Tarry One for Another 1 Corinthians 11:33

According to Paul the apostle, “when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord”, and the reason was “that we should not be condemned with the world”. In chapter eleven and verse thirty-three of First Corinthians, Paul exhorts the Corinthian church members to, “tarry one for another”, where we read:

Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one for another.

The verse begins, “Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, ...”. Paul began with the word, “wherefore” which means “so then, insomuch that and therefore”, “my brethren” or “Paul's fellow believers who are united to each other by the bond of affection”, “when you come together” which means “at the time the church members assemble or congregate” “to eat” which means “to consume and devour”. Paul made his conclusion concerning the times when the church members assemble to “eat” with one another.

The verse continues, “... tarry one for another.” Paul added the words, “tarry” which means “receive, accept, look for, expect and wait” “one for another” or “mutually or reciprocally”. When the church members gathered to “eat”, they were to “receive and wait for” each other.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see his emphasis upon caring for other people within the church. Rather than consume all the food they brought for their “agape” or “love feasts”, the church members were to “wait for” others to arrive who may not have much to eat. “The Lord's supper” was the most important aspect to their gathering, and the evidence of the church members “examining themselves” to eat in a “worthy manner” would be evidenced by their care for each other. Jesus Christ desires for His church members to “love one another” and to “esteem others better than themselves”. By “waiting for” others to join in their meal, the church members would demonstrate their love, and we should do the same as opportunity arises. May the Lord Jesus help us to live in a manner toward others that is pleasing to God.

Next time Paul told the church members, “if any man hunger, let him eat at home”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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