1 Corinthians 11:20 (KJV): "When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper."

In order to truly understand the depth and significance of 1 Corinthians 11:20, it is important to consider the context in which this verse appears. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to address various issues and disputes that were causing division and strife within the congregation. In this specific passage, Paul is speaking about the Lord's Supper and the proper way to partake in this sacred ritual.

The verse begins with "When ye come together therefore into one place," which sets the stage for the admonition that follows. Paul is addressing the behavior of the Corinthian believers when they gather together as a church community. This points to the broader theme of unity and communal worship within the body of Christ. The church is meant to be a place of fellowship and coming together in love and harmony.

Paul then states, "this is not to eat the Lord's supper." This is a pivotal statement that highlights the Corinthians' misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion, is a sacred and solemn observance that Jesus instituted during the Last Supper with his disciples. It is a symbolic remembrance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and a time of spiritual reflection and renewal for believers.

The Corinthians were failing to approach the Lord's Supper with the reverence and solemnity it deserved. Instead of partaking in a spirit of unity and reverence, they were engaging in divisive and selfish behavior. This not only diminished the significance of the Lord's Supper but also disrupted the unity and fellowship of the church.

The verse serves as a warning to the Corinthians, urging them to examine their attitudes and actions when coming together for worship. It underscores the importance of recognizing the sacred nature of the Lord's Supper and approaching it with a spirit of humility, reverence, and unity.

Symbolically, the Lord's Supper represents the body and blood of Christ, which was offered as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. It is a powerful symbol of the atonement and the unity of believers in Christ. By partaking in the Lord's Supper, believers proclaim their faith in Christ's redemptive work and their unity as members of the body of Christ.

The verse also speaks to the broader theme of unity within the church. The Corinthians' divisive behavior was undermining the sense of community and fellowship that should characterize the body of Christ. Paul's exhortation serves as a reminder to all believers to prioritize unity and love within the church and to approach the Lord's Supper with the reverence and unity it deserves.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 11:20 carries a powerful message about the importance of approaching the Lord's Supper with reverence and unity. It serves as a cautionary reminder to believers to examine their attitudes and actions when partaking in this sacred ritual. Additionally, it underscores the broader theme of maintaining unity and fellowship within the body of Christ. The verse calls for self-examination, humility, and a renewed commitment to honoring the significance of the Lord's Supper as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and the unity of believers in the church.