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John_C said:

What does judge the body rightly mean? Does the body refer to self or to the corporate body at the time? IOW, is it an examination of one's self or how one is interacting with those in the corporate body.


The words have similar meaning but I personally like the NKJV translation where it uses "discern the body" rather than "judge the body." To judge sounds more like pronouncement of a opinion where as to discern refers to a special ability to recognize something. By accurately discerning something one has the ability to make a proper judgement. I hope you see my logic. Without the aid of the Holy Spirit one does not have the ability to recognize/discern Jesus Christ as the Son of God nor His finished work. That's why it would be meaningless to participate in the Lord Supper without having a saving faith.

In addition to the individual's responsibility to "discern the body" the elders are given the responsibility to "fence the table" from those who are unbelievers. So that only those who have professed their faith publicly and remain in good standing with Christ's church can take part in this holy meal. There can be no union or communion with God (or His Church) without the endowment of the Holy Spirit.

If you look in some of the commentaries on I Cor. 11 you'll see that the Corinthian people had a tendency to be a bit gluttonous. They treated the Lord's Supper as if it were a common feast. Some people took large pieces of bread while others went without and some even got drunk on the wine. This is why the warning about eating and drinking judgement unto themselves if they discern not the body. (see verses 17-22)


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts