1 Corinthians 10:16-22

Baptists usually call this event “The Lord’s Supper” (from 1 Corinthians 11:20). Another term for this event is “Communion” (from 1 Corinthians 10:16). The Greek word koinonia is often translated “fellowship” or “partnership.” In this passage it is translated “communion” (KJV), “participation” (NIV, ESV), or “sharing,” (CSB, NASB, NLT).


The Lord’s Supper expresses our fellowship with Christ (10:16).... It's a reminder that we have a communion with Jesus. This act doesn't create the communion or fellowship, but it helps us remember. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 shows us that the fellowship is created by our repentance and faith. 


The Lord’s Supper expresses our fellowship with other Christians (10:17).... We all share in the body of Christ; we are all part of the body of Christ. We are meant to fellowship together, to do life together. Taking the Lord's Supper together is a reminder of that. Even though we may have differences and maybe even some grudges or disagreements, but we are still meant to fellowship together. 


The Lord’s Supper reminds us that we cannot share fellowship with idols or demons (10:18-22).... There were many idols and pagan temples in Corinth. Paul explains that idols are nothing, but there is evil behind them. He instructed readers to not eat or drink anything directly tied to the idols or sacrifices straight from the temples. Paul says food is food but that eating straight from the idol is participating in that sacrifice and worship, but that getting it elsewhere after the fact is fine. For us, Halloween is a similar thing. Bats are bats. Cats are cats. We can use Halloween to reach children and families with Christ centered fall festivals or trunk-or-treats, but we should avoid the darker aspects of the holiday that could lead some, even a tiny amount, to demon worship like those people back in Corinth eating from the idols.