1 Corinthians 11:25-26

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. (KJV)

Then: The second section of the communion is to remember the New Testament (Hayes, p. 123) while drinking from the cup. Henry organizes his discussion into four sections: the materials, the sacamental actions, remembrance and declaration of Christ's death, and its designation as a frequent, perpetual ordinance. The Corinthians needed all these reminders in order to return their thoughts to Christ and away from wanton fellowship.

Now: In a short exposition about communion, Owen Strachan focuses on the aspect of confession during the sacrament. Having a dedicated time for gathered believers to feel close to God, confess their belief in him and proclaim his act of sacrifice is the central expression of loving Christ. Strachan's point is that evangelistic churches miss out on the sense of sacredness encompassed in quiet order of liturgical churches. Yet, no matter the environment, Christ abides in the hearts of all through the act. Communion confession and participation is ultimately a heart experience.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=M_PC0PAs3VYC&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Richard+B.+Hays&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=2oPcStDCIIvf8Aaq0Ki3BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCMQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=1%20Corinthians%20and%20Richard%20B.%20Hays&f=falseCommentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.xii.html
The Strange and Other Worldly Rite of Communion by Owen Strachan, online at http://owenstrachan.com/2009/09/06/the-strange-and-otherworldly-rite-of-communion-thoughts-on-1-corinthians-11-and-john-6/

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. (KJV)

Then: What the Corinthians needed was a reorientation as to the tradition of taking communion (Dunn and Rogeson, p. 1339). Remember. Remember the Lord. Remember that the Lord was betrayed by a follower. Remember his body, the body of Christ which was broken and which is now the church. Remember with each bite of bread. Remember.

Now: The words of these verses are often read aloud before and during communion. Believers are called to think again about Christ and his love. They also remember that what the Lord did was planned from the beginning. All humanity can be forgiven because of the Lord's endurance and faithfulness. His act within the tradition of the Passover supper also reminds believers of the history of the Lord's faithfulness. Communion is a quiet moment of reflection and a joyous hope.

Extra source: Eerdmans commentary on the Bible by James D. G. Dunn, John William Rogerson on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=2Vo-11umIZQC&pg=PA1353&lpg=PA1353&dq=1+Corinthians+9+commentary&source=bl&ots=5QeQaYWrMS&sig=S5F3KcA_TvNMyywqRiimySoUYtc&hl=en&ei=QqHPSouICIWj8AaZxqyABA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CBkQ6AEwBzgU#v=onepage&q=1%20Corinthians%209%20commentary&f=false

1 Corinthians 11:20-22

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. (KJV)

Then: Early congregations did not have a specified building for meeting. People gathered in the homes of those with the largest houses. Baker (p. 168) describes these villa-style homes with one large room, a triclinium, for nine to ten people to eat while reclining on couches while another room without a table, an atrium, could accomodate thirty or forty people to eat while standing or possibly sitting. Laborers and slaves arriving late would find that all the food was gone, already eaten by the rich, leisurely, early arrivals who had been "grazing" (Magness, class notes, 10-17-09). Obviously, some even became drunk. Henry calls their actions corrupt. By being inconsiderate to the poor, caring only for their own food lusts, and indulging in a desire to drink, they disdained communion between themselves and Christ, let alone communion between themselves and other believers.

Now: For the most part, manner and mode of communion is settled as an event limited to the Lord and a single believer. Rarely does it involve a sense of group worship. A whole meal is not involved - probably a major result of Paul's teaching here. Community meals do occur as potlucks where the Lord is included only while grace is being asked. That part is no longer a problem. However, to the extent that the act of communion involves personal attitudes towards fellow believers, problems can prevail. When rich evaluate the poor as unworthy associates, when laborers disdain the value and decisions of CEO's, when classmates exclude unpopular students according to intellect, clothing, or behavior - fellow believer's all, then the Lord's death is devalued. Spiritual growth requires the setting aside of personal likes and dislikes. Those saved have a new task - that of looking to the lost, to draw them in, and to promote changes in attitudes, behaviors, and wisdom. Communion is the act of relating to other believers and Christ at the same time.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.xii.html

Summary - 1 Corinthians 11:17-30

Passage is often used as basis for communion meditations. It is the second time Paul addresses the topic of communion in this letter. His comments from 10:14-22 addressed inner motivations. This section moves into that again, but from a different problem.