1 Corinthians 11:23

I have received of the Lord] It is doubtful whether this must mean 'by direct relation,' or whether it may be 'through instruction from others': cp. 1 Corinthians 15:3. Probably the facts were learnt from older Christians, but their full significance was directly revealed to him by the Lord. St. Paul contrasts here the solemn circumstances of the institution of the Sacrament with the disorderly scenes accompanying its frequent celebration at Corinth.

Which also I delivered unto you] Instruction about this Sacrament formed part of St. Paul's earliest teaching to his converts. The same night in which he was betrayed] The mention of this calls to mind all the circumstances of the Passion, which we see St. Paul and his readers must have fully known, and so gives force to His last command. The account here of the Institution of the Eucharist agrees closely with that given by St. Luke, who may have been familiar with the words St. Paul used when consecrating; and differs slightly from the accounts of St. Matthew and St. Mark. The one phrase found only here is, 'This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.'