Chapters 11-14 of 1 Corinthians really serve as an extended section of rebuke on improper corporate worship practices which had made there way into the Corinthian church.
As we looked at last week, Paul begins this entire section with what may at first seem like an encouragement— “Now I commend you . . . “
At first it may seem as though Paul is commending them on their good practice concerning headship and authority; however, if we look a little closer it becomes clear that he is commending them in a general sense for many of their worship practices.
Then, immediately in verse 3 he begins with the negative conjunction, “but.” He then provides a discourse on what really appears to be a rebuke for incorrect practice.
Verse 16 makes this even clearer, “if anyone is inclined to be contentious . . .”
So, what follows in verses 17-34 is the second area of rebuke that Paul delivers.
This is one of the gravest issues of Corinthian ecclesial misconduct, as we will see (judgment, discipline, “not the Lord’s Supper”)
