect them and their plans and to read the minds of people (Matt. 9:4; Luke 13:16; John 2:25; Acts 13:9-10; 16:16; 1Tim. 4:1-4; 1Jn. 4:1-6).

[2] Gifts of inspiration – vocal gifts: (1) Prophecy. This is a supernatural utterance in the native tongue (14:3). It is a miracle of divine utterance, not conceived by human thought or reasoning (Acts 3:21; 11:28; 21:11; 2Pet. 1:21; 1Cor. 14:23-32). It includes speaking to people to edification and exhortation and comfort (14:3). (2) Divers kinds of tongues. This is supernatural utterance in other languages which are not known to the speaker (12:10, 28-31; 13:1-3; 14:2, 22, 26, 27-32; Isa. 28:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 10:44-48; 19:1-7). (3) The interpretation of tongues. This is simply supernatural ability to interpret in the native tongue what is uttered in other languages not known by the one who interprets by the Spirit (12:10; 14:5, 13-15, 27-28).

[3] Gifts of power – working gifts: (1) Faith. This is a supernatural ability to believe God without human doubt, unbelief, and reasoning (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Rom. 4:17; Heb. 11:6; 12:1-3; Jas. 1:5-8). (2) The gifts of healing. This is a supernatural power to heal all manner of sickness without human aid or medicine (12:9; Mark 16:18; John 14:12). (3) The working of miracles. This is a supernatural power to intervene in the ordinary course of nature and to counteract natural laws if necessary (15:10, 27-31; Ex. 7:10-14:21; 2Kin. 4:1-44; 6:1-7; Ps. 107:1-43; Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12; Heb. 2:3-4).

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 

‘Manifestation’ [Greek: phanerosis] making visible. The visible manifestations would be the visible healing, miracles, manifest prophecies, tongues, interpretations, and even the giving forth of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of various kinds.

‘Given by the Spirit’ – Facts and questions about the gifts: Their names and number (12:8-10). By whom imparted? The Holy Spirit. (12:4, 8-11). Who operates them? The Holy Spirit. (12:4-6, 11). Purpose: To confirm the Word of God (1:7; 12:11, 28-31; 14:1-40; Mark 16:17-20; John 14:12; Acts 1:1-8; Rom. 12:3-8; 15:18-19, 29; Heb. 2:3-4). Who may have them? Every believer (12:8-11; 1:7; John 7:37-39; 14:12; Mark 16:17-20; Rom. 1:11; 12:3-8). Can one have all of them? Yes (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12; 15:7, 16; Eph. 3:19; Jas. 1:5-8). Has anyone ever received all of them? Yes (John 3:34; Rom. 15:29). Were they manifest in Old Testament days? Yes (Num. 11:16-25; 1Kin. 3:12; 17:1 – 2 Kin. 13:25; Luke 1:17; Acts 3:21; Heb. 11:1-40). Can gifts be misused? Yes (Eccl. 2:9; Num. 20:7-13 with Deut. 32:48-52; 1Cor. 13:1-3; 14:1-40). Can gifts be exercised in a backslidden condition? Yes (Eccl. 2:9; 1Cor. 13:1-3). Are gifts permanent or temporary? Permanent if received as a personal gift (Rom. 11:29). Are gifts exercised at will? Yes (14:15, 23-32; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Can gifts be neglected in use? Yes (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). When should gifts be used? When needed to edify others (12:7; 14:3-6, 12, 17, 26; Rom. 12:3-8). Where should the gifts be used? Where needed (12:7, 12-31; 14:1-40). How can they be received? By faith and prayer (12:31; 14:1; Matt. 7:7-11). Do we need gifts today? Yes, for the same reason others of old needed them (1:7; 12:1-31; Mark 16:15-20; John 10:10; Acts 1:8; 10:38; Rom. 1:11). Can we choose which gifts we need today? Yes (12:31; 14:1, 12). How can we know when we have received them? When the Spirit operates them through us to accomplish their intended purpose (12:4-11, 28-31; 14:1-40). Are gifts to continue throughout this age? Yes (Matt. 3:11; 28:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 7:37-39; 14:12-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 1:4-8; 2:38-39; 5:32; 1Cor. 1:7; etc.).

To be continued…

Diversities of Gifts

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:1-6 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. You know that you were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as you were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which work all in all. 

‘Spiritual’ [Greek: pneumatikos] Literally, things of the Spirit.

‘You know that you were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as you were led.’ Previous to conversion they were carried away with passions into senseless worship of dumb idols designed to excite and gratify their animal appetites, just like most religious people of today.

‘Accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.’ It was a practice among the Jews to call Jesus anathema, accursed – one so abominable as not fit to live on earth. It was an early practice among heathen persecutors to force believers to call Jesus accursed. No man speaking by the Holy Spirit will ever do so, and no man can call Jesus Lord but by the Spirit.

‘Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.’ Work of the Divine Trinity (12:4-6): Spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit; administrations by Jesus Christ; operations by God the Father.

‘Same Spirit’ – Ten ministries of the Holy Spirit: He glorifies Jesus (12:3; John 16:13-14); He inspires manifestations (12:7, 11); He forms the body of Christ (12:13); He energizes believers (12:13); He imparts love (13:1-13; Rom. 5:5); He speaks mysteries in tongues (12:10; 14:2, 13-19, 21-23, 26-28); He interprets mysteries of tongues (12:10; 15:5, 13, 26-28); He edifies by prophecy (14:3-31); He edifies believers in tongues (12:4); He gives gifts to believers (12:8-10; Rom. 12:6).

‘Administrations’ [Greek: diakonia] services; ministries; offices. They are all by the same Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22; 4:11).

‘Operations’ [Greek: energema] workings or operations. Only used in 1Corinthians 12:6 and 10. All of these are under the control of the same God who is head of all (12:5; 11:3; 15:28; Heb. 1:1).

Let a Man Examine Himself

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 11:28-34 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that you come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. 

‘But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.’ Each person should examine himself to see if he is in the faith and decide his fitness to partake of the Lord’s Supper before he does so. It is better not to partake if one is not fit, and yet one should not feel that he is unfit if he knows he is born again and is walking as he should be in the gospel (1Jn. 1:7; Col. 2:6-7; 3:5-10; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26).

‘Discerning the Lord’s body’ [Greek: diakrino] distinguish; come to decision; separate to holy purposes. Translated “make to differ” (Acts 15:9; 1Cor. 4:7; Jude 1:22); “judge” (1Cor. 6:5; 11:31; 14:29); “contend” (Acts 11:2; Jude 1:9); “be partial” (Jas. 2:4); “doubt” (Matt. 21:21; Mark 11:23; Acts 10:20; 11:12; Rom. 14:23); “waver” (Jas. 1:6); “stagger” (Rom. 4:20); and “discern” (1Cor. 11:29; Matt. 16:3). The idea here is really to decide one has faith in the death of Christ and lay hold of the benefits provided by it not turning to one side or the other.

‘For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.’ It is the Lord’s body one must discern (11:29). It is by His stripes we were and are healed (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24). If one does not want to be sickly and die prematurely, and then let him have faith in the healing which was provided by Christ as well as forgiveness and other blessings. Nothing will be impossible with such faith (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26).

‘For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged’ – If we will thus judge ourselves and have faith in the work of Christ on the cross, we shall not have to suffer or go without the benefits provided for us. If we will not do this, then we shall have to reap that what we have sown. If we judge any sin committed, ask forgiveness, and put it away, then we are not chastened by God. If we refuse to judge ourselves, then He judges by chastening (11:31-32). ‘Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one for another.’ Let us have order at the Lord’s Supper and in the house of God. Satisfy hunger at home, and do not come together in disorder and condemnation (11:33-34).

The Lord’s Supper

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 11:23-27 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do you, as oft as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 

‘I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.’ This was by direct revelation from Jesus Christ to Paul (11:23-34; Gal. 2:2).

‘Betrayed’ [Greek: paradidomi] delivered (11:2, 23; John 18:30; Acts 3:13; Rom. 8:32).

‘This is my body, which is broken for you.’ This is a symbol of Christ’s body. As this bread is broken, so His body was marred and scourged for us (Isa. 52:14; 53:4-5; 1Pet. 2:24). This bread was leavened – for He took our sins upon Him.

‘This do in remembrance of me’ – This is a memorial of Jesus until He comes (11:24-26). After He comes it will be observed in the kingdom (Luke 22:16, 18-20, 30; Matt. 26:29).

‘This cup is the new testament in my blood’ – This is a symbol of Christ’s blood, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:20; Acts 20:28; Rev. 1:5; 5:10; 1Jn. 1:7). It symbolizes His blood that seals the new covenant which is based upon better promises (Heb. 8:6; 9:15-22).

‘As oft as you drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come.’ As oft – daily (Acts 2:46), weekly (Acts 20:7), or anytime you do this you show forth the Lord’s death till He comes again (11:25; Luke 22:19).

‘For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come.’ This is the 10th New Testament prophecy in 1 Corinthians. This again emphasizes that the Lord’s Supper can be taken at any time. Set laws in congregations that it has to be taken every Sunday or only once a year is man-made and without scriptural authority.

‘Unworthily’ [Greek: anaxios] irreverently; unworthy; unfit (11:27, 29).

Eight ways to partake unworthily: By taking the Lord’s Supper in envying and strife (11:18). By taking it to commemorate a mere historical fact, as the Jews celebrated the Passover (11:19). By taking it in gluttony and drunkenness (11:21-22). By taking it in irreverence to God and His congregation (11:22). By taking it in disrespect to the poor and needy (11:22). By taking it in unbelief, not realizing its true significance, and not discerning the Lord’s body and blood to receive the benefits by faith (11:27-30). By taking it as an unsaved man with sin in the life and without making proper confession and acknowledgement of personal needs (11:27-30). By taking it without judging oneself so as to escape chastening from God (11:31-32).