1 Corinthians 11:28-32 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But That none may be involved in such guilt; let each one examine himself Whether he knows the nature and the design of the institution, and whether it be his sincere desire and purpose thoroughly to comply therewith, and to do honour to Christ by living, in all respects, conformably to his word and example. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily In an irreverent, profane, and careless manner; eateth and drinketh damnation Κριμα, judgment; condemnation and punishment to himself Or temporal judgments of various kinds. Thus the Corinthians, in the following verse, are said to be punished with debility, sickness, and death, for eating unworthily. Not discerning the Lord's body Not considering that the death of Christ, and the benefits he hath thereby procured for us, with his astonishing love to us, are represented in that solemn ordinance; and not distinguishing it from his common food. For if we would judge ourselves Bring all our dispositions, words, and actions, especially those that relate to the worship of God, to the rule of his word, and condemn ourselves for what is amiss, and repent of it; and particularly if we would inquire respecting our knowledge of the nature of this holy ordinance, and the design with which we approach the Lord's table; we should not be judged Or chastised so severely; or we should avoid those sins which bring down the divine judgments upon us. But when we are judged Thus punished with temporal calamities; we are chastened of the Lord Corrected for our instruction and amendment; that Being thereby purged from sin; we should not be condemned with the world Should escape future condemnation and wrath.