1 Corinthians 11:17-22: Unloving Love Feasts

October 12, 2026 Blaize

Nobody likes to be left out or publicly shamed, but that's exactly what the Corinthians were doing at their communal gatherings. The feasts, called Agape Feasts in the first century, were communal meals shared among early Christians and often connected with the Lord's Supper. These feasts, while not always explicitly named in the New Testament, are alluded to in verses such as Jude 1:12 and potentially 2 Peter 2:13, which speak of love feasts and gatherings that may have included such meals. Beyond the New Testament, early Christian documents and writings shed more light on these practices. The Didache offers instructions on conducting communal meals that echo the nature of Agape Feasts, and Tertullian, in his "Apology," portrays these gatherings as times of fellowship and charity, defending them against accusations of impropriety. Ignatius of Antioch in his epistles and Pliny the Younger in his letter to Emperor Trajan also refer to Christian communal meals, suggesting the widespread practice of Agape Feasts.

The Agape Feasts served several purposes. First, they were a means for members of the church to come together in fellowship, breaking down social and economic barriers as they shared food. Second, the feasts were an opportunity for wealthier members of the church to share with poorer members. Third, the feasts provided a time for prayer, thanksgiving, and spiritual reflection, often including readings from scripture, hymns, and teachings. Fourth, they remembered Jesus' acts of fellowship and love, especially His final meal with His disciples, reinforcing the message of unity and self-giving. By the late first century and into the second century, references to the Agape Feast in Christian literature became more common. It was during these early centuries that the practice was widespread, although the specific customs and liturgical significance could vary by region and local tradition. However, as Christianity grew and became more formalized, the practice of the Agape Feast began to change. By the fourth century, the feasts were increasingly separated from the Lord's Supper, possibly due to concerns about excess and disorder during the meals, as well as the desire to maintain the solemnity of the Lord's Supper. Eventually, the Agape Feast as a widespread practice faded from most of the church.

The Corinthian church's conduct during Agape Feasts, which were supposed to be a time of fellowship and unity, exhibited divisive behavior, particularly the inequalities and selfishness displayed during the Lord's Supper. Instead of sharing and waiting for one another, the wealthier members would indulge themselves, leaving the poorer members hungry and humiliated. This conduct not only contradicted the inclusive spirit of the Christian community but also desecrated the Lord's Supper, a meal meant to commemorate the body and blood of Christ. Paul warns that such behavior leads to judgment rather than blessing, as it disrespects the church of God and shames those who have less. He urges the Corinthians to correct their practices and restore the Lord's Supper to a respectful observance that reflects the values of the Gospel.

Echoes of the Agape Feasts can still be seen in various forms of fellowship meals in modern Christian contexts. In the modern context, Christians come together to share a meal in a spirit of love and fellowship in the Christian faith. Members often contribute dishes, but beyond food, churches can participate in fellowship, unity, hospitality, worship, prayer, and may even include the Lord's Supper. When the love is lost and modern fellowship is turned into something else that does not honor Christ, then it runs the risk of the ruinous nature of the Corinthian church. Christians can heed Paul’s advice and use the feasts and the Lord’s Supper to honor Christ rather than shame church members.

Lord, let me fellowship in a way to includes all!