Misconduct and Sickness: Reciprocity at the Lord’s Table (1 Cor 11.30)

Abstract First Corinthians 11.30 voices divine punishment or judgment on misbehaviour at the Lord’s table in terms of weakness, sickness and death. Are these metaphorical or physical descriptions? The text is seen as an example of the notion of reciprocity between human misconduct and divine judgment in relevant sources, which in most cases is not metaphorical. Paul also draws on this notion in other passages. Divine judgment is pronounced in this text as punishment ( paideia ) aimed at protecting the church from being condemned alongside the world. It is difficult to see spiritual poverty as a means of divine discipline.